Concrete cost guide
Concrete Footing Cost
Concrete footings cost about $75 to $250 each for small isolated deck-post footings, or $15 to $45 per linear foot for continuous wall footings, with small pours often carrying a $50 to $150+ short-load delivery fee. The per-yard cost of concrete is rarely the issue on footings — excavation, frost depth, rebar, and small-order surcharges dominate the budget.
This guide explains why small footing pours are expensive per yard and how depth and reinforcement are decided. Use the footing calculator to total the volume across all your footings and add a waste allowance.
Need project-specific numbers? Use the Concrete Footing Cost Calculator.
Last updated June 10, 2026
Typical Cost Ranges
| Item | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Deck post footing | $75-$250 each | Small isolated footing |
| Continuous wall footing | $15-$45/linear ft | Width, depth, and rebar matter |
| Short-load delivery | $50-$150+ | Common on small footing pours |
What Drives the Cost
- Excavation: Digging to frost depth in hard or rocky soil is labor-intensive and often the largest single cost on a footing job.
- Frost depth and code: Footings must reach below the local frost line, which can be 12 inches in mild climates or 48+ inches in cold regions, changing both digging and concrete volume.
- Rebar: Reinforcement is modest in cost but commonly required; the exact size and spacing follow code, soil, and load.
- Short-load fees: Ready-mix suppliers surcharge orders under about 3 cubic yards because the truck leaves mostly empty, sharply raising the effective per-yard price.
- Access and pumping: If the truck cannot reach the footings, wheelbarrowing or a concrete pump adds labor or equipment cost.
How To Estimate It
- Footing volume = length x width x depth
- Cubic yards = total cubic feet / 27
Why small footing pours cost so much per yard
A footing job might only need 1 to 2 cubic yards of concrete, but the truck, driver, batching, and crew minimums do not shrink to match. That is why a short-load fee of $50 to $150 or more is normal, and why combining footing pours with another part of the project can lower the delivered cost dramatically.
When to use bags instead of ready-mix
A handful of deck-post footings can be poured economically with bagged concrete, especially if access is tight. Once you are placing many footings or a continuous footing, ready-mix usually wins on both consistency and total cost despite the delivery fee.
FAQs
Why are small footing pours expensive per yard?
The truck, driver, batching, setup, and crew minimums do not shrink much just because the order is small, so a short-load fee applies.
How deep should concrete footings be?
Depth depends on frost line, soil, code, and structure load. Always confirm structural dimensions before pouring.
How do I calculate concrete for footings?
Multiply length by width by depth for each footing, sum across all footings, divide by 27 for cubic yards, then add about 10% waste.
Do deck footings need rebar?
Many do, and some use rebar cages or anchor systems. The requirement depends on load, soil, and local code, so confirm with your plans or building department.
Should I use bags or ready-mix for footings?
Use bags for a few isolated footings with tight access; use ready-mix once volume climbs or you are pouring a continuous footing.