If you’re updating a deck or staircase with a modern railing, you may be wondering how much cable railing costs. We dive into the cost factors you need to know.
How Much Does Deck Repair or Replacement Cost in Chicago, Illinois? [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $825 - $3,101
The average deck repair cost in Chicago, IL, is $1,963, but it can range between $825 and $3,101, 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
Iriana Shiyan / Adobe Stock Photography
Iriana Shiyan / Adobe Stock Photography
Cost Insights
Fixing loose stairs costs $25 to $50 per stair, and refurbishing your deck costs $100 to $2,000 (or more).
In Chicago, professional deck builders charge $44 to $88 per hour for labor.
You’ll pay between $3 and $45 per square foot for deck repair materials in the Windy City.
The average deck repair cost in Chicago is $1,963, but it often ranges from $825 to $3,101. Prices depend on the kinds of repairs your deck requires, as well as the square footage and material of your deck. Your decking pro will consider these factors when creating your repair quote, but you can also use this guide to figure out what you’ll pay for deck repairs in Chicago.
Deck Repair Cost Factors
When repairing or replacing a deck in Chicago, IL, your total price will depend on the following cost factors.
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. 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 Chicago ranges between $3,947 and $15,788, or $26 to $53 per square foot.
| Deck Size in Feet | Average Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| 10-by-10 | $263–$3,947 |
| 12-by-12 | $379–$5,684 |
| 12-by-14 | $442–$6,631 |
| 14-by-14 | $516–$7,736 |
| 14-by-16 | $589–$8,841 |
| 14-by-20 | $737–$11,051 |
| 16-by-16 | $674–$10,104 |
| 16-by-18 | $758–$11,368 |
| 20-by-20 | $1,053–$15,788 |
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. 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 Chicago ranges between $3,947 and $15,788, or $26 to $53 per square foot.
| Deck Size in Feet | Average Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| 10-by-10 | $263–$3,947 |
| 12-by-12 | $379–$5,684 |
| 12-by-14 | $442–$6,631 |
| 14-by-14 | $516–$7,736 |
| 14-by-16 | $589–$8,841 |
| 14-by-20 | $737–$11,051 |
| 16-by-16 | $674–$10,104 |
| 16-by-18 | $758–$11,368 |
| 20-by-20 | $1,053–$15,788 |
Materials
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 Material | Average Cost per Square Foot | Pros in Chicago | Cons in Chicago |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar | $3–$7 | Classic wood look | Less durable than other materials |
| Pressure-treated lumber | $8–$20 | Readily available | Shorter lifespan |
| Ipe hardwood | $10–$20 | Wards off pests and moisture | Often hard to source |
| Redwood | $5–$30 | Unlikely to warp or rot | Can fade and scuff |
| Composite wood | $12–$45 | Low maintenance | Lacks authentic wood look |
| Recycled plastic lumber | $30–$45 | Not prone to warping or splintering | Higher-priced option |
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 Issue | Average 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 Chicago, replacing your deck railing costs $31 to $184 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 Material | Average Cost per Linear Foot |
|---|---|
| Wood | $31–$53 |
| Metal | $48–$75 |
| Composite | $70–$145 |
| Glass | $123–$184 |
| Cable | $101–$153 |
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
In Chicago, the average cost to stain a deck professionally is between $482 and $1,096. 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 screws | Large sections of rotting wood |
| Buildup of dirt and grime | The overall structure sways |
| Loose railing | Frequent and high repair costs |
| It needs a maintenance visit | It’s older than the projected lifespan |
Deck Repair Pro Costs
On top of the above costs, deck repairs and replacements come with a few other expenses. Here’s how they factor into your budget.
Licensing
Some small deck repairs are DIY-friendly, but if your deck has structural issues or a sizable part of it needs replacing, you should hire a licensed and insured general contractor for the job.
The Chicago Department of Buildings (DOB) issues general contractor licenses. Before hiring a deck repair pro, it’s a good idea to check their license status on the department’s website.
Permits
You must have a building permit from the city of Chicago before repairing or replacing any structural elements on a deck or porch. If you received a building code violation from the city, you’ll also need a permit to repair or replace non-structural parts of your deck (including boards, railings, and stairs).
In the Windy City, the minimum fee for a deck repair or in-kind replacement is $250. When you hire a deck pro in Chicago, they should secure the permits for your job (but it’s best to confirm this before any project work begins).
Sales Tax
Chicago’s steep 10.25% sales tax will apply if you buy decking materials or equipment in the city. An example of what that might look like: If your project requires $900 worth of supplies, sales tax would add an extra $92 to your bill.
Does Deck Repair Increase Home Value?
A deck that’s in good condition can be an enticing feature for house hunters—particularly in busy cities like Chicago, where private outdoor space is often hard to find. It’s no surprise, then, that adding a new deck delivers a high return on investment (ROI) in Chicago.
The Journal of Light Construction (JLC) Cost Versus Value Report found that Chicago homeowners who add a wood deck recoup 98.4% of the project costs. Those who built composite decks got back 91.4% of 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.
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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