How Much Does It Cost To Repair Deck Footings?
Deck footings carry the whole structure. When they fail, the deck sags, the railing loosens, and doors start sticking where the deck ties into the house. In Atlanta, our red clay, slope, and heavy summer storms are hard on footing stability. If you are pricing footing repair, you want straight numbers, the factors that move those numbers up or down, and a sense of what makes a repair last. That is what this guide covers, based on what we see on real projects across Atlanta, Decatur, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, and the Westside.
The short answer: typical footing repair costs in Atlanta
For a single failing deck footing in Atlanta, expect a range of $450 to $1,200 for straightforward replacements that reuse the existing layout and do not require major digging. If we need to excavate deeper than 24 inches, break through root mats, jack up beams, or correct spacing and size to meet current code, the range shifts to $1,200 to $2,500 per footing. Full structural deck repair that includes multiple footings, beam shoring, and ledger corrections can land between $4,000 and $12,000, sometimes higher for larger decks or steep lots.
Those ranges reflect real conditions we quote weekly. Prices move with soil, access, and code compliance, not just the concrete. The cheapest repair is not helpful if it fails in two storms. The right scope prevents repeat movement and brings the deck back to safe capacity.
What you are paying for
A footing is more than a hole with concrete. It is a load path. The post, bracket, beam, and footing have to work together within the soil that supports them. Cost breaks down into five buckets: assessment, access and excavation, materials, structural adjustments, and finish work. Labor spans all phases.
Assessment starts with a site visit. We check plumb on posts, measure beam deflection, probe around the footing, and confirm the layout meets Georgia code and American Wood Council DCA 6 guidelines. On older decks, it is common to find undersized footings, shallow burial, or concrete set straight on fill without a proper bearing layer. Good assessment keeps surprises from showing up mid-dig.
Access and excavation depend on the footprint and landscape. On many Atlanta lots, space between the deck and a fence or HVAC unit controls the method. Tight sites mean hand digging. Steep lots in Buckhead or Morningside often need staged shoring and debris hauling up steps. Clay with embedded river rock or tree roots is slow going. Time is money here.
Materials include concrete (bagged or ready-mix), rebar, post bases, Simpson Strong-Tie or equivalent hardware, treated posts if replacement is needed, and gravel for drainage. The difference between a $600 and a $1,600 footing repair is often not the concrete cost but the hardware and depth required to meet code and the time to get there.
Structural adjustments come in when we must jack the beam to correct slope, sister a beam, or replace a crushed post. If joists have pulled or a beam seat has widened because the footing dropped, we address that during the same mobilization to avoid a second trip.
Finish work covers cleanup, soil grading for drainage, and surface patching if pavers or a sidewalk were disturbed.
Soil and climate in Atlanta that influence footing cost
Atlanta clay swells when saturated and shrinks during drought. Footings set too shallow ride that movement. We also see frost isn’t the main driver here; water is. For that reason, we target depth and drainage over deep frost lines. DCA 6 and local inspectors typically accept 12 inches minimum depth in Metro Atlanta, but that is not enough on many lots with soft fill. On slopes or where downspouts dump near posts, we go 18 to 30 inches to find firm bearing and add gravel to break up water around the pier. Greater depth means more dig time and more concrete.
Tree roots are common in Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, and Decatur. Roots slow excavation and can push a footing off-center over time. Where roots are dominant, a diamond pier or helical pile may outperform a standard poured footing. Those options cost more up front but they reduce disruption and can be installed where digging is impossible without damaging a grand oak.
Signs your deck footing needs repair
Most homeowners call when they notice a door that sticks, a low spot, or a post that looks like it is leaning. Other signs matter too. Cracks in the concrete around the post base, separated post-to-beam connections, or spalling concrete indicate stress. If the footing is visible, look for exposed aggregate or cavities. On many decks, the base is buried; if the soil is sloped toward the post or downspouts empty near it, assume water is cycling against the footing.
From a safety standpoint, any movement beyond a half inch over a short run, a rail that flexes at the post, or a post-to-beam seat that no longer bears evenly deserves attention. Structural deck repair usually starts at the bottom for a reason: load is only as good as the footing under it.
Scope levels: repair types and what they cost
Spot footing replacement is the entry level. We excavate around a single failing footing, shore the beam if needed, and pour a new pier with a code-approved post base. For a simple site with good access, this is often $600 to $1,000.
Multiple footing replacement comes next. If two or three footings along one beam are undersized or shallow, repairing one will not solve the sag. Group work saves labor per footing because the crew is set up and jacking once. Budgets of $1,800 to $4,500 are typical for two to four piers in Atlanta conditions.
Beam lift and alignment includes jacking, blocking, and adjusting the post heights to bring the deck back to plane. This is common in Grant Park and East Atlanta where older decks settled over decades. Add $400 to $1,200 to the footing total, depending on beam length and the number of jacks.
