If your deck is old and outdated and makes the rest of your outdoor living space look bad, then that’s a sign that you need a renovation or a replacement of your deck. The main question is what is the price for this type of work? Deck repair costs range from $750 to $3,200 depending on the size of the repair, the type of deck material, and the source of the problem.
Deck replacement costs, typically range from $5,000 to $20,000, which includes the cost to build a deck, demolish the old one, and reassess the land for the new design. Overall price also depends on many factors, and just like for a deck repair, it depends on your deck’s size, deck materials, and location.
Stay with us and find out all the details about the cost of deck replacement or repair. At the same time, we discover every potential additional cost that can cross your way and make your process easier. Let’s start!
The average cost to replace or repair a deck
Most decks have their expiration date, which is between 15 and 30 years. If you use deck materials that are better quality, the more likely you will need fewer repairs over the years.
When you start from scratch and consider deck prices, many parts of the existing structure can often be saved. The cost of repairing a deck versus replacing a deck is quite different and you have to consider several factors. In the table below, you can check out the different prices.
| Cost | Repair | Replacement |
| Average cost | $2,000 | $11,500 |
| Highest cost | $3,200 | $20,000 |
| Lowest cost | $750 | $5,000 |
Deck replacement cost breakdown
You can calculate the price of deck replacement based on two things, which are:
- deck size
- deck material
Decks exist in all shapes and sizes, but most have between 150 and 400 square feet. If your deck is large, then it’s expected that you’ll spend more on materials, installation, permits, foundation flashing, and finishes.
You will need to pay between $6 and $15 per square foot to demolish your old deck and for the junk removal. Also, you will need to obtain a demolition permit.
In the following table, check out the average cost of deck replacement (building a new one) depending on its size:
| Deck size | Average cost |
| 10-by-10 | $5,000 |
| 12-by-12 | $7,000 |
| 12-by-14 | $8,000 |
| 14-by-14 | $9,000 |
| 14-by-16 | $10,500 |
| 14-by-20 | $12,800 |
| 16-by-16 | $12,000 |
| 16-by-18 | $14,000 |
| 20-by-20 | $19,000 |
The average cost of deck replacement
Different parts of the deck have different costs, so in the following table, we’ll break down the prices for you:
| Deck part | Replacement cost |
| Wood deck boards | $2.50 – $23 per sq. ft. |
| Composite deck boards | $9 – $10 per sq. ft. |
| Substructure | $5 per sq. ft. |
| Stairs | $180 – $1,700 |
| Railings | $40-$250 per linear foot |
| Lighting | $1,700 – $3,000 |
When we talk about the cost of deck renovation, one of the first things that often need repair or replacement are the deck boards, so we’ll discuss the cost of the deck boards below.
Cost to replace deck boards
Broken boards are a widespread problem with decks. The average labor cost to replace deck boards goes from $30 to $130 per square foot, and the price mostly depends on the deck materials. Different deck board materials have different lifespans, so replacing certain types more often than others is possible.
In the table below, we’ll show you the deck board replacement cost by material:
| Material | Average cost per square foot installed |
| Composite | $50 – $90 |
| Wood | $30 – $60 |
| PVC | $60 – $90 |
| Aluminium | $100 – $130 |
Since we’ve established prices for replacing the deck boards, let’s see how much it costs to replace the deck railing which plays a very significant role in the way your deck looks.
Deck railing replacement cost
Replacing a railing on a deck can cost between $40 and $250 per linear foot. It’s advisable to have a railing because they’re an essential safety feature for decks that are raised, and the cost of railing also depends on the type of material that is chosen.
Here you can see the average cost for different deck railing materials:
| Deck Railing Material | Cost per Linear Foot |
| Wood | $50-$70 |
| Metal | $60 – $90 |
| Composite | $90 – $170 |
| Glass | $150 – $220 |
| Cable | $120 – $180 |
Now that we established the deck replacement costs, let’s see how the price changes when we talk about deck repair costs.
Deck repair cost
Even though decks are often made to last for a very long time, during that time, because of different outdoor impacts, a lot of things can happen that can influence the look of our deck.
Luckily, we can extend the life of our deck with proper upgrades such as resurfacing, replacement boards, or building new stairs and railings.
In the following table, we will show you different problems and the causes of the problems so you can understand how to approach the cost of deck repair in the best possible way.
| Type of damage | Average repair cost |
| Broken or damaged board | $30- $130 per square foot |
| Broken or damaged railing | $40 – $250 per linear foot |
| Pest or termite damage | $600 – $10,500 |
| Mold, mildew, or wood rot damage | $400 – $1,500 |
| Loose or missing screws | $150 – $250 |
| Resurfacing | $2,000 – $5,500 |
| Loose or detached stairs | $150 – $350 |
The average cost to repair a deck
In the following table, we will show you the price for average deck repair:
| National average cost | $2,000 |
| Typical price range | $900 to $3,200 |
| Extreme low-end cost | $750 |
| Extreme high-end cost | $7,000 |
The cost depends on numerous factors such as size, type of material, and location, so it’s always important to keep that in mind when talking about the general cost of the project because these things influence the price.
