In this guide

Deck Repair Cost per Square Foot

The cost of deck repairs depends on various factors, including the materials, repair type, and required labor. Some contractors and repair companies have set prices for each job, but others may adjust their prices based on the problem size and charge by the square foot. Homeowners can expect to pay between $10 and $50 per square foot for deck repair.

Average Cost of a Deck Repair by Material

One of the most important factors in deck repair is the material. Many decks are made of wood, but other materials like fiberglass ¹ and composite can also be used. The costs of repairing and replacing these materials vary. The table below shows common deck materials and average repair costs for each.

Vinyl Deck Repair Cost

Vinyl ² deck repair costs between $7 and $30 per square foot. Vinyl is one of the most affordable materials for decks, but it can be one of the least durable materials. It can develop patches, scratches, and peeling, causing imperfections that may need to be patched, coated, or painted over.

Metal Deck Repair Cost

It costs between $10 and $60 per square foot to repair metal decks. Metals like steel and aluminum can be used for decks. These materials are strong and resistant. They stand up to bugs and are immune to issues like rot. However, they can get scratched or dented, leading to unsightly areas that need fixing or replacement.

Wood Deck Repair Cost

The average cost to repair wood decks ranges from $10 to $75 per square foot. This wide range is because many kinds of wood can be used in constructing a deck. Redwood ³ is an example of a cheaper wood, while cedar decks are more costly to fix. Wood is a beautiful choice for decks, but it can rot, twist, warp, or shrink. Damaged planks must be removed and replaced.

Fiberglass Deck Repair Cost

Repairing fiberglass decks averages $15 to $50 per square foot. Fiberglass decks are a type of composite deck made with a mixture of materials. This is a low-maintenance deck, but the fiberglass’s topcoat can crack or flake from exposure.

Composite Deck Repair Cost

Composite deck repairs cost between $15 and $50 per square foot. Composite decks are made with a mixture of materials like wood, plastic, and vinyl. They are low maintenance and do not have the same water issues as wood decks. However, the boards can get stained, discolored, scratched, and damaged in other ways because of impacts and accidents.

Deck Repair Cost by Type of Repair

Decks are designed to last for many years and are typically made from strong, hard-wearing materials. However, they can also be regularly exposed to rain, snow, frost, different temperatures, insects, heavy foot traffic, and other hazards throughout the year. This leads to various issues with your deck that may need to be repaired. The table below shows common forms of repair, complete with average costs for each.

Cost to Repair Deck Boards

Repairing deck boards costs $10 to $35 per square foot. Boards of different materials can get damaged over time due to scratches, stains, cracks, warping, and general wear and tear. You can patch up the affected areas if the damage is superficial, sand away stains, or use epoxy ⁴ or putty to fill in holes or cracks.

Cost to Repair Deck Stairs

Repairing deck stairs costs between $15 and $40 per step. Prices vary greatly, depending on the materials. Like boards and other parts of the deck, stairs can develop issues like cracks, rot, and peeling. They may require sanding ⁵, patching, or general refurbishment.

Deck Resurfacing Cost

Deck resurfacing averages $15 to $50 per square foot. This process replaces the deck’s boards, railings, and stairs for a fresh look while preserving the original base and frame. This can be a good option when the boards or railings are worn and damaged.

Deck Railing Repair Cost

Repairs to deck railings ⁶ range from $25 to $100 per linear foot. The price is based on the railing type and material and how easy it is to access the affected area. Railings can get stained, scratched, dented, and broken, but the affected areas can be patched up if the damage is not extensive.

Repairing Deck Joists Cost

Repairing deck joists costs between $100 and $250 per joist. Often, the main issue with deck joists is they rot or wear from exposure and extreme temperatures. A common method of repair is to fit a sister joist on the existing joist over the damaged area to reinforce the structure.

Deck Power Washing Cost

Power washing a deck costs $150 to $500. This can be a very useful method for cleaning away dirt, grime, and stains and potentially eliminating mold or mildew patches. Use a power washer that is not too strong because a strong blast could damage your deck’s paint and coating.

