The average deck repair costs $1,465, with most deck repairs falling between $570 – $2,600. However, extensive repairs can cost up to $6,670, while minor repairs may be as little as $150. Repairs will likely be more affordable if your deck is made of cheaper materials.
The cost of deck repairs depends on the cost of new decking material, the cost of labor, and the amount of time it takes to complete the repair. However, most deck repairs cost $10 – $50 per square foot.
In this cost guide:
- Average costs
- Cost estimator by size
- Other factors that affect cost
- Related services
- Pro cost vs. DIY cost
- Cost by location
- FAQ
Average cost of deck repair in 2024
| National average cost | $1,465 |
| Typical price range | $570 – $2,600 |
| Extreme low-end cost | $150 |
| Extreme high-end cost | $6,670 |
Small decks made of cheap materials, such as pine wood, are more affordable to repair than large decks made of expensive materials. Also, minor repairs, such as replacing nails and screws, are the cheapest, and replacing rotten wood after a termite infestation is one of the most expensive.
Deck repair cost estimator by size
Most deck repairs cost $10 – $50 per square foot, meaning decks with a lot of square footage typically cost more to repair.
| Type of deck repair | Cost per square foot |
| Damaged boards | $10 – $35 |
| Resurfacing | $15 – $50 |
| Sealing and staining | $1.15 – $4.70 |
| Termite damage | $20 |
Based on these costs, if you have 100 square feet of deck that needs repair, expect to pay:
- $1,000 – $3,500 for board replacement (depending on material)
- $1,500 – $5,000 for resurfacing
- $115 – $470 for sealing and staining
- $2,000 to repair termite damage
Other factors that affect cost
In addition to the size of your deck, consider these additional factors that contribute to the price of deck repair:
Decking material
If you are getting deck boards replaced, repair costs vary based on the decking material. The table below shows the typical square-foot cost for common decking materials.
| Material | Typical cost per square foot |
| Pressure-treated pine | $2 – $3.75 |
| Cedar | $3.40 – $6.00 |
| Redwood | $5.50 – $19 |
| Ipe | $9 – $16 |
| Tigerwood | $8 – $16 |
| Composite | $8.20 – $13.30 |
| PVC | $8.50 – $12 |
The least expensive deck boards to replace are softwoods such as pressure-treated pine, cedar, and redwood. Softwood decking boards typically cost $3.65 – $9.60 per square foot, but high-end redwood can cost as much as $19 per square foot.
Tropical hardwoods, such as Ipe and Tigerwood, are the most expensive, typically costing $8.50 – $16 per square foot. Modern decking materials, such as composite and PVC, usually cost $8.35 – $12.65 per square foot.
Type of repair
Deck repair prices vary depending on what needs fixing. Minor repairs like nail replacement may cost as little as $150. On the other hand, tropical hardwood board replacement and massive termite infestations can cost several thousand dollars. Please see typical costs by repair type in the table below.
| Type of repair | Typical cost |
| Board replacement | $10 – $35 / square foot |
| Insect damage | $250 – $2,350 |
| Joist replacement | $150 – $350 |
| Mold/mildew remediation | $215 – $515 |
| Replacing nails | $150 – $200 |
| Railing repairs | $465 – $4,335 |
| Sealing/Staining | $1.15 – $4.70 / square foot |
| Stairs | $115 – $300 |
Learn more about the cost of common deck repairs below:
- Board replacement: The cost of board replacement varies based on the decking material. Expect to pay $2 – $19 per square foot for material and $45 – $90 per hour for labor. The total cost of most board replacements is $10 – $35 / square foot.
- Insect damage: Wood decks are susceptible to damage from termites and carpenter bees. Expect to pay $60 – $100 for an insect inspection and $250 – $2,350 for repairs. Try planting plants that deter termites around your wood deck to prevent future infestations.
- Mold/Mildew: If you catch a mold or mildew problem early, you can solve it with a pressure wash for $100 – $200. Otherwise, expect to pay $215 – $515 for repairs. Please remember that mold is toxic to humans and pets, so fast treatment is imperative.
- Deck refurbish: Most wood decks need refurbishing every 2-3 years to minimize damages and keep your deck looking its best. Services may include replacing nails, sanding, and staining or painting. Expect to pay about $500 – $1,600 to refurbish your deck.
- Deck railing: Expect to pay $465 – $4,335 for most deck railing repairs. Most railing costs $25 – $30 / linear foot for materials and $45 – $90 per hour for labor costs.
- Deck stairs: If you have loose or broken stairs, expect to pay about $115 – $300 to have the stairs repaired. Stair repairs can cost $15 – $45 per stair.
- Water damage: Water can cause wood to rot and mold to grow. Rot repairs often consist of replacing damaged wood and joists. However, waterproof sealants and proper maintenance reduce the risk of water damage.
Prep work
Before a deck repair professional can start on repairs, he may have to:
- Remove decking: Expect to pay $5 – $10 per square foot of old deck that needs to be removed.
- Level Terrain: Deck damage may be due to uneven terrain. Expect to pay $800 – $4,000 for land leveling and grading to correct this.
- Power washing: Before a deck is painted or stained, it needs pressure washing for $100 – $200.
Season
Many homeowners get their decks repaired just before the weather gets warm, in late winter or early spring. Because deck contractors are so busy, this is typically the most expensive time of year to get deck repairs.
