How Much Does It Cost to Repair My Deck?

If a dilapidated deck is preventing you from fully enjoying your home’s outdoor space, find out whether simple repairs are an option for you. For an average cost of $1,890, you can replace broken boards, loose steps, and wobbly deck railings to get your deck looking great and operating safely. Use this guide for an idea of what factors might affect your deck repair cost.

Average Cost of Deck Repair Near You 

The cost to repair a deck can vary widely, and the quotes you receive will be different depending on where you live. Below is a list of average total deck repair costs for cities across the U.S.:

How Much Does It Cost to Replace Deck Boards by Decking Material?

The cost to replace any broken boards depends on your current deck materials. Different materials also have different lifespans, so you may need to replace certain types more often than others.

Cedar Decking

The average cost of cedar decking is $3 to $7 per square foot. Loved for its rich color, cedar requires diligent cleaning and resealing to maintain. The wood produces its own oils for years after processing, helping it maintain a distinctive cedar smell. Properly maintained, cedarwood lasts 15 to 20 years, though it may deteriorate faster in wet, shaded areas.

Pressure Treated Lumber

The average cost of treated lumber is $8 to $20 per square foot, depending on its quality. Less expensive treated wood is more likely to retain moisture and warp, while more expensive kiln-dried options can maintain their shape for decades. While it lacks the aesthetics of cedar, treated lumber is easy to install and requires much less maintenance.

Ipe Hardwood Decking

The average cost of ipe decking is $10 to $20 or more per square foot. This tropical hardwood is among the most durable decking options, with an estimated lifespan of 30 to 50 years and a natural resistance to rotting.

Redwood Decking

The average cost of redwood decking is $5 to $30 per square foot. The broad grain patterns of natural redwood make every deck unique. With proper maintenance, this wood can last 15 to 30 years.

Composite Wood Decking

The average cost of composite decking is $12 to $45 per square foot. This material can be entirely plastic, a mixture of wood and plastic, or plastic wrapped around a wood core. It has a low initial cost and offers resistance to weather and stains but requires a lot of maintenance.

Recycled Plastic Lumber

The average cost of recycled plastic lumber is $30 to $45 per square foot. This material is highly resistant to weather and decay, and unlike natural wood, it won’t splinter, warp, or crack.

Deck Repair Cost Breakdown

Here’s how your overall cost will break down when you hire a deck repair professional.

Materials

Decking can cost anywhere from $3 to $45 per square foot. This variation in cost is contingent on the material types.

Labor

Labor alone for a deck repair project costs $100 to $500, depending on the type and amount of fixes required. 

Common Issues

Here are some common decking issues that you may encounter when evaluating your deck for repairs:

Cost to Repair a Deck Yourself vs. Hiring a Deck Repair Contractor

The cost of supplies for DIY deck repairs ranges from $10 to $50 for simple projects like replacing a few broken boards, strengthening wobbly posts, or replacing nails, all of which can be done in a few hours.

To replace all decking boards and railings can cost from $100 to $600 and take several days to complete. Hiring a professional handyperson, carpenter, or deck repair company will increase those costs to $100 to $500 for simple projects and $1,550 to $2,600 for extensive repairs.

If you’re handy and have experience with carpentry, DIY repairs can save you money. However, working with a pro can help you ensure that the project is done correctly and avoid the need for additional repairs in the near future.

Tips to Reduce Cost While Repairing a Deck

To offset the cost of professional labor, you can minimize your overall deck repair costs by buying the decking materials yourself with one of the following approaches:

• Ask your contractor for a complete list of the materials needed, then purchase them yourself from your local hardware store.

• Go to the hardware store or lumberyard with your contractor and pay for the materials directly while you’re there.

• Open an account at your local lumberyard, which you can pay from directly when the project is complete.

All of these methods can help you avoid premiums that your contractor might otherwise add to the cost of materials. If the required repairs are only minor, you can also save money by hiring a handyperson instead of a carpenter or deck company. Get quotes from at least three professionals before making your final decision.

Mold, Rot, and Mildew Issues

If mold is the primary issue affecting your deck and the damaged area is not weight-bearing, you can trim away damaged wood on your own and fill in the area with an epoxy compound. These compounds cost $35 to $70 per quart or $100 to $200 per gallon.

Mildew, on the other hand, can be power washed. If you don’t own a power washer, you can rent one for $40 to $75 per day and purchase cleaning supplies for $10 to $30. However, know that incorrect power washing can lead to further damage to your deck’s structure and appearance, so you’ll want to have a good handle on your approach and technique for this project.