Lally column installation typically costs $500-$1,500 per column for a straightforward basement support project, while work involving structural changes can run several thousand dollars. The Lally column price depends on column height and capacity, access, temporary shoring, permits, and whether a contractor is replacing a post or adding support.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installed column | $500 | $1,000 | $1,500 | One standard post, ordinary access |
| Column material | $100 | $225 | $450 | Steel post; size and rating affect price |
| Structural project | $1,500 | $3,500 | $7,500+ | Multiple posts, beam changes, or difficult access |
| Engineering and permit | $0 | $500 | $2,000 | Depends on local rules and design needs |
What one basement Lally column usually costs installed
A contractor generally charges $500-$1,500 to install one standard Lally column when the footing and beam are serviceable and the post can be positioned without major demolition. The average job is about $1,000, including a steel column, basic installation labor, and routine site preparation.
For a project that needs a new footing, temporary supports, beam reinforcement, or several posts, a more realistic total is $1,500-$7,500 or higher. Custom-height or higher-capacity columns may cost more than standard products. Assumptions: U.S. suburban labor rates, ordinary basement access, standard steel column, no major foundation repair. For budgeting, use $500-$1,500 per straightforward post and price structural changes separately.
How steel, labor, and footing work appear on the quote
The column itself is only part of the bill. Installation labor, lifting and positioning equipment, temporary shoring, and concrete work can exceed the price of the steel post. Some contractors include basic anchoring in their labor charge; others list it separately.
| Quote component | Typical range | Pricing basis | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel column | $100-$450 | Per column | Height, diameter, load rating |
| Installation labor | $300-$900 | Per post | Access, crew size, shoring |
| Footing or concrete pad | $250-$1,000 | Per location | Excavation, pad size, concrete volume |
| Equipment and protection | $100-$500 | Per job | Jacks, shoring, floor protection |
| Permit or engineering | $0-$2,000 | Per project | Local review and structural scope |
A two-person crew working 3-6 hours at combined billing rates of roughly $100-$200 per hour can account for about $300-$1,200 of labor, before materials or project overhead. Ask whether the estimate includes shoring, anchoring, cleanup, and a new footing.
Column height, load rating, and footing size change the estimate
Basement height and the load carried by the beam determine the column specification. A post for an 8-foot ceiling may be less expensive than one requiring a longer or custom-length unit. Column diameter and wall thickness also matter, but the required capacity should come from the design, not a homeowner’s guess.
Footing dimensions can materially alter the work. Replacing a post on an adequate existing pad may avoid excavation; a new 24-by-24-inch or larger concrete footing can add several hundred dollars, with deeper excavation or difficult soil costing more. If a beam span exceeds about 10-12 feet or multiple posts are being relocated, an engineer may need to calculate loads and spacing. Changing post location or capacity can turn a simple replacement into a structural project.
When temporary shoring and beam repairs raise the total
A contractor may need to support the beam temporarily before removing an old post. Jacks and temporary supports add setup time, and damaged wood, a sagging beam, or a cracked footing may require repairs beyond the column installation. Expect roughly $300-$1,000 for added shoring and setup on a small job; beam or foundation repairs can push the project into the $2,000-$7,500-plus range.
Removal and disposal of an old steel post may be included or billed at about $50-$250. Restricted stair access, low ceilings, finished walls, or plumbing near the footing can add labor or require selective demolition. Have the written quote identify concealed-condition charges instead of treating them as included by default.
How long does a single Lally column installation take?
A simple replacement commonly takes a two-person crew 3-6 hours, assuming the beam is accessible and the footing is sound. A new post location or footing may require a longer visit plus concrete curing time before the support is loaded. Multiple columns, beam lifting, or finishing work can extend the project to one or more days.
Labor rates vary by market, but structural contractors often bill around $75-$150 per worker per hour, with minimum service charges of approximately $250-$500. Confirm whether the estimate is a fixed project price or an hourly charge with a minimum.
Permit and engineering charges depend on the structural change
Replacing a post in the same location may be treated differently from adding a support, changing a beam, or altering a load path. Permit requirements and fees vary by city and county; a permit can cost $100-$500, while engineering review or stamped plans commonly add $300-$1,500. Some complex projects require both.
Ask the building department or contractor whether a permit and inspection are required before work begins. Unpermitted structural work can complicate resale or insurance questions. Get permit responsibility and engineering fees listed clearly in the proposal.
Three Lally column quotes for different basement projects
| Project | Scope | Labor and unit price | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic replacement | One standard post, sound pad | 4 hours; $100-$200 per hour combined | $600-$1,200 |
| New support point | One column and new concrete footing | 6-10 hours; footing about $250-$1,000 | $1,500-$3,500 |
| Beam correction | Three posts, shoring, engineering | 12-24 crew hours; $500-$1,500 per post installed before added repairs | $4,000-$8,000+ |
These examples assume ordinary regional pricing and exclude major concealed damage. Compare proposals by matching the number and rating of columns, footing scope, shoring, permits, and cleanup—not just the bottom-line total.
Ways to lower the column installation price safely
Keep the post location unchanged when the design allows it, and ask whether an existing footing can be reused after inspection. Combining several posts in one visit may reduce repeated setup or minimum charges. Clear stored items and provide a safe route to the basement, but leave structural shoring and lifting to the contractor.
Request at least two itemized bids using the same engineer’s specifications. Avoid choosing a smaller or lighter column merely to save on materials; the support must match the calculated load. Skip cosmetic upgrades unrelated to structural safety, and compare repair costs with replacement when an existing post is corroded or damaged. The safest savings come from controlling access, scheduling, and scope—not reducing required capacity.