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How Much Does Deck Repair or Replacement Cost in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania? [2025 Data]
Normal Range: $738 - $2,823
The average deck repair cost in Philadelphia, PA, is $1,778, but it can range between $738 and $2,823, 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
Some deck repair projects—like anchoring a few loose stairs or replacing popped nails—cost less than $200.
You’ll pay between $3 and $45 per square foot for materials to repair your deck.
Pricier deck repairs—such as refurbishing and board replacements—can reach into the thousands of dollars.
Deck repairs will also cost more if you have a large deck or high-end decking material.
To protect your deck from the sun, moisture, and pests, you should seal it every few years. In Philadelphia, this costs $430 to $970.
The average deck repair cost in Philadelphia is $1,778, but it’s common to spend between $738 and $2,823 on this project. Your final cost ultimately depends on the kind of repairs you need, the square footage of your deck, your decking material, and more. Here’s how those factors influence the cost of deck repairs in Philadelphia.
Deck Repair Cost Factors
From deck size to repair type, here are the key cost factors that affect how much you’ll spend to fix a deck in Philadelphia, PA.
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. In Philadelphia, the average cost to build a new deck ranges between $3,505 and $14,020, or $23 to $47 per square foot.
| Deck Size in Feet | Average Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| 10-by-10 | $234–$3,505 |
| 12-by-12 | $336–$5,047 |
| 12-by-14 | $393–$5,888 |
| 14-by-14 | $458–$6,870 |
| 14-by-16 | $523–$7,851 |
| 14-by-20 | $654–$9,814 |
| 16-by-16 | $598–$8,973 |
| 16-by-18 | $673–$10,095 |
| 20-by-20 | $935–$14,020 |
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 Philadelphia | Cons in Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar | $3–$7 | Authentic wood aesthetic | Can fade quickly |
| Pressure-treated lumber | $8–$20 | Protects against pests and moisture | Shorter lifespan than some other materials |
| Ipe hardwood | $10–$20 | Lasts for decades | Challenging installation |
| Redwood | $5–$30 | Natural look | Can scratch and dent |
| Composite wood | $12–$45 | Less upkeep required | Stains easily |
| Recycled plastic lumber | $30–$45 | Durable | Pricier 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 Philadelphia, replacing your deck railing costs $27 to $164 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–$47 |
| Metal | $43–$66 |
| Composite | $62–$129 |
| Glass | $109–$164 |
| Cable | $90–$136 |
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 $428 and $974. 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
We’ve covered the main cost factors, but there are a few more expenses to keep in mind before beginning your deck repair project. Let’s take a look.
Licensing
You can tackle simple repairs yourself, but if your deck needs any replacement parts, structural work, or pest control services, it’s best to hire a qualified deck professional in Philadelphia. Your pro should have a city-issued Contractor License or be a registered Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) with the state of Pennsylvania, depending on the size of their business.
Permits
In Philadelphia, you don’t need a permit for deck maintenance or minor repair jobs (like sealing your deck or getting rid of mildew). However, the city requires a building permit for any work that “changes the interior or exterior of an existing structure” or “enlarges or adds to an existing structure.”
Ask your contractor if you need any permits for your project—and if so, make sure that they’ll pull them before the work begins.
Sales Tax
It might not increase your budget significantly, but it’s worth considering Philadelphia’s 8% sales tax when planning for deck repairs. For example, if your project requires $800 worth of materials and supplies, you’d owe $64 in sales tax.
Does Deck Repair Increase Home Value?
For many homebuyers, decks are an attractive selling point—especially in urban areas like Philadelphia, where having your own private outdoor space isn’t a given. If your deck is in good shape when you put your house on the market, it can help it stand out to prospective buyers.
In Philadelphia, adding a deck offers a great return on investment (ROI), according to research in the Journal of Light Construction (JLC) Cost Versus Value Report. After building a wood deck, homeowners recoup 90% of the project costs. For composite decks, it’s 87.2%.
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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