Deck Footing Cost Guide 2026
Estimate deck footing concrete cost by hole count, diameter, depth, sonotube size, 80 lb bags, inspection, post bases, access, and quote scope.
Deck footing cost depends on hole count, diameter, depth, frost requirements, sonotubes, post bases, inspection, digging conditions, and whether the quote includes only concrete or the full installed footing scope.
Use the Concrete Post Hole Calculator for round holes, and use the Concrete Footing Calculator only when the deck uses a continuous footing or grade beam. For bid comparison, use the Deck Footing Contractor Quote Checklist.
Competitor pages such as ConcreteCalculator.pro's deck footing calculator and ConcreteCalculatorMax's sonotube concrete calculator confirm that deck footing and tube sizing are distinct intents from slab calculators.
Quick answer
For ten 12 inch diameter holes that are 36 inches deep, plan about 0.96 yd3 with 10% waste, or about 44 common 80 lb bags. That is the concrete material only. Installed deck footings can also include layout, digging, tubes, post bases, inspection, cleanup, and difficult soil.
| Example deck footing set | With 10% waste | 80 lb bags |
|---|---|---|
| 10 holes, 12 in dia x 36 in deep | 0.96 yd3 | 44 |
| 12 holes, 12 in dia x 36 in deep | 1.15 yd3 | 52 |
| 8 holes, 16 in dia x 48 in deep | 1.82 yd3 | 82 |
Use approved local dimensions. This is a material planning guide, not a deck engineering specification.
Deck footing formula
For one round hole:
cubic feet = 3.1416 x radius ft x radius ft x depth ft
cubic yards = cubic feet / 27
Then multiply by hole count and add waste:
order quantity = cubic yards x hole count x 1.10
If post bases, bell bottoms, over-dug holes, or uneven bottoms add concrete, recalculate with the actual hole dimensions.
What the quote should include
| Quote line | Ask before approving |
|---|---|
| Hole count | Are all deck posts, stairs, and landings included? |
| Diameter and depth | Are dimensions based on approved plans and frost depth? |
| Tubes | Are sonotubes included, cut, braced, and removed if needed? |
| Post bases | Hardware, anchor bolts, and embedment details. |
| Inspection | Who schedules and passes footing inspection? |
| Digging conditions | Rock, roots, water, cave-ins, and spoil handling. |
| Concrete | Bagged mix, ready-mix, waste, and placement method. |
For round tube details, see the Sonotube Concrete Cost Guide.
Bags or ready-mix?
Many deck footing jobs are reasonable with bags, especially if the total is under one yard and holes are spread around a yard. Larger decks, deep frost footings, or many 16 inch holes may justify a ready-mix or buggy quote.
| Option | Better when | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Bags | Holes are spread out and total volume is modest. | Labor, water consistency, and inspection timing. |
| Ready-mix | Many holes are ready at once and access is good. | Minimum load and wait-time fees. |
| Contractor | Layout, digging, inspection, and hardware are included. | Missing hardware or inspection exclusions. |
FAQ
How many bags for deck footings?
It depends on hole diameter, depth, and count. Ten 12 inch by 36 inch holes need about 44 common 80 lb bags with 10% waste.
Is deck footing concrete priced by hole?
Contractors may quote by hole, but the real scope includes layout, digging, tubes, hardware, inspection, cleanup, and concrete.
Can I pour deck footings without inspection?
Permitting and inspection requirements vary. Confirm local requirements before pouring.
Next step
Run the actual hole count in the Concrete Post Hole Calculator, then compare bids in the Concrete Quote Reviewer.
Quote planning next step
Turn this guide into a concrete buying check
Run the matching calculator, then compare ready-mix, bagged concrete, delivery fees, access needs, and quote gaps before you buy materials or approve a contractor number.