Deck Mold Removal Cost

Dealing with mold or mildew costs $150 to $600. Mold and mildew can build up from excessive moisture, and mold patches are unpleasant to see. You may be able to deal with this problem with a relatively mild power washer, which can be purchased or rented. Or, hire a professional to wash the mold or use chemical cleaning treatments.

Deck Refurbishing Cost

Deck refurbishing costs between $150 and $1,000. Refurbishing a deck involves various processes, such as sanding or staining areas, replacing old or missing nails, cleaning marks and dirt, and helping the deck look fresher and newer.

Deck Pest Control Cost

Getting pest control services for your deck costs $200 to $2,500. One of the major pests to watch for is termites. Colonies can form around decks and eat at the structure, doing major damage if left untreated. Wasps build nests under or on the sides, and decks may also attract rats and mosquitoes. Pest control usually begins with an inspection, costing between $75 and $250. Then, you need to pay the treatment costs to remove the pests. The initial inspection fee may be waived if you hire the company to remove the infestation.

Deck Repair Cost by Replacement

In some cases, the damaged parts cannot be repaired and need to be replaced. New parts are needed in most cases, and the materials influence costs. The table below shows common replacement deck parts and average costs for each.

Cost to Replace Deck Boards

Replacing deck boards costs between $10 and $40 per square foot. This is one of the most common repair types because boards can crack, break, rot, swell, or warp from water or weather conditions. Boards that are too damaged need replacing, and you may have to pay an extra $200 to $500 in disposal costs to remove the former boards.

Cost to Replace Deck Stairs

Replacing deck stairs costs $20 to $50 per step. When replacing the entire steps with stringers ⁷, the costs are on the higher end of this range. If you are only replacing the treads and risers, it may be less expensive. Costs also vary based on the material because metal stairs may be much more expensive to make and fit than wood stairs. You may also have to pay around $200 in disposal for the old stairs.

Cost to Replace a Deck Railing

The average cost to replace deck railings ranges from $50 to $200 per linear foot. This depends on the material because glass or cable railings are more expensive to remove and replace than wooden railings. Railings that are custom-made with unique patterns or styles also cost more to replace.

Replace Deck Joists Cost

The cost to replace decking joists is between $150 and $350 per joist. Joists are often made from wood, which may gradually rot, warp, or wear, and they are essential for your deck’s structure and solidity. They may need to be replaced if they get too weak or damaged.

Cost to Replace Deck Posts

The cost to replace deck posts averages $200 to $400 per post. The exact price depends on the posts’ materials, installation method, and the number of replacements. You may also need to pay extra for disposal if you want the repair company to do this.

Cost to Replace Deck Footings

The cost to replace deck footings ranges from $300 to $400 per footing, but prices vary, depending on the materials. The footings can be damaged from shifts in the soil or may need to be replaced if you plan an extension or reconfiguration. Footings may also get damaged beyond repair from the elements.

Deck Repair Cost by Problem

Many problems can arise with your deck, with most issues caused by lack of maintenance, exposure, pest infestations, and general wear and tear. The table shows common problems and average repair bills for each.

Missing Deck Nails Cost

Replacing any missing deck nails costs between $100 and $200. This is one of the simplest jobs for any deck repairman to handle, and it should not take long or cost much to have someone inspect your deck and insert nails. However, missing nails may be caused by issues like rot or warping, so the repair bill may be bigger if the professional finds these problems.

Creaky Deck Boards

Repairing creaky deck boards ranges from $100 to $600. Various issues may cause creaking, and it commonly occurs with wooden decks as the wood warps and shrinks from moisture and temperature changes. Fortunately, the problem is usually easy to fix with new nails, screws, and fasteners ⁸. The repairman may also want to remove and replace the oldest and weakest boards or fit new joist brackets ⁹ to tighten the deck and reduce creaking.

Removing Rats from under Decking

Getting rid of rats under the deck costs $200 to $1,000. You usually need to call professional pest control experts who use humane traps or repellents to remove the rats or lethal traps to kill them. Either way, remove the rats because they pose serious health and safety risks for people and animals in the home.

Wobbly Deck Stairs

Repairing wobbly stairs on your deck costs between $200 and $2,000, depending on the scale of the required repairs and the materials involved. Fixing a few wobbly stairs might be as simple as making a few adjustments to fixtures and fasteners and readjusting the position. However, in more severe cases, the stairs might need replacing entirely, and this can be expensive for materials like metal.

