
How Much to Replace a Load-Bearing Deck Post? Pricing, Process, and Pro Tips
A solid deck rests on solid posts. When a load-bearing post rots, splits, or slips at the footing, your deck loses support where it matters most. That is when a quick “deck post repair near me” search turns into a real decision: fix it right, or risk sagging, bounce, or structural failure. If you live in Atlanta, GA, the mix of heavy rain, humid summers, and clay soil makes this question common and timely.
This article breaks down what replacement really costs, what drives the price up or down, how we handle the work safely, and the smart choices that help your deck last. It’s written from the field—what we see under decks in Buckhead and Brookhaven, how posts age in Grant Park and East Atlanta, and what code inspectors look for across Fulton and DeKalb counties. If your deck has a soft spot or a post sitting in rusted concrete, this will help you budget and plan with confidence.
Typical Cost Ranges in Atlanta for a Load-Bearing Post Replacement
Most single load-bearing deck post replacements in the Atlanta area fall between $650 and $1,800 per post. That’s for a standard 4x4 or 6x6 wood post under a typical 10 to 12-foot deck, with straightforward access and standard footings. Multi-post replacements, tall decks, and complex lifts add cost. Full details matter, so here’s how the range breaks down in real jobs:
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Basic replacement: $650 to $950. A single 6x6 post, accessible from grade, with minor lift, and re-use of sound beam hardware. Standard concrete pier that only needs minor repair. Common in ranch homes in Decatur with low decks and good access along the back yard.
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Moderate job: $950 to $1,400. Heavier lift, corroded hardware, and a footing that needs rework. Often includes a new concrete pier with a post base that holds the wood clear of the slab. Typical for 14 to 16-foot-wide decks in Smyrna or Sandy Springs.
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Complex replacement: $1,400 to $2,500 per post. Tall decks, tight side yards in Kirkwood, sloped lots in Morningside, or extensive rot in the beam or girders. Includes shoring, sistering or beam repairs, demolition of old concrete, and new deep footings sized per load.
If you have more than one failing post, some costs stack while others spread out. Mobilization and setup are already covered, so the second and third post are usually cheaper than the first. A three-post repair might price out like this: $1,200 for the first post, $950 each for the next two, plus footing adjustments as needed. If a beam needs sistering or replacement, that’s an add-on and can run $400 to $1,200 per beam section depending on spans and connections.
Permits, when required by your municipality or by scope, usually add $75 to $250. In some cases, inspectors want to see a footing inspection before pouring concrete and a final structural inspection after the lift and fastening. This is common on taller decks or when posts are reconfigured.
What Drives Cost Up or Down
Every deck tells a story. We look at these factors during the site visit because they set the scope and the budget:
Height and access. A two-story deck in Virginia-Highland needs more shoring and longer posts than a ground-level deck in Marietta. Tight access behind fences, HVAC condensers, or dense landscaping makes the work slower.
Footing condition. Many older Atlanta decks have posts set directly into concrete. The wood wicks moisture and rots at the interface. If the footing is sound and sized well, we install a code-compliant post base, which saves time. If the pier is cracked, undersized, or off-center, we demo and pour new.
Post size and species. Most modern decks use 6x6 pressure-treated Southern Yellow Pine for load-bearing posts. A few older decks have 4x4s, which do not meet current code for many loads and heights. Upgrading to 6x6 adds material cost but improves capacity and safety.
Connections and hardware. Galvanized or stainless post bases, through-bolts, structural screws, and proper beam seats are mandatory. If the old hardware is corroded or undersized, we replace it. Hardware is not glamorous, but it is the spine of the repair.
Hidden damage. Once we lift the beam and remove the post, we sometimes find beam end-rot, crushed fibers at the bearing point, or split notches. It’s cheaper to address this while the deck is already shored, but it adds labor and material.
Soil and water. Atlanta clay holds water. Poor drainage around the footing, downspout discharge at the post, or negative grade accelerates rot. We might recommend drainage adjustments or a small concrete pad to shed water away from the pier.
Signs Your Load-Bearing Post Needs Replacement, Not a Patch
Homeowners often ask if they can sister a post or use a wrap. If the post carries a beam or the deck’s main load, certain conditions call for full replacement:
- Soft, punky wood near grade or at the concrete interface
- A visible split that runs through the cross-section, especially under load
- Notched posts with deep cuts that reduce capacity, common under beams
- Post lean, rotation, or settlement at the footing
- Insect damage with frass or hollow sound during probing
Surface checks or small cracks do not always require replacement. We test with an awl and a moisture meter, and we inspect connections. If we can’t prove the load path is safe, we recommend a new post and base.
The Safe Process We Use to Replace a Load-Bearing Post
Replacing a load-bearing post is surgical. The deck stays in service afterward only if we control the load throughout. Here is the process our crew follows on Atlanta projects:
Assessment and measurements. We measure the post, beam height, and deck span. We check ledger attachments, joist spans, and adjacent posts to confirm loads. If a post is undersized or badly notched, we plan an upgrade.