Additional cost factors for your deck replacement or repair
There are a lot of factors that can influence the price of repairing or replacing a deck such as local cost of labor, building permit, and different details regarding the deck’s design. Let’s check the most important ones:
- Labor – Labor costs to build a deck range from $9 to $23 per square foot, depending on the type of material and design. For repairs, most professionals cost between $150 and $550.
- Total square footage – If you want a bigger deck, it will take more time, labor and materials to be finished. Because of this, the price can be higher.
- Material choice – Each type of material has its good and bad sides. Wood, composite materials, or PVC decks are some of the most commonly used materials that exist on the market and are highly used. The only difference between them is their maintenance and cost so always choose your materials carefully and stick to your budget.
- Permits – Making some major changes to your deck, such as building a new deck or replacing the old one, requires a deck permit. If you’re building a new deck you will need a site plan as well. Permits play a huge role and they can cost up to $600, and it’s always important to check everything about it with your local building department.
- Customizations – If you add custom railings or staircase, and a lot of different unique details to your deck, the price will be higher. Decks with different shapes cost more, and they need more time and work to be done. Some of the most common upgrades include stair lights, railing lights, pergolas, wrapped columns, and gutter systems.
One of the most common doubts when starting a deck renovation is whether it is possible to renovate the deck by yourself, without the help of experts. In the rest of the text, we will explain the pros and cons concerning this topic.
DIY deck repair or replacement vs. hiring a professional
There are a lot of deck repairs that you can do by yourself if you’re good with the hammer and a power saw. You can do simple tasks such as power washing, board repair, and refinishing and save money on your overall deck-building cost.
You need to ensure you have all the necessary tools and equipment for this type of job. Although you’ll save on labor costs, don’t forget that making any potential deck mistakes throughout the project will cost you even more money because then you’ll need to fix them.
If you’re more advanced, you can consider building a deck completely alone, which would cut the costs of labor to a minimum. But, since the deck is a load-bearing structure and one small error can keep your deck from passing the inspection, it’s not always advisable to do the deck construction alone without the help of a professional.
The DIY approach requires a lot of knowledge about the construction itself, tools, and safety equipment.
We can conclude that although there are a lot of basic tasks that can be done by a homeowner himself, most deck repairs are best left to a deck contractor. Deck installation companies have more expertise, they will inspect all the necessary things and install any upgrades. A reputable company will do the job faster and save you time.
Many professional contractors offer guarantees for their work, as they are familiar with local building codes and permit requirements. They can easily navigate the process, ensure compliance with building departments, and obtain necessary site plans for permits.
In the following text, we will discover efficient ways to save money when it comes to deck renovation.
Tips and tricks on how to reduce your renovation deck cost
We all know that renovation of any kind often requires a lot of money. However, there are some things you need to keep in mind, to reduce your overall cost. Regularly check and maintain your house, because the sooner you realize the problem, the repairing or replacing will cost you less money because you’ll be able to fix it on time.
Here is some more advice:
- Hire a deck professional during the off-season such as fall or early winter
- Before hiring a deck professional be sure of what type and size of deck you want
- Try to handle small repairs alone such as replacing the deck boards
- Do all the deck renovation prep and junk removal by yourself
- Compare prices in different shops before you buy all the material
- Buy materials in bulk, because the more quantity, the cheaper the price
By following these simple tips, we assure you that you can reduce your overall costs and save your budget.
Deck replacement cost FAQs
How can I get an accurate cost estimate for my project?
To get an accurate cost estimate for your deck replacement or repair, you will need to measure the deck area and inspect its current condition. Get in touch with a contractor that will help you consider material and labor costs, check whether you need a permit, and account for all the potential contingencies.
Is it worth repairing a deck?
Properly repairing your deck will help extend its life span. Even decks that are highly damaged can be fixed when they are refinished, resurfaced, or fortified with new joists and posts. If you have second thoughts and you’re not sure what is the best option for you, seek a professional opinion to ensure there isn’t a more cost-effective solution.
Can I reuse any materials from my existing deck to reduce costs?
Yes, you can reuse certain materials like sturdy framing, support posts, and deck boards from your existing deck structure to reduce your costs.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a deck?
A deck repair is cheaper, while a full replacement is always more expensive. If you choose to strip a deck down to its foundation, working with original groundwork to rebuild is less expensive than starting from scratch.
How do I choose a contractor to repair my deck?
Try contacting a few different contractors and discussing your specific project. Check their reviews, reputation, and whether are they familiar with the deck design you want to have.
How will I know that my deck needs to be repaired or replaced?
If you don’t know whether you need a deck renovation or not, you can always call a deck builder in your area who will help you estimate the situation. Deck inspections cost between $60 and $220 and will save you from guessing. Some of the reasons for deck renovation can include structural issues, improper deck installation or construction, etc.
Balancing a budget to get your dream deck
Crafting a budget is very important for cost-effective deck repair and replacement. To get the deck you have envisioned, you need to be informed about all the costs concerning the deck. Always contact your local contractor who will provide all the necessary information and help you throughout the project.
Both repairing and replacing a deck are good options. Repairing an existing deck can make it look better, but depending on the problem, repairing only sometimes works out. Because of this, replacing a deck is sometimes a much better option. Whatever you choose, your decision should be based on your previously planned budget plan, needs, and the current state of your existing deck.
If you need design help decorating your new deck, check out some deck ideas that will help bring your backyard to life.