Deck Rot Repair

Dealing with deck rot costs $250 to $5,000. The price depends on how extensive the rot is. Rot can be a serious threat to the health and safety of any deck, and any affected areas need to be removed and replaced or reinforced. The costs might not be too high if only a small part of the deck is affected, but in the worst cases, rot can spread through the deck, and the entire thing might need refurbishment.

Mosquitoes under a Deck

Dealing with mosquitoes around or under your deck costs between $350 and $1,500, depending on the treatment scale and frequency. Contact professional mosquito control services who use spray treatments to get rid of the mosquitoes. They may need to make multiple visits and spray several times, which can increase costs.

Cost to Repair a Sagging Deck

Fixing a sagging deck ranges from $500 to $2,000. Decks sag for various reasons, commonly due to soil movement. The usual method to fix this is to jack up the deck and brace it to minimize future sagging. Certain parts, such as the posts, may also need replacement.

Termite Deck Damage

Repairing termite damage averages $500 to $10,000, depending on how much damage has been done and the required repairs. The repairs might be minimal if the termites are caught early. But if the damage is extensive, you need to pay for pest control to get rid of the termites and repair services to fix or replace the damaged deck parts.

Deck Repair vs Replacement

It can be a tough call to decide if your deck only needs repairs or replacement. The general rule is that if the cost of the repairs comes close to the price of a new deck, consider a replacement. Deck replacements usually cost between $19 and $55 per square foot if you look for a same-sized deck, but prices can be higher for a larger deck.

It is in your best interest to replace the deck if it has serious structural issues and requires all new beams and joists. Finally, if your deck is more than 20 years old, it has likely reached the end of its lifespan and needs replacement.

On the other hand, if your deck is structurally sound and only needs new decking, a new railing, and a few other repairs, you can repair it for a fraction of the cost and likely get many more years out of it.

Deck Maintenance

Good maintenance goes a long way toward keeping your deck in good condition and preventing the need for repair. The best way to keep your deck in good shape is to prevent water damage. This means keeping your deck stained and sealed. If you notice the old stain peeling, it is time to power wash and restain it to keep it looking its best.

Maintenance also includes periodically inspecting your deck. Look for rusting or missing nails or screws and replace them. Remove fuzzy mold or mushrooms because these can damage the wood. Look for problems while they are still small so that you can fix them before they cause more problems.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Deck Removal Cost

If your deck needs major repairs and you do not want to repair or replace it, you can have it removed. This can also be an option for people who do not get much use out of their deck or cannot keep up with the maintenance costs. Completely removing a deck, including demolition and proper disposal of the debris, costs between $500 and $1,000 in total.

Deck Sealing Cost

Sealing your deck is a great choice to help preserve it for longer. Sealing the deck creates a barrier on the deck’s surface to protect it against moisture. This can be an essential form of maintenance for wooden decks, reducing the risks of rot. It costs around $550 to $850 on average to seal the entire deck.

Deck Staining Cost

Deck staining is an alternative to sealing that alters the color of the deck while also sealing it. This gives you several benefits in one process, refreshing the look of the deck and protecting it. Choose from various stains, from transparent stains that allow the natural color and grain of the wood to appear to solid stains that completely change the appearance of the deck. It costs around $550 to $850 to stain the entire deck.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Fiberglass: Plastic that is reinforced with glass fibers. The fibers may be mixed randomly throughout the plastic, or come in the form of a flat sheet, or be woven into a fabric

² Vinyl: A synthetic plastic made from ethylene and chlorine. Vinyl has many applications in the construction industry and it is widely used in sidings, window frames, roofing and gutters, among others

⁴ Epoxy: An adhesive, plastic, paint, or other material made from polymers containing epoxide groups. Epoxy is best used for bonding or for creating a protective coating

⁵ Sanding: Process of removing the top surface of a material, such as wood, using sandpaper and/or a specialized sanding machine (for large surface areas)

⁹ Brackets: A support that projects outward from one surface to hold another surface to it, such as attaching a shelf to a wall or piece of furniture. Brackets can also be used to strengthen joins between two materials