How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Deck? (2024 Update)

If you own a relatively small house, a deck is a must-have. Mostly crafted from wood, it does a great job of extending the living area of the house. Also, in contrast to porches and patios, decks are incredibly flexible and low-cost. But what if you already have one and it’s in poor condition? Rain, snow, humidity, and termites can make short work of your deck.

So, how much will you have to pay to have it repaired? This depends on the extent of the damage, the materials, and, of course, the size of the deck, and we’ll cover all that in this guide. We’ll also talk about price differences in various parts of the country, extra expenses, how much contractors charge, and more. Let’s get to it! On average,  it will cost you $250–1,600 to repair a deck.

The Importance of a Deck

As far as the best outdoor living spaces go, decks are right there on top of the list. You can have your guests over, entertain a large group of people, and also use it as a playroom for the kids. Reading a book, eating food, talking to your friends and family members, and exercising; decks are perfect for all of that! In addition, they increase the market value of the house and make it easier to sell it in the future.

Next, a deck is the cheapest way to increase the functional living area of your home, and it comes with a 65% ROI. And let’s not forget about the visual aspect. With decks, you can choose between different colors, stains, designs, and materials. Last but not least a deck can be used to store stuff that you don’t have space for in the house.

How Much Does a Professional Deck Repair Cost?

In 2023, it will cost you $250–1,600 to repair a deck. This is the national average in the United States. With that said, most property owners usually pay $850–2,000. That’s the cost to fix damaged railings and replace deck boards. If your deck is in a relatively decent condition and you only need to replace the missing/corroded nails, that will set you back $50–150.

In contrast, if the deck is taken over by termites and has suffered extreme damage, be ready to pay as much as $4,000–6,500. This is important: while most contractors have fixed prices for the labor, it shouldn’t be hard to find a company that agrees to set the price based on the size of the repairs. This way, you’ll have to pay $15–35 per square foot of repaired deck. Or they’ll charge you by the hour ($30–55).

Deck Repair Cost By Different Regions and States

With the national average out of the way, let us see how much homeowners have to pay based on where they live. First, we’ll cover the coasts and then take a quick look at various states:

How Much Do Different Repairs Cost?

No matter how durable and hard-wearing the deck is, over time, it will be overwhelmed by natural elements. And the best way to keep the deck in a proper shape is to perform timely repairs. Different repairs cost differently, though. Here’s a more detailed look:

If the deck is beyond repairs, you’ll have to replace the various parts. For example, the cost to replace deck boards is $20–50 per square foot. For railing, you’ll have to pay $50–210, while stairs usually cost $30–60 (again, per square foot). New joists will set you back $180–370, with new posts costing $200–450.

Deck Repair Cost By Different Materials

Wood, metal, or vinyl—what’s the right material for a deck? Or maybe you should go with composite and fiberglass? In any case, the materials used for the repairs will have a huge impact on the cost. Here’s a quick look at various materials and how much you should expect to pay for each, based on square feet:

A quick note about the prices on wood boards: if you’re going for cedar, you’ll have to pay $10–15 per square foot. Treated lumber will cost you $10–20, while redwood will come in at $15–30. Finally, hardwood, the most expensive option, costs $40–80 per square foot.

Additional Costs to Anticipate

If you have some extra bucks to spare, here are the most common additional costs to keep in mind:

How Often Should the Deck Be Repaired?

The average wood deck goes on for 10–30 years. And if you’re good at maintenance and take proper care of it (repair rotten boards as they come), it will serve you for even longer. The actual lifespan will also be determined by the area that you live in (is it rainy and humid or extremely hot) and the materials used to build it.

For example, fiberglass decks have a 25–30-year lifespan, while composite decking can last for 30–40 years. It’s recommended to run a full inspection once you go over the 15-year mark. That’s usually when the deck gets overwhelmed by water, rot, insects, and other hazards.

How Do I Know It’s Time for A Repair?

With decks, it won’t take a science degree to notice the damage. All you’ll have to do is give the floor a long and hard look. Signs of wear and tear here and there and even missing nails and screws are all good reasons to get those repairs going. When left untreated for a long time, the deck will be taken over by insects (termites). Or you’ll end up with split boards or even big holes right in the deck.

The problem with old and worn-out boards is that they can be dangerous. So, take a moment to carefully walk on every single board and replace the ones that squeak and wobble. The boards will also deform due to humidity and rot. Speaking of rot, it moves very quickly: you need to replace rotten boards as soon as possible to stop it from spreading. Don’t forget to check the railings and the ledger board as well.

Does Home Insurance Cover Decks?

If the deck is attached to your house, then the answer is yes, your home insurance will cover it, as the deck falls into the “Coverage on a Dwelling” category. Again, it needs to be an extension of the house, not a standalone structure. Even if it’s built around a pool or a garden, it will not be covered by the insurance, or the coverage will be very limited.

Besides, this only applies to accidental damage like fire, theft, damage from storms, and vandalism—these are classified as covered perils. If that’s the case, you can, indeed, expect the insurance company to cover all the expenses. A tree falling on the deck or a car crashing into it will also be covered. However, they won’t pay for rotten deck boards or sinking of the deck due to aging and weather elements.

Conclusion

There’s very little not to like about decks. They’re quite affordable and don’t take forever to build. More importantly, you get a functional outside area that’s not only fun to be in but also boosts the curb appeal of the house. Sadly, decks don’t last forever, especially if you live in a hot, humid, and rainy area. On the bright side—repairing a deck won’t cripple your bank account.

So, if you feel like it’s in dire need of restoration, don’t postpone the repairs. The sooner you get started, the easier (and cheaper) it will be to fix it. Today, we checked out the prices on different materials, learned how much contractors charge for the labor, and more. Use this info as your guide and get to fixing!

See also: Can You Power Wash a Trex Deck? What You Need to Know!

Featured Image Credit: goodluz, Shutterstock