Temporary shoring. We set adjustable steel columns or a engineered screw-jack system under the beam, typically with doubled 2x10 cribbing for bearing. We raise the beam just enough to transfer load off the post, usually 1/8 to 1/4 inch, to avoid cracking finishes above.
Post removal. We cut out the old post cleanly, remove nails, lag screws, and hardware, and inspect the beam seat. We scrape, sand, and treat any surface rot on the beam, then seal cut ends.
Footing and base. If reusing the footing, we drill anchors and install a code-rated post base that keeps wood off the concrete by at least one inch. If the footing is inadequate, we excavate, set forms, and pour a new pier sized per span and tributary area. In many Atlanta backyards, 12 to 16-inch diameter piers with 12 to 24 inches below grade meet typical loads, but some decks need deeper or wider piers depending on soil and height. We set J-bolts or wedge anchors as specified.
New post and connections. We cut a new 6x6 to exact height, crown it if necessary, and set it plumb. We avoid deep notches that weaken the section. Where code allows, we use a saddle or bracket that supports the beam without aggressive notching. We secure the beam with through-bolts or structural screws in a staggered pattern, install uplift connectors if required, and confirm bearing area.
Load transfer and verification. We lower the shoring slowly, confirm the load transfers cleanly, and check that doors and railings above swing as expected. We seal all cut ends with preservative.
Cleanup and documentation. We provide photos of the footing, connections, and hardware for your records. If the job was permitted, we coordinate inspection.
The field trick here is patience during the lift. Rushing a lift can split old beams. We use slow, even turns and listen to the wood. On tall decks in Candler Park and Midtown, we often add cross-bracing when we shore to keep everything square during the lift.
Choosing Materials: What Works in Atlanta’s Climate
Pressure-treated Southern Yellow Pine remains the standard for deck posts in Georgia because it holds fasteners well and takes treatment deep. We use kiln-dried after treatment (KDAT) 6x6 when the budget allows because it shrinks and twists less, which helps keep beam connections tight. For hardware, hot-dip galvanized or stainless steel is the rule. Coated structural screws beat lag bolts in many spots because they drive cleaner and grip better, but through-bolts still matter where you need clamping force.
Some homeowners ask about steel posts. Steel is strong and straight, but it needs proper base plates, corrosion protection, and careful interface with wood beams. It can make sense on very tall decks or where space is tight. For most residential decks around Atlanta, a treated 6x6 with the right base and connectors offers a solid balance of cost, performance, and availability.
Avoid setting posts directly in concrete. That detail fails early in our climate. Use stand-off bases that keep the end grain dry and allow inspection. We also recommend sealing the bottom 12 inches of the post with a brush-on preservative and a peel-and-stick barrier before installation to reduce wicking.
How Long the Job Takes
A single post replacement with a sound footing usually takes three to five hours. If we pour a new pier, we set the form and rebar, pour concrete, and return after cure to install the post. With quick-set mixes, light loads, and warm weather, we often set the post the next day. For larger piers or high-load areas, we prefer a two to three-day cure. Multi-post projects can span two to four days depending on access and height.
If weather moves in, we protect open footing holes and the beam with temporary covers. Atlanta thunderstorms can flood a footing in minutes, which is why we stage materials and dig only what we can pour on the same day.
Safety and Code Notes Local to Atlanta
Local code follows the International Residential Code with county-specific interpretations. Expect inspectors to look for the following:
- 6x6 posts for deck heights above a few feet
- Mechanical connections at top and bottom, with uplift resistance
- Posts bearing on concrete footings sized for load and frost depth
- No posts notched beyond safe limits where they carry beams
- Galvanized or stainless hardware rated for treated lumber
- Guard post attachment details if we touch the railing
Atlanta’s frost depth is shallow compared to northern states, but footings still need to bear on undisturbed soil and resist settlement. The big local issue is water management. If a downspout ends at your deck corner, reroute it. That one change can double the life of a post.
DIY vs Hiring a Pro: A Straight Answer
Handy homeowners can swap a non-load-bearing 4x4 under a small landing. A true load-bearing post is a different animal. You need stable shoring, a plan to transfer the load safely, and the judgment to stop if the beam or joists show stress. You also need to understand footing size and connector ratings.
If you have a tall deck, a beam splice near the post, soil movement, or any signs of structural distress, hire a pro. The cost difference between DIY and professional work narrows quickly once you buy proper jacks, cribbing, hardware, and concrete, and factor in your time and risk. A botched lift can crack joists, pull ledger fasteners, or rack the entire frame.
If you’re determined to handle some of the work, many clients in Atlanta ask us to pour new piers and set hardware, then they handle staining or debris disposal. We’re flexible, but we won’t compromise on safety steps.
