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Code-Compliant Depth
All holes drilled to or beyond Michigan's 42-inch frost line requirement, meeting residential building code and passing inspection.
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Service
Deck Posthole Drilling Below the Frost Line
Strong decks start with proper footings. We drill precise, code-compliant postholes for deck construction across Southeast Michigan, Mid-Michigan, and Northwest Ohio.
- Inclinometer-Plumb Holes
- MISS DIG Filed Free
- $1M Liability Insured
- Lawn-Safe Equipment
Overview
The Deck Postholes Job, Done Right.
Deck footings are structural foundations, and building codes treat them that way. Mr. Posthole provides professional posthole drilling for deck construction projects throughout our service area, delivering the deep, properly sized footing holes that Michigan building codes demand. Our hydraulic auger equipment drills through clay, compacted soil, and rocky ground to create clean, round holes ready for concrete tube forms, pier footings, or direct concrete pours.
In Michigan, deck footings must extend at minimum 42 inches below grade to reach below the frost line and prevent heaving. Most local building departments require footing diameters of 12 to 24 inches depending on the deck's size, height, and load-bearing requirements — second-story decks and decks supporting roof structures often require 24-inch diameter footings. The number of footings depends on your deck's layout, beam span, and joist spacing, typically ranging from 4 footings for a small platform deck to 12 or more for larger multi-level structures.
Whether you're a deck builder managing multiple projects, a general contractor adding a deck to a new home, or a homeowner building your own deck, Mr. Posthole gets your footing holes drilled right the first time. We work from your deck plans and permit requirements to drill every hole to the specified depth, diameter, and position. We also remove old concrete footings for deck replacement projects.
Why It Matters
The Benefits of Doing It Right.
What you actually get when professional hydraulic auger drilling meets a job that's been done a thousand times before.
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Variable Diameter Options
We drill 12- to 24-inch diameter holes to match your deck plan specifications, from standard platform decks to elevated and roof-covered structures.
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Inspection-Ready Results
Clean, properly dimensioned holes that are ready for tube forms and concrete — helping you pass footing inspection without rework.
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Handles Tough Michigan Soil
Clay-heavy and rocky soils across our service area are no problem for our hydraulic equipment, which provides consistent results regardless of ground conditions.
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Old Footing Removal
Replacing or expanding an existing deck? We remove old concrete footings and drill new holes so your project isn't held up by what's buried below.
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Works With Your Plans
We drill to the specifications on your approved deck plans and permit, ensuring every hole is in the right place at the right depth.
Verified Standard
Where We Drill This
Common Applications.
If your project looks like one of these — or even close — we can drill for it. If it doesn't, ask anyway.
Tell Us About Your ProjectNew residential deck construction
Deck replacement and expansion projects
Multi-level and elevated deck foundations
Covered deck and screened porch footings
Commercial deck and patio construction
Pool deck and spa surround foundations
Frequently Asked
Questions, Answered.
Straight answers to the things customers actually ask before booking a deck postholes job.
How deep do deck footings need to be in Michigan?
Michigan building code requires deck footings to extend at least 42 inches below grade (the frost line). Your local building department may require additional depth depending on soil conditions. We drill to whatever depth your approved plans specify.
What diameter holes are needed for deck footings?
Most residential deck footings require 12- to 20-inch diameter holes. Second-story decks, decks with roof structures, and heavy-load designs may require 24-inch diameter footings. Your deck plans and local code will specify the exact requirement.
Do you drill the holes before or after the deck permit inspection?
Typically, holes are drilled after the permit is approved but before the footing inspection. Your building inspector will want to see the holes at the correct depth and diameter before concrete is poured. We drill to your approved plan specs so you're ready for inspection.
Can you remove old deck footings before drilling new ones?
Yes. We offer concrete removal as a related service. If you're replacing an old deck or building in a location with existing buried footings, we can extract them and drill fresh holes.
Don't See Your Question?
Email Kirk directly — most replies come back within a few hours during business days.
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