How Much Does Deck Repair or Replacement Cost in San Francisco, California? [2025 Data]

San Francisco’s climate is marked by cool, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Despite the fog that often rolls in, the weather is temperate enough for homeowners to enjoy their backyard decks for much of the year. Regular maintenance enhances both the aesthetic and safety of a wooden deck. Deck repair costs in San Francisco are $4,070 but can range between $1,129 and $7,011.

Deck Repair Cost Factors 

Deck repair costs in San Francisco, CA, are determined by the type of materials used and the extent of work needed. Given that the Bay Area has a much higher cost of living than the national average, homeowners can expect to pay the higher end of any cost range, especially when it comes to labor.

Deck Size

Larger decks carry higher material costs and greater labor costs, especially in San Francisco, where the cost of living is about 65% higher than the national average. To get an idea of repair costs, you can inspect your deck and measure the problem areas. The materials for deck repair cost between $3 and $45 per square foot, with the type of decking also influencing the cost. 

Size also impacts the cost of rebuilding a deck from scratch. The average cost to build a new deck ranges between $6,936 and $20,052, or $46 to $67 per square foot. 

Material

The cost of replacing broken boards depends on the deck materials and the best wood for your deck. Different deck board materials also have varying life spans, so you’ll need to replace certain types more often than others.

Deck Repair Cost by Type 

If your deck just needs a repair or two, the cost depends on the issue. Minor cosmetic fixes will cost much less than major structural repairs. Here are some common decking issues that you may encounter when evaluating your deck for repairs. 

Railing Replacement

Replacing your deck railing costs $35 to $210 per linear foot. Railings are essential safety features for raised decks, and they’re also nice to have on ground-level or floating decks to prevent accidents. Your final cost depends on the material you choose for the railing. 

Demolition

Demolishing an old deck costs $5 to $15 per square foot. This includes removing the old materials and the demolition itself. However, disposing of the materials yourself can cut costs.  

Sealing and Staining

The average cost to stain a deck professionally is between $550 and $1,250. Whether hiring out or DIYing, always follow up with a clear sealant for added protection. Be sure to stain and reseal your deck every two to three years.

When to Repair vs. Replace Your Deck

While it’s a great idea to repair rather than replace a deck when possible, there are some instances when it’s better to start fresh. Unfortunately, if your deck is in poor shape, your best option is to tear it down and rebuild. Here are some key signs that it’s time to budget for deck replacement costs.

Deck Repair Pro Costs

Maintaining your wooden deck will not only enhance your yard’s aesthetic, but it will also keep the structure safe. While it’s normal for decks to show signs of wear and tear as the seasons pass, homeowners should prioritize deck repair to avoid extensive decay that could lead to personal injury. 

Unless you’re an experienced contractor yourself, you’ll want to hire a local deck repair pro when it comes to maintaining the structural integrity of your wooden deck. 

Labor

Hiring a deck repair pro in San Francisco will cost $50 to $100 per hour. With the city’s higher cost of living, you can expect to pay closer to the higher end of that range. Assuming you’ve got minor repairs, the work might only take two to five hours, so you’ll pay between $100 and $500 for the work. However, larger decks and bigger repairs will take longer and cost more.

Permits

According to the San Francisco Planning office, decks in the Bay Area can be repaired or even fully replaced as long as they are already in compliance with local code. If a deck is not compliant, then it can be repaired up to 50% of the total building materials. Anything more will likely require a permit. 

All decks that are at least 3 feet above grade require a permit for construction, although small repairs that don’t change the structure of a deck probably won’t need one. 

Cost of Living

San Francisco is not a low-cost place to live. The cost of living in the Bay Area is 65% higher than the national average, while housing costs are a whopping 161% more. When figuring out a budget for any home improvement project, know that labor and material costs will likely be on the higher end of the scale.

Taxes

If your deck repair requires additional supplies or materials, don’t forget to tack on sales tax to the cost. San Francisco’s sales tax combines state and local taxes for a total of 8.625% added to the price.

Does Deck Repair Increase Home Value?

A well-maintained deck is certainly an asset in a mild climate like San Francisco. The Journal of Light Construction’s Cost vs. Value report says that a wooden deck in the Pacific region can recoup 102.5% of the construction cost, while a composite one can recoup 74.1% of the cost. Property values are already staggering in the Bay Area, so homeowners with existing decks will want to keep them in good repair to maintain their investment.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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