If you’re in the market for deck repair, you might also be interested in these related services:
Deck replacement
If your deck is past its prime, consider deck replacement. Deck replacement, including deck removal and new deck installation, typically costs $5,420 – $14,540.
| Typical deck removal cost | $5 – $10 per square foot |
| Typical new deck cost | $3,920 – $10,540 |
Is it time to get a new deck? The table below shows the typical lifespan of a deck by decking material.
| Decking material | Lifespan (years) |
| Pressure treated wood (e.g., pine) | 10 – 15 |
| Cedar | 15 – 20 |
| Redwood | 20 – 30 |
| Composite | 25 – 30 |
| Ipe | 50 – 100 |
Composite deck
If it is time to replace your deck, consider composite decking. Composite is a modern, eco-friendly, and durable material made of recycled wood and plastic. Composite decks typically cost $5,100 – $11,200.
| National average cost | $8,850 |
| Typical price range | $5,100 – $11,200 |
| Extreme low-end cost | $3,600 |
| Extreme high-end cost | $20,000 |
Although composite decks cost more than softwood, they last longer and are easier to clean. Please see the pros and cons of a composite deck in the table below.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Low maintenance ✓ Insect and rot resistant ✓ Durable ✓ Eco-friendly ✓ Slip-resistant | ✗ Expensive ✗ Not rustic ✗ Can get scratches ✗ Can stain |
Pergolas and Gazebos
While getting work done on your deck, you can enhance it with a roofed structure for shade and protection from the elements. Most pergolas cost $2,100 – $6,000, but the price depends on the pergola’s size, style, and building material. Pergolas have a grid-style roof for partial shade.
On the other hand, gazebos have solid roofs that provide better protection against the sun and rain. Consequently, gazebos are more expensive than pergolas. Expect a new gazebo to cost $5,365 – $9,025.
| Typical price range of a Pergola | $2,100 – $6,000 |
| Typical price range of a Gazebo | $5,365 – $9,025 |
Pest control
To avoid expensive repair and replacement costs, learn how to prevent termites in your yard and consider getting preventive pest control. A preventative chemical treatment typically costs $4 – $14.50 per linear foot, but a termite-damaged deck can cost you thousands.
Pro cost vs. DIY cost
If you have carpentry skills, you may want to save labor costs and do the work yourself. Most deck repair companies charge $45 – $90 an hour for labor. The table below shows the typical cost of materials needed for DIY deck repair for comparison.
| Material | Typical cost |
| Decking boards | $2.00 – $19 / sq ft |
| Fasteners | $35 – $120 |
| Joist | $66 – $110 |
| Nails | $8 – $100 |
| Sealant | $15 – $74 / gallon |
| Stain | $45 – $50 / gallon |
| Washers | $16 – $19 |
Some deck repairs are simple home improvement projects requiring only standard tools and basic skills. If you have basic tools, such as a hammer, you can replace deck nails yourself and save some cash.
| DIY Nail replacement | $8 – $100 |
| Pro nail replacement | $150 – $200 |
Even after renting a power sander for $43 daily and a power washer for $35 daily, you may also be able to save money staining your own deck.
| DIY staining (300 sq. ft.) | $165 – $215 |
| Pro staining (300 sq. ft.) | $550 – $1,600 |
However, some repairs need heavy equipment rentals and require advanced carpentry skills. The heavy equipment costs and potential for mistakes can make these DIY projects more expensive than hiring a pro.
| DIY board replacement (144 sq ft) | $1,000 – $3,549 |
| Pro board replacement (144 sq ft) | $1,450 – $5,140 |
The table above shows the typical cost to replace 144 square feet of deck boards. The DIY price includes three days of equipment rental, the cost of hardware, and the cost of decking material. However, the DIY cost can be must higher than this projection due to:
- More days of equipment rental
- Disposal fees (old decking material)
- New materials to redo your mistakes
- Hiring a pro to fix mistakes
It’s best to have the pros handle this kind of extensive repair.
Cost to repair a deck by location
The cost of deck repairs varies by location due to:
- Labor costs: States like Mississippi and Alabama have a low cost of living and thus a lower labor price. On the other hand, Hawaii and Massachusetts have high living costs, so expect to pay more for labor.
- Shipping costs: If the deck replacement materials need to be shipped, the repair will cost more. The further the materials travel, the higher the price.
- Climate: If you live in an area with severe weather and many decks (like Florida, for instance), deck repairs may cost more because of high demand.
FAQ
The average deck repair costs $1,465, and the average new deck costs $7,320, so most repairs are much cheaper than deck replacement. However, if your deck is due to be replaced in the next couple of years and it gets clobbered by a hurricane or infested with termites, it is probably best to go ahead and get a new deck.
Redoing your deck adds curb appeal, which increases your home’s resale price and reduces its time on the market.
Expect it to cost $2,880 – $8,640 to replace a 12×12 deck. The price includes $2,160 – $7,200 to build a new 144 sq ft deck and $720 – $1,440 to remove the old deck. Pressure-treated pine and cedar are generally the cheapest decks to build, and high-end exotic hardwood is the most expensive.
Final thoughts
Keeping up with maintenance and care is the best way to avoid costly repairs to your deck. However, some repairs are inevitable. If your deck needs fixing, contact an experienced decking pro so you can get the most out of your outdoor living space and prevent bigger problems in the future.
Note: Lawn Love may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
Main Photo by: PxHere
