Cost Guide

How much does restumping cost in Cairns?

By The WTD Editorial Team · Last verified November 2026 · Methodology

Updated November 2026 · Independently researched · GST included

Most house restumping jobs in Cairns cost $8,650–$28,100

for a full-house restumping

In Cairns, concrete stumps cost $195–$520 per stump, galvanised or adjustable steel stumps cost $260–$690 and treated hardwood stumps cost $175–$430. Partial restumping (5–10 stumps) runs $2,375–$6,050. A full restump costs $8,650–$17,300 for a 2–3 bed cottage and $14,050–$28,100 for a standard 3–4 bed Cairns home.

+4.5% Restumping & Reblocking costs in Cairns are up around 4.5% over the past year, re-verified against 90+ sources in November 2026. Year on year

Average Full-House Restump in Cairns

$19,450

for a standard 3–4 bed home (25–40 stumps)

Steel / gal stump

$260–$690

2–3 bed cottage

$8,650–$17,300

Standard 3–4 bed

$14,050–$28,100

Partial $2,375Typical $19,450Complex $43,200

Restumping a house in Cairns costs $8,650–$28,100 for most timber-subfloor homes, or $195–$690 per stump installed. A 2–3 bedroom post-war chamferboard or weatherboard cottage on 15–25 stumps costs $8,650–$17,300 (typically $12,950), while a standard 3–4 bedroom Queenslander or high-set timber home on 25–40 stumps runs $14,050–$28,100 (typically $19,450). Partial restumping and spot relevelling of 5–10 stumps costs $2,375–$6,050 (typically $3,900).

Queenslander and post-war timber homes in Cairns face three relentless subfloor pressures: subterranean termites, wet-dry reactive clays, and tall pier heights on sloping blocks. High-set, sloping-site, low-clearance or two-storey restumping and relevelling ranges from $21,600 to $43,200 (typically $30,250). For brick or slab homes with foundation movement, concrete underpinning costs $1,300–$3,025 per pin / m (typically $2,000), bearer or joist replacement adds $130–$365 per m (typically $225/m), and Queensland building approval (Form 15 / Form 16 engineering and certifier fees) adds $1,300–$4,100 per job (typically $2,375).

Comparing cities, or after the Australia-wide picture? See the national guide: How much does restumping & reblocking cost in Australia?

Quick answerRestumping a house in Cairns costs $8,650–$28,100 for most homes ($8,650–$17,300 for a 2–3 bed cottage or $14,050–$28,100 for a standard 3–4 bed Queenslander), or $195–$690 per stump installed. Complex, sloping or two-storey restumping runs $21,600–$43,200. GST included — verified November 2026. Get free Cairns quotes →

Restumping & Reblocking Price List — Cairns (2026)

Service	Low	Typical	High
Concrete stump replacement (supply & install)	$195per stump	$345	$520
Galvanised or adjustable steel stump replacement	$260per stump	$455	$690
Treated hardwood timber stump replacement	$175per stump	$280	$430
Partial restumping / spot relevel (5–10 stumps)	$2,375total	$3,900	$6,050
Full house restumping — 2–3 bed weatherboard (15–25 stumps)	$8,650total	$12,950	$17,300
Full house restumping — standard 3–4 bed home (25–40 stumps)	$14,050total	$19,450	$28,100
Complex, low-clearance or two-storey restumping & relevel	$21,600total	$30,250	$43,200
Concrete underpinning (reactive clay subsidence)	$1,300per pin / m	$2,000	$3,025
Subfloor bearer or joist replacement (timber repair)	$130per m	$225	$365
Building permit, engineering & soil report allowance	$1,300per job	$2,375	$4,100

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Prices verified November 2026 · Cross-referenced against 90+ Australian trade pricing sources · See methodology

Prices include GST. Based on Cairns metro area, November 2026. Outer suburbs and complex access may vary.

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Cairns Restumping Costs: Queenslanders, Steel Columns & QBCC Rules

Restumping in Cairns spans everything from low-set post-war cottages to high-set Queenslanders, and the quote turns on the subfloor height, the stump material and what the QBCC-licensed contractor and the certifier have to sign off:

High-Set Queenslanders on Sloping Blocks: Steeply sloping blocks and high-set subfloors (often 1.8m–3.0m+ high) require hot-dip galvanised steel columns (75×75mm or 89×89mm SHS) or precast concrete columns with engineered tie-down bolts and wind bracing ($260–$690 per steel stump, typically $455; or $14,050–$28,100 for a standard 3–4 bed restump, and $21,600–$43,200 for complex, steep or two-storey lifts).
Post-War Chamferboard & Hardwood Cottages: 1940s–1960s 2–3 bedroom cottages on 900mm–1,500mm concrete or timber stumps. Full restumping typically costs $8,650–$17,300 (around $12,950 typical) using precast concrete stumps ($195–$520 per stump, typically $345) or galvanised steel posts.
Reactive Clay Blocks: Reactive clays shrink in dry spells and swell after heavy rain. Adjustable steel stumps ($260–$690/stump) and deeper bored piers prevent seasonal floor crowning, while slab/brick homes on these soils use concrete underpinning ($1,300–$3,025 per pin / m, typically $2,000).
QBCC Licensing, Form 15/16 Certification & Termite Barriers: Any structural restumping or underpinning over $3,300 in Queensland must be carried out by a contractor holding an appropriate QBCC licence (Builder Restricted to Structural Landscaping / House Raising & Restumping, or Open/Low-Rise Builder), with QBCC Home Warranty Insurance on residential contracts over $3,300. You also need a private building certifier, RPEQ structural engineer design (Form 15) and inspection certificate (Form 16) ($1,300–$4,100 per job), plus AS 3660.1 physical termite protection (ant caps or collars) on all new stumps.