Hardware upgrades are critical. Many older decks have nails where bolts should be, or rusted post bases that let the post wick water from the slab. Replacing with hot-dipped galvanized hardware and through-bolting connections runs $150 to $350 per post area, mostly labor.
Alternative foundations shift the numbers. A helical pile installed at one or two posts typically runs $1,800 to $3,200 per pier in our market. Diamond piers trend $1,100 to $2,000 per pier. These shine where digging is blocked by utilities, roots, or hardscape you want to keep intact. They also perform well on slopes.
Full structural deck repair, where we address footings, beam sizing, and ledger issues together, usually starts around $6,000 for a small deck and climbs with size and complexity. Homeowners pick this route when a buyer’s inspection notes multiple structural defects or when they want to extend the deck’s life by more than a season.
Why the cheapest fix often fails
Replacing a footing at the same shallow depth, with the same undersized pad, will buy a year or two at best. The pattern we see is clear: shallow concrete in clay moves. Thin “bell-shaped” footings formed by loose soil collapse over time. A proper repair starts with bearing. We dig until the shovel hits firm soil that does not smear when squeezed. We widen the base, square the hole, add compacted gravel if we are dealing with a wet pocket, and place rebar where needed. The post base must hold the post off the concrete to reduce rot. Skipping these steps is how you save $200 and spend $2,000 later.
Code and permitting in Metro Atlanta
Most municipalities in the Atlanta area require permits for structural deck repair, including footing replacement, if it changes the structural support. Many inspectors will want to see hole depth before the pour. Expect one to two inspections: hole depth and final hardware. Permit fees are modest, usually $75 to $200 depending on the city. Timelines vary; Atlanta proper often runs longer than Sandy Springs or Roswell. Building to current code may mean larger footings or more of them than the original deck had, which affects cost.
We handle permit drawings and inspector coordination on structural deck repair projects. It keeps the work clean and documented for resale.
A quick cost story from the field
A homeowner in Kirkwood called about a corner of the deck that had dropped about an inch. The post sat on a six-inch-thick concrete cookie buried about a foot. Downspouts had been dumping water right at the corner for years. We proposed replacing two footings along that beam, moving the downspout, and jacking the beam to level. The site was tight and we had to hand dig around roots. The total was $2,850, including new post bases and hardware. We returned after two storms to recheck. The beam held level. Without moving the downspout and deepening the footings, they would have been calling again within a season.
What affects your final bill
Deck size and load influence footing count and spacing. A 12-by-12 deck at eight feet high carries less than a 16-by-20 with a roof. Taller decks also demand stiffer posts and more secure connections. Material choice matters. We use rated hardware and code-approved connectors; cheaper alternatives corrode in Atlanta humidity and near salt from pools.
Access drives labor. If the crew can park near the work area, the cost is lower. If we need to carry out spoil by buckets up steps, plan for more hours. Demolition adds cost when old concrete must be broken out, or when previous work buried landscape block and we must clear it.
Drainage is a quiet cost driver. If we need to add a drain, redirect a downspout, or regrade soil to keep water off the footings, it adds materials and time but pays back in lifespan.
Footing types we use and why
For most backyards in Atlanta, a cast-in-place concrete pier with a spread base gives predictable performance. We set depth to reach firm soil, widen the bottom where possible, and tie in a galvanized post base that keeps the wood off the concrete. We often add a fiber tube form above grade to create a clean pier that sheds water.
On steep or root-heavy sites, helical piles solve problems that concrete cannot. A steel shaft is screwed into stable soil, then capped with a bracket for the post. No big excavation, minimal disturbance, and immediate load capacity. They cost more but save time and preserve landscaping.
Precast footing systems such as diamond piers lock in around driven pins. They resist uplift and perform well in variable soils. They are a good fit when we cannot spoil a yard with wet concrete or need to avoid utilities.
We choose based on soil, access, and the weight of the deck. A standard pier is still the workhorse in most of Atlanta, but alternatives have their place.
Structural deck repair often goes beyond the footing
A footing problem usually shows a secondary symptom above. The post may be rotted at the base from wicking moisture. The beam may have split along a bolt hole because of uneven load. The ledger at the house may lack flashing and could be feeding water back into the band joist. Addressing the footing without correcting these issues is like changing one tire on a misaligned car.
In our projects, we check the entire load path: footing, post, post-to-beam, beam size and splices, joist hangers, ledger attachment, flashing, and rail posts. Correcting the footing stabilizes the base. Upgrading hardware and flashing protects the rest. This is structural deck repair in practice. It is why our quotes sometimes include work that was not on your radar. The goal is a stable, safe deck that passes inspection and lasts.
How long footing repairs take
A single footing replacement with good access usually finishes in one day, with light use after the concrete sets. In hot months, concrete gains early strength faster; in cooler weather, we give it more time before loading. Multiple footings and beam leveling take two to three days on average. Add a day when permits require staged inspections.