Real-World Examples from Atlanta Neighborhoods
Grant Park bungalow with a low deck. Two 6x6 posts had rot at the concrete line. The footing was sound. We installed new stand-off bases, cut two KDAT posts, and replaced corroded fasteners with structural screws and through-bolts. Total: $1,700 for both posts, completed in one day.
Brookhaven two-story deck over a walkout. One corner post had a split through the cross-section, and the beam had surface rot. We shored the beam, poured a new 18-inch diameter pier with a saddle bracket, sistered the beam end with a 3-foot segment, and installed a new 6x6. Two visits due to cure time. Total: $1,950.
Smyrna mid-height deck with tight side access. Old 4x4 posts under a wide span. We upgraded two posts to 6x6, added diagonal bracing, and changed out the beam hardware. Permit required, with footing and final inspections. Total: $2,800 for both posts, two days including inspections.
These are typical of what we see and price in the area. Your deck might be simpler or more involved. Photos and a quick site visit let us provide an exact number.
How to Keep Posts Healthy After Replacement
A strong post still needs a dry, stable base. The simplest maintenance moves make the biggest difference. Clear soil and mulch away from the base to keep airflow around the end grain. Redirect downspouts to daylight, not onto the footing. Avoid stacking firewood against the post. If you water landscaping, watch the spray pattern. Annual spot checks with a screwdriver at the base and at connection points help catch issues early. Tighten any hardware that loosens as wood seasons.
If your deck sits over clay that stays wet, consider a concrete pad around the base with a slight slope to shed water. It doesn’t replace drainage, but it keeps mud and splash-back off the post.
What You’re Paying For With a Professional Replacement
A well-executed post replacement is more than a new stick of wood. The value comes from load management, correct connectors, and a dry, durable interface with the ground. You pay for engineered shoring, clean cuts that preserve capacity, and a footing that will not pump water into the post. You also get documentation, which helps when you sell your home or file a claim.
On many calls, the biggest problem is not the wood. It is the old detail that put it in contact with damp concrete. A $40 post base and a proper anchor solve that for the long term. It’s a small line item with an outsize impact on lifespan.
How to Prepare for Your Appointment
You don’t need to do much. Move grills, planters, and storage tubs back from the post area. Keep pets inside for the day. If the post is near an AC unit, let us know so we can bring pads to protect the condenser. If access is through a side gate, measure the opening. We can work with narrow gates, but we plan the equipment list accordingly.
Photos help speed the estimate. Take a wide shot of the deck corner, a close-up of the post base, and a shot of the beam connection. If you can, include the height from grade to beam. With those three images, we often provide a firm price before the site visit.
Risks of Delaying a Load-Bearing Post Replacement
Decks rarely fail without prior warning. The warning is sag at Visit the website the corner, bouncy feel, or a post that has started to separate from its base. If you wait, loads shift to adjacent posts and fasteners. Beam ends crush slowly, and the fix becomes broader. Insurance adjusters often note deferred maintenance when a structural claim involves rot at a base. Acting early keeps the repair small and contained.
If you’re selling your home, an inspector will check post bases, footing size, and visible rot. It’s better to handle the replacement before the buyer’s inspection rather than negotiate under time pressure.
Atlanta Homeowners: Get Local, Code-Compliant Help
If you’re searching for deck post repair near me in Atlanta, you want two things: a clear quote and a crew that treats your deck like a structure, not a weekend project. That’s how we run our replacements. We work across Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, Decatur, Smyrna, Marietta, and nearby suburbs. We source KDAT and treated lumber from local suppliers, use rated hardware, and document every step.
Call Heide Contracting to schedule a quick site visit. We’ll inspect the post, check the footing, and give you a written price that lays out options. If your deck needs more than a post, we’ll say so and show you why. If it’s a simple swap, we’ll get you on the schedule and have it done cleanly.
Quick Pricing Snapshot and Decision Points
Here’s a concise reference to help you plan:
- Typical Atlanta range per load-bearing post: $650 to $1,800, higher for tall decks or footing rebuilds.
- Add for new pier and base: $250 to $650, depending on size and access.
- Add for beam end repair: $400 to $1,200.
- Permit fees when required: $75 to $250.
- Timeline: Same day for basic replacement, one to three days if we pour new concrete.
If your post is soft at the base, leans, or has deep splits, plan for replacement soon. If your footing is sound and your hardware is upgrade-ready, the job is efficient and cost-effective.
Final Thoughts from the Field
We replace more posts in late spring and early fall, after heavy rains and during home sale season. The same patterns repeat: posts buried in concrete, downspouts aimed at the base, and undersized connectors. The good news is that a proper replacement fixes the weak point and gives your deck a stronger load path than it had when it was built.
If you’re in Atlanta and your deck shows signs of stress, reach out. We’ll handle the evaluation, give you a straight price, and replace the post safely. Your deck will feel solid again, and you’ll know the support underneath is built to last.
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.