Written by

Tamatha Hazen

July 8, 2024

Edited by

Kristen Cramer

Fact-checked by

Tara Farmer

Average cost of deck repair

Deck repairs cost $750 to $2,500 on average. Simple deck repairs cost as little as $100 while large or complex repairs can cost $10,000 or more. The cost to repair a deck depends on the deck size and extent of the damage. The cost to replace deck boards is $125 to $625 each.

Common deck repairs

Whether your deck is showing signs of wear and tear, instability from loose steps or rails, or needs a fresh look, your deck requires regular maintenance and repairs to stay in top shape. Common repairs include replacing damaged boards, reinforcing loose components, and cleaning and sealing the deck surface.

Deck board replacement cost

Replacing deck boards costs $25 to $125 per square foot, depending on the material. Wood boards require regular replacement due to decay, rot, or splintering. Metal boards may require replacement due to dents or corrosion, while PVC and composite boards are most often replaced due to color fading.

Deck railing repairs

Repairing the deck railing costs $150 to $5,000, depending on the extent of the damage and the railing material. Common issues with deck railings include loose fasteners and deteriorated materials that cause the railing to wobble.

Deck railing replacement costs $20 to $250 per linear foot, depending on the material used. Wood and vinyl fall at the low end of the price range, while metal and composite railing fall at the mid to high end. Replacing a small section of railing is cheaper than replacing the entire thing,

Deck cleaning and sealing

Deck cleaning and sealing costs $300 to $1,500, depending on the deck size and materials. Wooden decks require sealing to protect the surface, while PVC, composite, and metal materials require periodic cleaning to keep them looking their best.

• Deck sealing and waterproofing costs $1.00 to $3.50 per square foot for the boards and $5 to $8 per linear foot for the rails and spindles.

• Deck pressure washing costs $0.08 to $0.20 per square foot.

Deck stair repairs

Aging, weathering, and heavy use can lead to cracks, loose stairs, and other damage. Common deck stair repairs cost $150 to $300 per stair and may include:

• Repairing or replacing rotted or pest-damaged stair treads or stringers

• Tightening or replacing worn-out hardware

• Resurfacing or adding non-slip materials to better withstand constant foot traffic

• Updating a staircase to meet current code requirements

Deck refinishing

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 fasteners and post replacement

Nails and screws can loosen or deteriorate over time and require replacement. Similarly, posts and joists suffer weather or pest damage leading to structural problems. Repairs start at $50 to $200 to replace missing or damaged fasteners, and up to $500 to replace a single damaged post.

Deck repair cost factors

The deck size and severity of the damage are the primary factors affecting the cost of deck repair. The larger the deck and the worse the damage, the more the repairs will cost. Other factors affecting the cost include:

• Deck material – Decks made of composite decking or costly cedar wood are more expensive to repair than decks made from cheaper materials, such as treated lumber.

• Labor – Rates vary depending on your location, the difficulty of the repair, and the experience and reputation of the contractor.

• Permits and inspections – Depending on local building codes, you may need permits for certain types of deck repairs. Permit costs and associated fees can contribute to the overall expense.

• Deck age – Older decks often require more extensive repairs due to increased wear and tear. In some cases, it may be better to replace the deck entirely, especially if the deck is reaching the end of its lifespan.

• Features – Decks with added features like built-in seating, lighting, or complex designs may require more time and effort to repair, increasing costs.

Deck repair FAQs

Do I need a permit to repair a deck?

Permits may be necessary for major deck repairs, depending on your location. Check with your local building department or government office for specific regulations in your area. Always comply with local codes for safety and structural integrity.

Does homeowners insurance cover deck repair?

Homeowners insurance covers deck damage from events like fire or storms but not for normal wear and tear or maintenance neglect. Review your policy for specifics on coverage limits and eligible circumstances. Be sure to document the damage and provide accurate details when making a claim.

Should I repair or replace my deck?

Whether to repair or replace your deck depends on the extent of the damage, age, and overall condition of your deck. If the damage is minor or your deck is only a few years old, a repair is most likely best.

If the damage is major or your deck is 15+ years old, a replacement makes more sense. Deck replacement costs $30 to $55 per square foot on average.

Can you repair composite decking?

Yes, composite decking can be repaired. Scratches can be treated with a special composite scratch remover kit or color-matched epoxy filler. Stains can be removed with cleaners designed for composite decking. Loose boards are secured with new screws, while cracked or split boards are removed and replaced.

Getting estimates from deck repair contractors

To ensure you find a reliable and reasonably priced deck repair contractor, follow these suggestions:

• Look for deck repair contractors with excellent reviews on HomeGuide and Google.

• Verify the contractors are licensed and insured to protect you in case of accidents or damage during the repair.

• Compare repair estimates from at least 3 different contractors.

• Arrange for an on-site inspection with each contractor so they can accurately assess the damage. During the inspection, ask questions about the repair process, materials, and estimated timeline for completion.

• Request a detailed, written estimate that includes a breakdown of costs for materials, labor, and warranty information.

• Choose a contractor based not on cost alone but also their reputation and work quality.

Questions to ask deck repair companies

When hiring a deck repair company, it is important to gather information to ensure they are qualified and reliable. Ask these questions to find contractors you can rely on:

• How long has your company been in business?

• Are you licensed and insured?

• Can you provide references or examples of previous deck repair projects?

• Have you worked on decks similar to mine in terms of size and material?

• What types of materials do you typically work with for deck repairs?

• Can you recommend specific materials for my deck based on its condition and location?

• Will you conduct a thorough inspection of my deck before providing a quote?

• Can you identify any potential issues that may not be immediately apparent?

• Are there any additional fees or charges I should be aware of?

• What is your payment schedule?

• How long do you anticipate the deck repair project will take?

• Are there factors that could potentially cause delays?

• Will you obtain any necessary permits for the repair work?

• Do you offer a warranty for your work?

• Will your team handle the cleanup and disposal of materials after the repair is complete?

• How do you ensure that the work site is left in good condition?

• Can you provide a detailed written contract outlining the scope of work, materials, and costs?

• How do you handle unexpected issues or changes during the project?