What Affects Restumping & Reblocking Costs in Cairns

Low-set vs high-set Queenslander height

Low-set post-war cottages on 600mm–1,200mm piers cost $8,650–$17,300 (2–3 bed) or $14,050–$28,100 (3–4 bed). High-set Queenslanders on 2.4m–3.0m+ columns or steep blocks require engineered steel columns, deeper bored footings and bracing ($21,600–$43,200).

Hot-dip galvanised steel vs concrete stumps

Precast concrete stumps cost $195–$520 per stump (typically $345) and suit heights up to ~1.8m. Hot-dip galvanised or adjustable steel columns ($260–$690 per stump, typically $455) are preferred for tall high-set subfloors, build-under renovations and reactive clay blocks.

Termite & wet-rot damage in hardwood bearers

Subterranean termites and wet rot frequently hollow out old hardwood bearers and joists above the stumps. Replacing or sistering damaged subfloor timber adds $130–$365 per linear metre (typically $225/m).

Council Character & Flood Overlays

Homes in a character or flood overlay can carry conditions on subfloor enclosures, pier design and height — RPEQ engineering (Form 15), soil testing and private certifier building approval add $1,300–$4,100 per job (typically $2,375).

Under-house concrete slabs & battens

Where a high-set home has an existing concrete slab poured between the old stumps plus laundry plumbing and perimeter battens, cutting concrete pockets around each stump and disconnecting/reconnecting rigid plumbing adds labour over an open-earth subfloor.

Slab & brick-veneer subsidence

Where a brick-veneer or slab home in Cairns has cracked due to reactive clay shrinkage or tree roots, concrete underpinning runs $1,300–$3,025 per pin / m (typically $2,000).

How to Save Money on Restumping & Reblocking in Cairns

Verify your contractor's QBCC licence number and confirm QBCC Home Warranty Insurance is lodged on any Cairns restumping contract over $3,300.

Ensure your quote explicitly includes RPEQ engineer Form 15 design, Form 16 site inspection certification and private certifier building approval ($1,300–$4,100) — uncertified restumping causes major issues when selling in Cairns.

If you plan to build in underneath your Queenslander later, tell your restumper now so the RPEQ engineer spaces the new steel columns ($260–$690/stump) to suit future room layouts and legal 2.4m ceiling heights.

Insist on hot-dip galvanised steel stumps (or concrete stumps with stainless/galvanised tie-downs) and compliant AS 3660.1 ant caps on every pier to stop subterranean termites bridging into your hardwood bearers.

Replace all ageing timber or spalling concrete stumps in one project ($8,650–$17,300 for a 2–3 bed cottage) rather than patching 5–10 stumps ($2,375–$6,050) and paying engineering and certifier fees twice.

Frequently Asked Questions — Restumping & Reblocking Cost in Cairns

How much does it cost to restump a Queenslander or house in Cairns?

Restumping a 2–3 bedroom post-war cottage or smaller Queenslander in Cairns (15–25 stumps) costs $8,650–$17,300 (typically $12,950). A standard 3–4 bedroom Queenslander or high-set timber home (25–40 stumps) costs $14,050–$28,100 (typically $19,450). Complex, steep-slope, low-clearance or two-storey restumping and relevelling runs $21,600–$43,200 (typically $30,250).

How much does restumping cost per stump in Cairns?

In Cairns, precast concrete stumps cost $195–$520 per stump (typically $345), hot-dip galvanised or adjustable steel stumps cost $260–$690 per stump (typically $455), and treated hardwood timber stumps cost $175–$430 per stump (typically $280), supplied and installed.

Do I need council or certifier approval to restump a house in Cairns?

Yes. In Queensland, replacing more than a minor number of stumps is assessable building work requiring building approval from a licensed private building certifier, backed by an RPEQ structural engineer's design certificate (Form 15) and final inspection certificate (Form 16). Allow $1,300–$4,100 (typically $2,375) for engineering, soil testing and certification.

Should I use steel or concrete stumps in Cairns?

Precast concrete stumps ($195–$520/stump) are durable and cost-effective for low-set to mid-set Cairns cottages up to ~1.8m clearance. Hot-dip galvanised steel columns ($260–$690/stump) are stronger and slimmer for high-set Queenslanders above 1.8m, sloping blocks, and reactive clay sites where adjustable top plates allow easy future relevelling.

How much does concrete underpinning cost in Cairns?

Concrete underpinning for subsided slabs or strip footings in Cairns costs $1,300–$3,025 per pin or linear metre (typically $2,000 per pin / m), plus $1,300–$4,100 for RPEQ structural engineering, soil testing and building certification.

Our Methodology

These are independent estimates from public cost guides, marketplaces and industry rate data, and no tradesperson can influence them, so always get a few quotes. Last reviewed November 2026. Read our full methodology →