Replacing deck footings typically costs $300-$1,500 per footing, with many small projects totaling $1,500-$6,000. The cost to replace deck footings depends most on footing diameter and depth, how many supports need work, access for excavation equipment, and whether the deck must be temporarily supported.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One footing replacement | $300 | $750 | $1,500 | Labor and concrete; access and depth affect price |
| Four-footing project | $1,200 | $3,000 | $6,000 | Typical deck repair with standard-size piers |
| Concrete and basic materials | $75 | $175 | $400 | Per footing; larger pours cost more |
| Labor | $150 | $400 | $900 | Per footing; includes removal, excavation, and setting |
Deck footing replacement prices by size and count
Most homeowners pay $300-$1,500 per footing for removal and replacement. A straightforward repair involving one accessible pier with ordinary soil may fall near $300-$600. A deeper or wider footing, a difficult excavation, or work beneath an existing deck can raise the price to $800-$1,500 or more per support.
For a typical deck with four failed footings, a practical budget is $1,500-$6,000. The lower end assumes standard concrete piers, nearby access, and no major framing repairs. The upper end is more likely when workers need to shore the deck, hand-dig around obstacles, haul away old concrete, or meet a demanding local frost-depth requirement.
Contractors may quote by the footing, by the project, or by a minimum service charge. Small repairs can carry a higher per-footing rate because mobilization, inspection, and equipment setup are spread across fewer supports. Assumptions: standard residential deck, typical U.S. labor rates, normal access, and no extensive structural rebuild.
Use $300-$1,500 per footing as a planning range, then adjust for depth, access, and temporary support.
What excavation, concrete, and labor add to the quote
A replacement estimate combines demolition and digging with new materials and installation. Ask whether the quote includes removing the old pier, hauling debris, compacting the base, pouring concrete, installing a post base, and reconnecting the deck support. Some estimates exclude permits or structural work, which can change the final bill.
| Quote component | Typical range | Pricing basis | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Old footing removal and disposal | $75-$300 | Per footing | Concrete size, reinforcement, and haul distance |
| Excavation and soil preparation | $100-$450 | Per footing | Depth, roots, rocks, and machine access |
| Concrete and reinforcement | $75-$400 | Per footing | Diameter, depth, mix, and rebar |
| Labor and installation | $150-$900 | Per footing | Shoring, crew hours, and work conditions |
| Post base and hardware | $25-$125 | Per support | Connector type and corrosion resistance |
| Permit or inspection allowance | $0-$500 | Per project | Local rules and review requirements |
Labor is often the largest variable. A crew may need to lift or brace the deck before removing a load-bearing pier, then set the new footing at the correct elevation and reconnect the post. The labor estimate can be checked with . At $75-$125 per worker-hour, a two-person crew working four hours represents $600-$1,000 in labor before materials and other charges.
Confirm that removal, disposal, post hardware, and deck support are included rather than assumed.
How pier depth, diameter, and access change the estimate
Footing dimensions affect both concrete volume and digging time. A 12-inch-diameter pier about 3 feet deep uses much less material and excavation than a 16-inch pier extending 4 feet. The larger footing may add roughly $100-$350 per support, depending on local labor and whether equipment can reach the work area.
Depth is often set by local frost requirements and soil conditions, not simply by the homeowner’s preference. Where a footing must extend 36-48 inches below grade, excavation takes longer than for a shallow repair. Wet soil, buried utilities, large roots, or rocky ground can add $150-$600 per footing if workers must dig slowly or use specialized tools.
Access has a direct effect on equipment and crew time. A clear route for a mini excavator may keep digging costs near the low end. Narrow side yards, stairs, landscaping, or a footing directly beneath the deck can require hand excavation and careful shoring, adding $200-$800 to a small project. Very large decks may also need a structural assessment before supports are removed.
Confirm the required depth and diameter before comparing quotes; identical footing counts can hide very different scopes.
Lower the deck footing bill by controlling the repair scope
Replacing only failed footings can cost less than rebuilding every support, but the contractor should check nearby piers for settlement, rot, or inadequate sizing. Replacing one isolated footing may cost $500-$1,500, while bundling several supports during the same visit can reduce the average price per footing by limiting repeated setup and travel charges.
Keep the work area accessible by moving furniture, planters, and stored items before the crew arrives. Identify irrigation lines, lighting wires, and known utility routes, while leaving actual utility locating and safe excavation to qualified professionals. Clear access can reduce hand labor, but homeowners should not remove structural posts or attempt to excavate beneath a loaded deck.
