How Much Does Deck Repair or Replacement Cost in Indianapolis, Indiana? [2025 Data]

Normal Range: $698 - $2,329

The average deck repair cost in Indianapolis, Indiana, is $1,485, but it can range between $698 and $2,329, 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 Indianapolis, Indiana, are 33% lower than the national average. 

  • Labor rates are lower in Indianapolis, where the cost of living is roughly 11% lower than the national average.

  • Indianapolis building permits cost $32, and structural remodel permits start at $159.

Deck repair costs in Indianapolis, Indiana, are around $1,485 on average but can range anywhere from $698 to $2,329. Major factors contributing to deck repair costs in the city include the deck size, materials, and type of deck repair. Demolition and railing replacement costs can also impact the price of the project, so refer to this guide to help you budget for repairing your deck.

Deck Repair Cost Factors

Creating a deck repair checklist to calculate your costs? Deck size, materials, repair type, railing replacement, demolition, and sealing and staining are the biggest cost factors for repairing a deck in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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. Size also impacts the cost of rebuilding a deck from scratch. The average cost to build a new deck in Indianapolis ranges between $2,000 and $16,000, or $20 to $40 per square foot, including labor.

Deck Size in FeetDeck Size in Square FeetAverage Repair Cost (With Labor)
10-by-10100$2,000–$4,000
12-by-12144$2,900–$5,800
12-by-14168$3,400–$6,700
14-by-14196$3,900–$7,800
14-by-16224$4,500–$9,000
16-by-16256$5,100–$10,200
14-by-20280$5,600–$11,200
16-by-18288$5,800–$11,500
20-by-20400$8,000–$16,000

Materials

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

The materials for deck repair cost between $3 and $45 per square foot, with the type of decking also influencing the cost. 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 IndianapolisCons in Indianapolis
Cedar$3–$7Budget-friendly, aesthetically appealing, decay- and insect-resistantShorter lifespan, more susceptible to scratches and damage, high-maintenance
Pressure-treated lumber$8–$20Cost-friendly, insect- and decay-resistantQuality depends on the grade, contains chromated copper arsenic (CCA)
Ipe hardwood$10–$20Durable, long lifespan, moisture- and weather-resistantModerate cost, labor-heavy, high-maintenance
Redwood$5–$30Naturally beautiful, termite-resistantHigh-maintenance, susceptible to surface damage
Composite wood$12–$45Low-maintenance, high durability, color customizationLacks the natural appearance of wood, higher cost
Recycled plastic lumber$30–$45Eco-friendly decking material, recyclable, lightweight, easier to install Highest cost, heats up on hot days, expands and contracts in fluctuating weather
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

Replacing your deck railing costs $15 to $600 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
Composite$15–$30
Trex$20–$60
Poly or plastic$25–$70
Stainless steel$30–$80
Wood$40–$50
Aluminum$40–$70
Wrought iron$50–$120
Cable$50–$200
Glass$100–$600

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 RepairDeck Replacement
Minor damage, like small cracksSignificant damage, like large holes and split boards
Mold that hasn’t permeated the interiorExtensive 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 visitIt’s older than the projected lifespan

Deck Repair Pro Costs

Deck repair costs are a combination of materials and labor. The cost of hiring a pro depends on the following factors.

Local Labor

As spring approaches in Indianapolis, many homeowners are ready to repair their decks to enjoy the great outdoors. This is the time of year when labor costs are the highest due to increased demand. Expect to pay between $70 and $350, depending on seasonality and individual deck contractor rates. 

Permits

It's important to work with a deck repair company in Indianapolis because Indiana deck building permit requirements vary from county to county. Freestanding decks smaller than 30 inches in height may not require permits. Here are the most basic criteria for needing a permit in Indiana:

  • Your deck is more than 30 inches above grade.

  • Your deck is over 200 square feet.

  • The deck is attached to your home. 

  • You need structural respiration, like footings or posts.

  • Your deck requires electrical or plumbing repairs.

Currently, all Indianapolis building permit applications cost $32, while residential structural remodel permits cost $159 for structures less than 1,000 square feet. Contact your local building department to find out if you need a permit to repair your deck in Indianapolis, as requirements and policies can change. 

Insurance

If you have homeowners insurance, your policy may cover the cost to repair your deck. It depends on the type of damage, the cause of damage, and the fine print of your plan. 

Taxes

Indianapolis has a 7% sales tax, meaning you’ll pay $50 to $160 in taxes on your deck repair. 

Cost of Living

Indianapolis’s cost of living is 11% below the national average. Housing is 23% lower than the national average. You’ll see prices reflect that lower cost of living when choosing to repair your deck. 

Tipping 

While tipping is voluntary in Indianapolis, you can tip installers who do an exceptional job repairing your deck. Since tipping is so personal, you can tip anywhere from 0% to up to 20%. However, it’s not common to tip a contractor, since they often charge by the hour or project.

Does Deck Repair Increase Home Value?

According to the Journal of Light Construction’s Cost vs. Value Report, simply having a deck as an addition to your home has a recouped cost ranging from 89% to 95%, depending on the material.

Indianapolis has four seasons and a humid climate that could make hanging out on a deck less appealing than regions with mild climates or more arid ones. That doesn't mean that repairing an existing deck won't increase your home value, though, especially if your existing deck detracts from the appearance of your property. Decks provide extra functionality, aesthetics, and universal design that make them valuable to homes.

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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