August 03, 2026
Deck repairs cost $250 to $2,500 on average, depending on damage type and materials. Full deck replacement costs $4,500 to $18,000 for a standard 300 to 400 square foot surface. The right choice depends on how much of the deck is damaged and whether the substructure is still sound.
As a composite decking manufacturer, COOWIN sees resurfacing as the highest value repair option for aging wood decks. Replacing worn boards with composite deck boards eliminates future staining and sealing costs while extending the deck lifespan to 25+ years. This guide breaks down every cost component for both repair and replacement so you can budget accurately.
Table of Contents
Most deck repairs cost $10 to $50 per square foot, including labor. The repair type and material determine the final price. Minor fixes, such as tightening fasteners or replacing a single board, cost under $300. Structural repairs involving joists or beams can exceed $2,000.
| Repair Type | Typical Cost | What Is Included |
| Board replacement | $10 to $35 per sqft | Remove damaged boards, install new ones |
| Loose fastener repair | $50 to $200 | Replace popped nails with screws |
| Railing repair | $150 to $1,500 | Tighten or replace posts, balusters, rails |
| Stair repair | $115 to $300 per stair | Replace treads, tighten stringers |
| Joist or beam repair | $500 to $2,000+ | Sister or replace rotted structural members |
| Mold and mildew cleaning | $100 to $500 | Pressure wash and apply mildew treatment |
| Staining and sealing | $1 to $3.50 per sqft | Clean, stain, and seal wood surface |
| Termite or pest repair | $250 to $2,350 | Inspection + damaged wood replacement |
| Post replacement | $50 to $500 per post | Remove rotted post, set new post in footing |
Labor runs $50 to $100 per hour for most deck repair professionals. Minor repairs take 2 to 5 hours. Structural repairs can take 1 to 3 days.
Full deck replacement costs $15 to $50 per square foot installed, depending on material and project complexity. This includes demolition of the old deck, new framing if needed, board installation, railings, and cleanup.
| Deck Size | Area (sqft) | Wood Replacement | Composite Replacement |
| 10 x 12 | 120 | $1,800 to $3,600 | $3,000 to $6,000 |
| 12 x 16 | 192 | $2,900 to $5,800 | $4,800 to $9,600 |
| 14 x 20 | 280 | $4,200 to $8,400 | $7,000 to $14,000 |
| 16 x 20 | 320 | $4,800 to $9,600 | $8,000 to $16,000 |
| 20 x 20 | 400 | $6,000 to $12,000 | $10,000 to $20,000 |
| Material | Cost per Sqft (materials) | Lifespan | Maintenance |
| Pressure treated pine | $3 to $7 | 10 to 15 years | Stain and seal every 2 to 3 years |
| Cedar | $5 to $10 | 15 to 20 years | Oil or seal annually |
| Redwood | $8 to $19 | 15 to 25 years | Seal every 2 to 3 years |
| Capped composite | $6 to $12 | 25 to 30+ years | Wash only, no staining |
| PVC | $7 to $14 | 25 to 30+ years | Wash only |
| Ipe (tropical hardwood) | $10 to $25 | 40+ years | Oil annually or let weather |
| Cost Item | Typical Range | Notes |
| Old deck demolition | $5 to $10 per sqft | Includes debris removal and disposal |
| Permits and inspections | $200 to $500 | Required in most jurisdictions for replacements |
| Structural inspection | $200 to $500 | Recommended before deciding repair vs replace |
| Railing replacement | $20 to $60 per linear ft | Material dependent (wood, composite, metal) |
| New stairs | $1,000 to $3,000 | Per stair run including stringers and treads |
| Seasonal labor premium | 10 to 20% higher | Spring and summer are peak demand |
Fall is often the best time to schedule deck work. Contractor availability increases and pricing drops 10 to 20% compared to the spring and summer peak season.
Resurfacing replaces the deck boards, stairs, and railings while keeping the existing substructure. This costs $15 to $35 per square foot, depending on the material. It is the best value when the joists and beams are still structurally sound, but the surface boards are worn, splintered, or faded. Resurfacing with composite decking eliminates the staining and sealing cycle permanently.
The upfront cost of composite is higher, but the total cost over 25 years is often lower because composite eliminates recurring maintenance expenses. See the full composite vs wood decking comparison for detailed data.
| Cost Category | Pressure Treated Wood (300 sqft) | Capped Composite (300 sqft) |
| Material and installation | $2,500 to $4,500 | $4,500 to $8,400 |
| Staining every 2 to 3 years (x 9 cycles) | $4,500 to $9,000 | $0 |
| Board replacements (years 10 to 20) | $800 to $2,000 | $0 to $200 |
| Sealing (periodic) | $1,200 to $2,500 | $0 |
| 25 year total | $9,000 to $18,000 | $4,500 to $8,600 |
A quick inspection can help you decide. Push a screwdriver into suspect areas of the deck. If the wood feels soft or the tool sinks more than 1/8 inch with little resistance, the board or joist has significant decay.
| Condition | Recommended Action | Estimated Cost |
| 1 to 3 damaged boards, frame solid | Repair (board replacement) | $200 to $800 |
| Surface worn, frame solid | Resurface with composite | $2,000 to $8,000 |
| Widespread rot or pest damage (>30%) | Full replacement | $8,000 to $25,000+ |
| Deck older than 20 years | Structural inspection first ($200 to $500) | Depends on findings |
| Repair estimate exceeds 50% of replacement cost | Replace | Compare quotes |
Deck repairs average $250 to $2,500 for minor to moderate work. Full replacement runs $4,500 to $18,000 for most homes. Resurfacing with composite boards at $15 to $35 per square foot is often the best value when the substructure is sound.
Over 25 years, composite decking costs less than wood when maintenance is included. Before committing to any approach, invest $200 to $500 in a structural inspection to confirm what your deck actually needs. To explore composite decking for your repair or replacement project, request a free sample or contact our team.
Deck repairs cost $250 to $2,500 on average. Simple fixes like replacing fasteners or a single board cost $50 to $300. Structural repairs involving joists or beams cost $500 to $2,000+. The final price depends on the extent, material type, and local labor rates of $50 to $100 per hour.
Full deck replacement costs $15 to $50 per square foot installed, or $4,500 to $18,000 for a standard 300 to 400 square foot deck. This includes demolition ($5 to $10/sqft), new framing if needed, board installation, railings, and permits ($200 to $500). Composite material adds $2,000 to $4,000 over pressure-treated wood but eliminates future staining costs.
Repair is cheaper when damage is limited to less than 30% of the surface, and the frame is structurally sound. When repair costs exceed 50% of replacement cost, full replacement usually provides better long term value. A structural inspection ($200 to $500) gives a clear answer before committing.
Composite decking lasts 25 to 30+ years with no staining or sealing. Pressure-treated wood lasts 10 to 15 years with maintenance every 2 to 3 years. Over 25 years, a 300 square foot wood deck costs $9,000 to $18,000 total (including maintenance), while a composite deck costs $4,500 to $8,600.
Fall offers the best combination of pricing and availability. Contractor demand drops after summer, and many offer 10 to 20% lower pricing. Late spring and summer are peak season with higher costs and longer wait times. Avoid scheduling during rainy periods because moisture affects staining and concrete curing.
Yes, if the existing joists are structurally sound and spaced correctly (16 inches on center for most composite boards, 12 inches for diagonal installation). Resurfacing costs $15 to $35 per square foot and eliminates future staining and sealing costs. Inspect joists for rot, insect damage, and proper fastener condition before installing new surface boards.
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