Helical piles are faster once onsite. Two piles can be installed in a day, and the deck can be set back on them right away. That speed can offset their higher unit price on tight timelines.
Warranty and lifespan expectations
A properly sized, well-drained footing should last decades. We see failures most often where water is unmanaged, or where shallow set footings bear on soft fill. Our footing work carries a written warranty on labor and materials. Timeframes vary by system; concrete pier warranties differ from helical pile warranties because the components are different. Ask to see the paperwork and the load calculations if piles are used.
DIY versus hiring a pro in Atlanta
Homeowners with excavation experience and an understanding of code may handle a small repair on a low deck. The risk lies in hidden conditions: utilities, soil stability, and the need to shore the beam safely while you remove a post. The moment you need to jack and realign a beam, or when the deck is over six feet high, it moves into professional work. Permitting, inspections, and the right hardware matter in resale and insurance. One misstep with a temporary support can lead to a collapse. We do not say that to scare you; we say it because we have rebuilt the aftermath.
Preventive steps that keep footing costs down
Water control makes the biggest difference. Keep downspouts discharging away from footings. Maintain at least six inches of clearance from grade to wood. Avoid piling mulch against posts. If your yard slopes toward the deck, cut a swale to divert surface water.
Annual checks help. Sight along beams, check rails for stiffness, tap the base of posts with a screwdriver to test for soft wood, and look at the concrete around post bases for cracking. Early fixes are cheaper.
If you plan new hardscape around a deck, keep heavy planters and hot tub loads in mind. Additional point loads may require added footings. It is cheaper to add support before you pour that new patio.
What to expect during a footing repair with Heide Contracting
We start with a site visit anywhere in Atlanta and nearby neighborhoods. We listen to what you notice, take measurements, and check the structure. You will get a written scope with line-item pricing. If a permit is needed, we handle drawings and submission. On the first day, we set temporary supports if required, excavate, and get the inspector’s depth approval if your city requires it. We pour or set the chosen footing system, install hardware, set posts, and align the beam. We finish with grading for drainage and cleanup.
We schedule most repairs within one to two weeks, faster if safety is at stake. Communication is steady; if we find something you did not see, we explain it, show photos, and present options with costs before moving ahead.
Budget examples by neighborhood condition
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A small, eight-foot-high deck in Decatur with one sunken corner and easy side-yard access: one footing replacement with a new post base and slight beam lift. Budget: $850 to $1,200.
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A mid-size deck in Sandy Springs with three undersized footings along a rear beam, tight access, and a downspout correction. Budget: $3,200 to $4,800.
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A large, elevated deck in Buckhead over a sloped yard with big roots and limited digging. Two helical piles to replace failing concrete piers and beam releveling. Budget: $4,000 to $6,500.
These are fair, current snapshots. Your site may differ, but the logic behind the numbers will be similar.
Insurance and real estate timing
Footing repair due to wear, rot, or settlement is usually not covered by homeowners insurance. Sudden damage from a covered event, such as a fallen tree that breaks a post and footing, may be. For home sales, inspectors in Atlanta often flag footing and ledger Heide Contracting, Atlanta, GA issues. If you are under contract, allow at least a week for assessment, permits, and a two- to three-day repair window. We can prioritize these repairs to keep closings on track.
Why local experience matters
Atlanta’s mix of soils, slopes, and older decks means one-size answers are risky. A company familiar with structural deck repair in this market will choose footing sizes that make sense for our clay, place hardware that resists our humidity, and route water like it matters. We do this daily. We know where inspectors are strict, what details they look for, and how to avoid delays.
Ready for an estimate?
If your deck has settled, if a footing is crumbling, or if an inspection flagged support issues, we can help. Heide Contracting serves Atlanta, Decatur, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, and nearby neighborhoods with structural deck repair that fixes the cause, not just the symptom. Call us or request a site visit online. We will evaluate your footings, explain your options in plain language, and give you a clear price before work starts.
Quick homeowner checklist before we arrive
- Clear access under the deck and move items within five feet of the work area.
- Note any changes since you first spotted the issue, such as additional sag or a sticky door.
- Share property survey or utility information if you have it.
- Tell us about sprinkler lines or landscape lighting near the posts.
- Decide how you want to handle downspout routing if it is part of the problem.
Footing repairs are straightforward when scoped right. With the right depth, hardware, and water control, the fix can outlast the deck itself. That is the goal on every project we take in Atlanta.
Heide Contracting provides structural renovation and construction services in Atlanta, GA. Our team handles load-bearing wall removal, crawlspace conversions, basement excavations, and foundation wall repairs. We specialize in masonry, porch, and deck structural fixes to restore safety and improve property value. Every project is completed with attention to structural strength, clear planning, and reliable service. Homeowners in Atlanta trust us for renovations that balance function with design while keeping integrity as the priority.