Cost to Trench: Trenching Cost Guide
Cost to trench (machine trenching including backfill) ranges from $13 to $24 per linear foot. Trenching cost (hand trenching including backfill) ranges from $5 to $11 per linear foot. To get a more accurate cost for your trenching project, request a quote.
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How Much Does it Cost to Trench?
This guide is intended to provide you an approximate cost to trench in your area. To get a quote for your specific project, Click Here for a Free Estimate. Our research, which includes feedback provided by trench contractors, resulted in the following trenching cost.
Cost to trench (machine trenching):
- Cost to trench (machine trenching including backfill) ranges from $13 to $24 per linear foot. This range covers a trench of 1 foot (lower end of range) to 3 feet (higher end of range). The size of the machine required to trench can also influence the cost of the project.
Trenching cost (hand trenching):
- Trenching cost (hand trenching including backfill) ranges from $5 to $11 per linear foot. This range covers a trench of 1 foot (lower end of range) to 3 feet (higher end of range). The soil conditions can impact the cost. If there are significant rocks, obstructions, or utilities, that can impact the cost. Trenches deeper than several feet will also increase prices, especially if they require shoring.
Excavation cost:
- If you are looking for other costs related to excavation, check out our Excavation Cost Guide. to find cost relating to site work, basement excavation, and foundation excavation.
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Factors that Influence the Cost to Trench Per Foot
When excavation contractors come to your house to provide you an estimate, they will consider a number of factors that can increase or decrease the cost of your project. Pricing for your trenching project will vary based the condition of the soil, obstructions, and geographic location. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you get quotes from excavating contractors:
Your prices may be higher when:
- The soil conditions are rocky.
- There are obstructions such as roots and concrete.
- Utilities cross the trench line.
- Wet or cold conditions have to be tolerated.
- Large equipment is required.
- Ground is frozen.
- A deep trench is required.
- Shoring is required.
- Traffic controls have to be setup.
Your prices may be lower when:
- The trench can be dug by hand.
- Soft soil is present.
- No rocks or obstructions are present.
- No utilities are present.
- A shallow trench is required (1 to 2 feet).
- Ground is not frozen (and it is not wet or cold).
- No shoring is required.
- No traffic controls are required.
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