Deck Postholes
Deck footing holes, precise and to depth
Mr. Posthole drills deck footing holes that are precise, plumb and to depth for homeowners and deck builders across southeast Michigan. We auger 6 to 24 inch holes down to 10 feet. We've drilled 15-inch footings for newer codes, holes nearly 7 feet deep along new foundations, and 10-foot footings to reach undisturbed soil.
How deep do deck footings need to go?
Deck footings have to go below the frost line and bear on undisturbed soil. Next to a basement, that second part is the hard one: the soil along the foundation was dug out and backfilled when the house was built (the over-dig area), so footings there often need to go 7 to 10 feet to reach undisturbed soil. Deep holes right next to a foundation are hard to drill straight. That's what we're best at, and we can drill up to 10 feet in most soil conditions.
In a new South Lyon subdivision, the holes along the foundation went nearly 7 ft and the ones out in the yard nearly 5 ft. In Saline, every footing went ten feet deep and 18 in wide.
Why are deck footings getting bigger?
More and more Michigan communities have adopted the 2021 building codes, which call for deck footings larger than the standard 12 in, or more posts. In Canton we drilled eleven 15 in holes for Simply Decks to meet that. We can drill up to 24 in.
Can you drill right next to the house and new concrete?
Yes, it's a big part of what builders hire us for. Our compact machine fits tight work areas beside foundations, new driveways and landscaping, and we protect the concrete and lawn while we work. Michael Chosid watched us do it with a foot of frost in the ground.
Can you lay out the deck?
Kirk does layouts for fences and straightforward decks, quoted separately. Complex decks usually come laid out by the builder.
Do you leave open holes in my yard?
No. A deck builder who uses us many times a year points out that we cover the holes for safety. We also keep the machine and spoils inside the build area whenever the site allows.
Photos
On the job
Machine drilling at the back corner of a house, between layout stakes and spoil 
Auger drilling right beside an existing deck post 
Crew member with a shovel beside the auger at a brick house, layout stakes across the dirt 
New deck frame beside a house, the machine parked on a ground mat on the lawn 
Drilling a footing beside the posts of an existing deck, the machine on a ground mat
Projects
Deck Postholes: recent jobs
Dexter, MI · April 2026Ground screws for a deck in Dexter
Screws 4 · Posts 6x6
Saline, MI · March 202610 ft deep, 18 in wide footings in Saline
Depth 10 ft · Diameter Ø 18 in
Canton, MI · March 202615 in footings for Simply Decks in Canton
Holes 11 · Diameter Ø 15 in
Detroit, MI · March 2026Porch replacement postholes in Detroit
Holes 6 · Job porch → new deck
Orion Township, MI · March 2026Deck footings in Orion Township
Job new deck · Plumb check LED inclinometer
South Lyon, MI · August 2025Extra-deep deck postholes in South Lyon
Holes 11 · Depth ~7 ft
Customer reviews
From customers
“Fantastic service. I reached out online to get a quote for 11 post holes for a deck project. I was contacted within 10 minutes and had an appointment booked for the next morning. Pricing is very fair and he was very professional and personable. I will 100% be using him again in the future for any post hole projects!!”
“Kirk was very professional. On time did a great job with all 11 post holes. Holes came out stright and exactly where I needed them to be! HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Thanks again, Kirk”
“Kirk did an excellent job drilling our post holes! Even with concrete trash in the ground … Deepest hole was 10 feet down!!!”
FAQ
Deck Postholes questions
Will you damage my yard or lawn?
No. We pride ourselves on disturbing your existing lawn as little as possible. We use fiberglass composite mats to move our equipment across finished lawns, driveways and sidewalks and, more importantly, to turn our machine on your finished lawn. The mats let the machine spin in its own length on top of the mat with little to no disturbance to your property.
How much will my postholes cost?
Every job is a little different. The price depends on how many holes you need, how wide and how deep. The drilling minimum is $350 in the Fowlerville and Howell area, $400 in the Lansing area and $500 in the Detroit area. Other areas are priced by distance. Most deck and fence projects run $350–$450. Fill out the contact form and Kirk will give you an accurate estimate. See pricing and minimums
What size holes can you drill?
We run 8 auger sizes: 6, 8, 9, 12, 15, 16, 18 and 24 inches. The deepest we drill is 10 feet. Footings in Saline went the full ten feet, 18 inches wide, to reach undisturbed soil.
Will your machine fit into my backyard?
It needs a 42 inch gate. If your gate is narrower, fence sections can be removed for access. Tell us about the access when you call and we'll plan around it.
Do you work in winter?
Yes. We work year-round, frozen ground included. Our photos include deck holes drilled in the snow in Brighton, and one customer watched us finish a job with a foot of frost in the ground. Ground screws are a good fit for winter builds because there's no concrete to cure.
Is your work guaranteed?
Yes. If a hole isn't plumb or to depth, Kirk redrills it free.
Can you help with my project layout?
Yes. Kirk does layouts for fences and straightforward decks, quoted separately. Complex decks usually come laid out by the builder. Final approval is the customer's responsibility, and we assume no liability for building code compliance.
How is Mr. Posthole different from other posthole drilling services?
Our professionalism aside, our equipment and attention to your project set us apart. We use an LED inclinometer to make sure your holes are perfectly plumb and vertical regardless of terrain, which is essential for a well-built finished product. And our use of ground protection and dedication to preserving your property are unmatched. Your project and property are our number one priority.
What happens to the dirt?
We can remove the spoils from drilling. Haul-away starts at $350, or we can move the dirt wherever you want it on the property.
How deep do deck footings need to be?
Below the frost line and down to undisturbed soil. Next to a basement, the soil along the foundation was dug out and backfilled when the house was built (the over-dig area), so footings there often need to go 7 to 10 feet. We can drill up to 10 feet in most soil conditions, straight, right next to the foundation.
Do you leave open holes behind?
No. We cover the holes for safety, and we keep the machine and spoils inside the build area whenever the site allows.
Do you tear out old decks?
Yes. We remove the old deck and haul the debris, and the same crew can drill the footing holes for the new one.
Can you pour the concrete footings too?
Yes. Kirk has a concrete mixer that mounts on the front of the mini skid, so we can drill the footing holes and fill them with concrete.
Tell us about your holes.
How many, how wide, how deep, and where. Kirk will text or call you back with a quote. Mon–Sat 7am–7pm.