Post Hole Digging & Auger Rates
2025 rates for fence posts, deck footings, and auger work
Post hole drilling in Canada shows the widest regional price spread of any skid steer service. Alberta operators charge as little as $10-$15/hole while Ontario and BC companies charge $30-$50/hole (dig only). Minimum service charges of $200-$800 are universal regardless of hole count.
Post Hole Rates by City
| City/Region | Per Hole (Dig) | Per Hole (Dig+Set) | Minimum | Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calgary | $10-$15 | $25 (effective) | $200-$250 | High |
| Edmonton | $13-$15 | - | $200 | High |
| Winnipeg | $15-$25 | $25-$35 | $200-$300 | High |
| Saskatoon/Regina | $15-$25 | - | $200-$375 | Medium |
| Toronto/GTA (Mississauga) | $30-$40 | $50-$60 | $500-$600 | High |
| Hamilton/Stoney Creek | $35-$45 | $50-$65 | $700 | High |
| Kitchener-Waterloo | $35-$45 | - | $800 | High |
| Vancouver/Lower Mainland | $30-$50 | $60-$100 | $450-$600 | Medium |
| Montreal | $35-$50 | $50-$100 | $450-$600 | Medium |
| Halifax/Moncton | $30-$45 | $45-$90 | $400-$600 | Low |
Standard rates are for 6"-12" diameter holes, 3'-5' deep. Rocky soil or deeper holes may add surcharges. Sources: Day1 Landscaping (Calgary), The Post Hole Company (GTA), Reliable Post Hole Diggers (Ontario), Kijiji ads.
Deck Footing Pricing (Ontario)
Deck footings require larger diameter holes (8"+) and deeper excavation (4'+). Ontario deck footing specialists charge a significant premium:
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
| Deck footing (8" x 4' deep) | $75-$110/hole |
| Including concrete fill | $100-$150/hole |
| Typical minimum | $500-$700 |
Auger Attachment Rental
If you own a skid steer and want to DIY, here's what auger attachment rental costs:
| Rental Source | Daily Rate | Location |
|---|---|---|
| ECSR | $115-$175/day | Edmonton |
| Atlas Bobcat | $150-$200/day | Various |
| Concrete Breaker (for rocky soil) | $100/half-day, $190/day | Kijiji KW |
Most auger attachments include one bit size. Additional bit sizes often available for $25-$50 extra per day.
What Affects the Price
Hole Diameter
Standard fence posts use 6"-8" holes. Deck footings need 10"-12". Larger diameter = more soil to move = higher price.
Hole Depth
Frost line varies: 3' in Southern Ontario, 4'+ in Alberta/Manitoba. Deeper holes take more time and may hit rock or water.
Soil Conditions
Sandy/loamy soil is fast. Clay is slower. Rock or hardpan may require concrete breaker attachment at extra cost ($50-$100+ per hole with obstacles).
Access
Backyard access through a narrow gate may require a compact machine. If the skid steer can't reach, manual or towable auger rates apply (higher per-hole cost).
Dig Only vs Dig + Set
"Dig only" means operator drills holes and leaves. "Dig + Set" includes placing posts in holes and possibly backfilling. Adds $10-$30/hole depending on market.
Why Alberta Is So Cheap
Alberta's $10-$15/hole rate is 60-70% cheaper than Ontario's $35-$45/hole. Several factors explain this:
- Competition: More operators competing for residential fence work in Calgary/Edmonton.
- Volume: New subdivisions create high-volume fence jobs where per-hole efficiency matters.
- Soil: Generally easier drilling conditions (less rock, better soil structure).
- No PST: 5% GST only vs. 13% HST in Ontario - operators can price lower while maintaining margins.
- Operating costs: Slightly lower business costs overall in Alberta.
Fencing & Post Hole Guides by Province
Equipment for Post Hole Work
A compact or mid-size skid steer is ideal for residential fence work. Maneuverability matters more than lifting capacity:
Bobcat S570
Compact, tight access
$22K-$35K
Bobcat S650
Versatile mid-size
$25K-$38K
Cat 242D3
Compact frame
$24K-$36K
Kubota SVL65-2
Compact CTL
$28K-$40K
Prices are for used equipment with moderate hours. Check TrackCheck for current market values.
Looking to Buy Equipment?
TrackCheck tracks 17,026+ verified auction sales. See what skid steers and CTLs actually sell for.
Browse Equipment Listings