How much does it cost to refinish a deck?
How much does it cost to refinish a deck?
$3.00 – $6.50 cost per square foot
Average cost to refinish a deck
Deck refinishing costs $3.00 to $6.50 per square foot, including sanding or stripping the existing stain and applying a new stain and sealer. The cost to refinish a deck depends on the deck size and shape, stain type, wood condition, and local labor rates.
| Deck size (square feet) |
Average cost |
|---|---|
| 100 | $300 – $650 |
| 120 | $360 – $780 |
| 160 | $480 – $1,050 |
| 180 | $540 – $1,200 |
| 200 | $600 – $1,300 |
| 240 | $720 – $1,550 |
| 280 | $840 – $1,800 |
| 300 | $900 – $1,950 |
| 320 | $960 – $2,100 |
| 400 | $1,200 – $2,600 |
Deck refinishing cost by stain type
Deck finishing stains cost $20 to $80 per gallon. Coverage ranges from 350 to 600 square feet per gallon, depending on the stain brand and type, the wood's age and porosity, and how thickly you apply the stain. Most decks require two thin coats of stain.
| Stain type | Price per gallon* | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Oil-based stain | $25 – $80 |
|
| Water-based stain | $20 – $60 |
|
| Semi-transparent stain | $20 – $70 |
|
| Transparent / clear stain | $20 – $70 |
|
| Semi-solid stain | $35 – $80 |
|
| Solid stain | $20 – $70 |
|
*Material price only; does not include labor
Many deck stains have a built-in sealer, saving you the trouble of applying an extra coat of a separate sealant.
Cost to refinish a deck by method
The cost to refinish a deck also depends on the method. Staining is the most common option and is the best way to preserve the natural look of the wood. Painting is a less common alternative but provides more color options.
| Refinishing method | Average cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Staining | $3.00 – $6.50 |
| Painting | $3.00 – $9.00 |
Deck staining
Deck staining costs $3.00 to $6.50 per square foot on average. This process includes sanding or stripping the old stain, applying a new stain, and sealing the deck. Staining deck railings and spindles costs $4 to $14 per linear foot, depending on if they need stripping before staining.
Deck painting
Deck painting costs $3 to $9 per square foot, including materials and labor to strip the old paint or stain and apply the new paint. Painting the railings and spindles costs $2 to $8 per linear foot. Painting a deck covers the flaws in the wood, but paint can be prone to peeling and chipping.
Deck refinishing cost factors
The following factors have the biggest impact on the cost to refinish a deck:
Deck size: Larger decks require more materials and labor, increasing the total cost.
Stain / finish type: Different stains and sealers offer varying levels of protection and aesthetics, with higher-quality products typically costing more.
Deck condition: Costs are lower for decks in good shape that need only a simple refresh compared to decks that require extensive cleaning or repairs like board replacement before refinishing. Deck repair costs $100 to $750 for simple repairs and $750 to $2,500+ for more complex repairs.
Location: Labor rates vary depending on your location. Expect to pay more in areas with a higher cost of living.
Labor
The average labor cost to refinish a deck ranges from $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot, making up 50% to 70% of the total project cost. You can save money by refinishing the deck yourself, but hiring a professional will typically provide the best results. Pros have the right tools and experience to ensure the job goes smoothly.
Pool deck refinishing
Concrete pool deck refinishing costs $3 to $12 per square foot, depending on the deck size and design. This process—also called resurfacing—involves power washing to remove dirt and mildew and then pouring a thin layer of new concrete on top of the old concrete. The new concrete can feature colors, patterns, or stamped designs.
Deck refinishing FAQs
How long does it take to refinish a deck?
Refinishing a deck takes 1 to 3 days, depending on the deck size. However, some of that time is the downtime required while waiting for each coat of stain to dry.
What is the best way to refinish a deck?
The best way to refinish a deck is to clean it thoroughly with a power washer and exterior wood cleaning solution, apply an oxalic-based wood brightener, sand away any rough spots or weathered areas, and apply a new stain with a built-in sealer.
How often should I refinish my deck?
You should refinish a wood deck with a new stain every 2 to 3 years to maximize its longevity.
Can you refinish composite decking?
You can't refinish composite decking unless the deck is made with older uncapped composite material. Uncapped composite decking can be coated in an industrial-grade elastomer, but it should not be painted and cannot be stained.
Can Trex decking be refinished?
Trex decking cannot be refinished via sanding and staining or painting. Trex decking is a low-maintenance composite material that doesn't rot, warp, or splinter and never needs refinishing.
Getting estimates from deck refinishers
Follow these tips to ensure you find reputable and reliable deck refinishers near you:
Get quotes from several different companies to compare.
Look for deck refinishing pros with excellent reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Confirm the contractors are licensed and insured.
Request a written estimate, contract, and warranty.
Don't pay in full until the job is completed to your satisfaction.
Questions to ask deck refinishing contractors
Ask deck refinishing companies these questions to help you choose the best professional for the job:
How long have you been in business?
How many decks have you refinished in the past year?
Do you have any before-and-after photos of previous projects?
What type of stain will you use on my deck? Does it include a sealer?
Will the project require sanding?
Does the crew move deck furniture or grills, and will that cost extra?
How long will the project take?
Do you offer a warranty? If yes, what does it cover?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.