Compare at least two or three written quotes with the same footing count, diameter, depth, concrete specification, disposal scope, and post-connection details. A lower estimate may omit temporary support, permit fees, or restoration of disturbed landscaping. Avoid paying for upgrades that do not address a documented need, but do not reduce footing dimensions below local code or an engineer’s specification.
The most controllable savings usually come from bundling repairs and making the site easy to reach, not from undersizing concrete.
Can a damaged deck footing be repaired instead of replaced?
Repair may be feasible when concrete is mostly sound and the problem is limited to a loose connector, a small surface crack, or a post base that needs replacement. Hardware work may cost $150-$500 per support, while a structural repair using a bracket or approved retrofit system can run $300-$1,000. These fixes are not suitable for every footing.
Replacement is more likely when a pier has shifted, broken apart, settled unevenly, or failed to extend below the required depth. A contractor may also recommend replacement if water damage or movement has left the post unsupported. Covering a moving or undersized footing with surface patching does not correct the underlying load or soil problem.
Ask the contractor to explain whether the defect is in the concrete, connector, post, or surrounding soil. If several supports have moved or the deck feels unstable, a structural engineer may be appropriate. A residential site visit and written assessment commonly costs $300-$900, depending on travel, complexity, and whether calculations or drawings are required.
A repair is economical only when it restores a sound load path; settlement or a failed pier usually calls for replacement.
Regional labor and permit charges for deck footings
Local labor rates and code requirements can shift a quote substantially. In lower-cost rural and Midwestern markets, straightforward work may land around 10%-20% below the national planning range. Dense Northeast and West Coast markets can run 15%-35% higher, particularly where access is tight, disposal is expensive, or licensed contractors are in short supply.
Permit rules vary by city and project scope. Some jurisdictions require a permit when a deck’s structural supports are changed; others treat a small repair differently from a new deck. Permit and inspection charges may be $50-$500, but plan review or required engineering can add $300-$1,500. A contractor should identify whether fees are included and who arranges inspections.
Cold climates may require deeper footings to reach below frost depth, increasing excavation and concrete costs. Local soil conditions also matter: expansive clay, loose fill, and steep slopes can require additional engineering or larger supports. These regional factors mean a quote from a nearby contractor is more useful than applying a single national average without adjustment.
Check local permit requirements and frost-depth rules before treating a low quote as comparable.
How long does replacing deck footings take?
A simple, accessible footing can take a crew about 3-6 hours of active work, including excavation, removal, and setting the replacement. A project replacing three or four supports may take one to two workdays. Hand digging, difficult shoring, concrete removal, or restricted access can extend the job to two or three days.
Concrete curing adds calendar time even after the crew finishes. Depending on the mix, temperature, footing design, and contractor’s instructions, the deck may need to remain supported or avoid full loading for several days. Do not assume a new pier is ready for normal use as soon as the concrete is poured; follow the contractor’s guidance and applicable building requirements.
Scheduling can also affect the timeline. Contractors may have limited availability during spring and summer, when deck repairs compete with new construction. Emergency work on an unstable deck can involve a service or rush charge of $100-$400, in addition to the footing price. Ask whether the estimate includes return visits to remove temporary bracing.
Separate crew time from curing time when planning deck access and comparing labor estimates.
Three deck footing replacement quotes for common projects
The examples below illustrate how count, excavation, and access shape a project total. They are not fixed national rates; local labor, code requirements, and soil conditions can move each estimate. A quote should state footing dimensions and the method used to support the deck while work is underway.
| Example scope | Labor assumption | Unit estimate | Project total |
|---|---|---|---|
| One 12-inch pier, 36 inches deep, clear access | Two workers for 4-5 hours | $450-$850 per footing | $450-$850 |
| Four 12- to 16-inch piers, ordinary soil | Two workers for 1-2 days | $500-$1,050 per footing | $2,000-$4,200 |
| Six 16-inch piers, hand digging and shoring | Two or three workers for 2-3 days | $900-$1,500 per footing | $5,400-$9,000 |
The first scenario assumes no major structural repairs and nearby access for materials. The second includes typical removal and disposal, concrete, and post bases. The third allows for slower excavation and temporary support, but extensive landscaping restoration or engineering fees could still be additional.
Use these examples to compare scope and labor assumptions, not just the total at the bottom of a quote.