How Much Does Deck Repair or Replacement Cost in Washington, D.C.? [2025 Data]

Normal Range: $1,039 - $3,673

The average deck repair cost in Washington, D.C., is $2,356, but it can range between $1,039 and $3,673, depending on the deck’s size and material. Contact a local deck builder for a quote that takes your project specifics into account.

How we get this data
wooden walkout deck with flowers
Iriana Shiyan / Adobe Stock Photography
wooden walkout deck with flowers
Iriana Shiyan / Adobe Stock Photography
Cost Insights
  • Deck repair costs in Washington, D.C., can range from a couple hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the type of repair.

  • Fixing popped nails or screws is one of the least expensive deck repair jobs, costing $0.30 per square foot.

  • More extensive repairs—like replacing multiple boards or railings—will bump up your costs.

  • You should also seal your deck every few years (which runs between $580 and $1,320) to protect it from Washington, D.C.’s harsh winter weather.

The average deck repair cost in Washington, D.C., is $2,356, with most projects ranging from $1,039 to $3,673. The type and extent of the damage have a big influence on your budget, but other factors—like your deck’s square footage and material—will also play a role. Let’s take a closer look.

Deck Repair Cost Factors

The cost to fix a deck in Washington, D.C., mainly depends on the type of repair, as well as the size and material of your deck. Here’s how those factors impact your final project cost.

Deck Size

Larger decks carry higher material costs and greater labor costs. To get an idea of repair costs, you can inspect your deck and measure the problem areas. In Washington, D.C., 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 in Washington, D.C., ranges between $4,767 and $19,069, or $32 to $64 per square foot.

Deck Size in FeetAverage Repair Cost
10-by-10$318–$4,767
12-by-12$458–$6,865
12-by-14$534–$8,009
14-by-14$623–$9,344
14-by-16$712–$10,679
14-by-20$890–$13,348
16-by-16$814–$12,204
16-by-18$915–$13,730
20-by-20$1,271–$19,069

Materials

Deck materials for repair or replacement visual comparison, including cedar, ipe hardwood, and composite wood

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.

Decking MaterialAverage Cost per Square FootPros in Washington, D.C.Cons in Washington, D.C.
Cedar$3–$7AffordableColor can fade over time
Pressure-treated lumber$8–$20Protects against moisture and pestsLess durable than some other materials
Ipe hardwood$10–$20Long life expectancyHard to find
Redwood$5–$30Aesthetically appealingRequires annual sealing
Composite wood$12–$45Easy to maintainDoesn’t offer the look of real wood
Recycled plastic lumber$30–$45Holds up well against weather and rotCostly
Price Notice

In November 2024, three genera in the Ipe family (Handroanthus, Roseodendron, and Tabebuia) were added to the CITES Appendices of species with a threat of endangerment. Trade of Ipe is now more strictly regulated with increased pricing.

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.

Decking IssueAverage Cost to Repair
Railing repairs$500–$4,000
Popped nails or screws$0.30 per square foot
Loose stairs$25–$50 per stair
Mold and rot$200–$500
Mildew$50–$110
Board replacement$500–$4,000
Termite or other pests$200–$600
Resurfacing$15–$50 per square foot
Refurbishing$100–$2,000+
Stair anchoring$15–$40 per step
Pressure washing$200–$450

Railing Replacement

In Washington, D.C., replacing your deck railing costs $37 to $222 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. 

Deck Railing MaterialAverage Cost per Linear Foot
Wood$42–$64
Metal$58–$90
Composite$85–$175
Glass$148–$222
Cable$122–$185

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 $583 and $1,324. 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 Deck Replacement
Minor damage, like small cracks Significant damage, like large holes and split boards
Mold that hasn’t permeated the interior Extensive termite or mold damage
Popped nails or screwsLarge sections of rotting wood
Buildup of dirt and grimeThe overall structure sways
Loose railingFrequent and high repair costs
It needs a maintenance visit It’s older than the projected lifespan

Deck Repair Pro Costs

In addition to the above costs, you’ll face a few more expenses when planning a deck repair project. Here’s what to expect.

Licensing

When repairing a deck in Washington, D.C., it’s important to hire a licensed, insured, and bonded Home Improvement Contractor for the job. Working with a qualified professional who builds decks will ensure your deck repair is safe and compliant with Washington, D.C.’s regulations.

Permits

Your deck repair pro in Washington, D.C., should pull any required permits for your repair project. In the nation’s capital, deck permit fees and structures depend on the value of the work performed. You’ll either pay a flat fee or a flat fee plus a percentage of the total construction cost.

Sales Tax

Don’t forget about Washington, D.C.’s 6% sales tax rate when budgeting for deck repairs. It might not make a huge difference in your overall costs—but if you need $1,000 worth of decking materials, for example, you’d pay $60 in sales tax.

Does Deck Repair Increase Home Value?

Fixing a damaged deck can enhance your home’s desirability in the eyes of potential buyers, which could help you sell your house for a higher price. Decks can be particularly appealing in densely populated places like Washington, D.C., since they provide private outdoor gathering spaces (which can be hard to come by).

According to the Journal of Light Construction (JLC) Cost Versus Value Report, homeowners in the Middle Atlantic region recoup 94.9% of the cost of adding a wood deck.

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. 

Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.

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