Normal Range: $862 - $3,470

The average deck repair cost is $2,146, but it can range between $862 and $3,470, depending on the deck’s size and material.

For an average cost of $2,146, you can get deck repairs done, like fixing boards, loose steps, and wobbly railings, to get it looking great and operating safely. Depending on your deck type, expect to pay $3 to $45 per square foot in materials for the repair. Deck replacement costs $7,800 due to additional materials and extensive labor.

Here’s how to budget for deck repairs so you can get back to enjoying your yard.

Deck Size

The size of the repair area plays a major role in the cost of deck repair or total deck replacement. To get an idea of repair costs, you can inspect your deck and measure the problem areas. The materials for deck repairs cost between $3 and $45 per square foot, with the type of deck also influencing the cost. Larger areas will also carry higher material costs and greater labor costs.

Average Cost to Repair a Deck

Size also impacts the cost of rebuilding a deck or starting one from scratch. The average cost to build a new deck ranges between $4,500 and $18,000. The larger the deck, the more the build costs—at around $30 to $60 per square foot.

Deck Contractor Costs

Hiring a reputable, professional deck contractor will help you get the project done right the first time.

Labor costs between $50 and $100 per hour, with most projects taking two to five hours. Set aside at least $100 to $500 for labor. Expect costs and project times to increase if you’re replacing a deck.

Your deck contractor will handle all aspects of your deck project, from assessing the necessary repairs and removing old deck parts to installing the replacement parts.

Decking 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 may need to replace certain types more often than others.

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:

Railing Repairs

Depending on the extent of the damage, railing repairs can cost about $500 to $4,000 or more. Again, the type of material will make a big difference, with cable and composite railings costing the most.

Popped Nails or Screws

Popped nails or screws cost an average of $0.30 per square foot to repair. While this might seem like a minor issue, a simple screw can make a big difference in the overall stability and safety of the area, especially on stairs. Luckily, this is one of the easiest DIYs if you’re a handy homeowner.

Loose Stairs

Deck stairs cost an average of $25 to $50 per stair to fix. Loose, wobbly stairs create a major tripping hazard, which is important to address ASAP. Be sure to check for loose or missing nails and screws before attempting any major work, as these are often the source of the problem. However, if there seems to be an issue with the overall structural integrity of the stairs, more serious repairs may be necessary.

Mold, Rot, and Mildew Issues

If mold is the primary issue affecting your deck and the damaged area isn’t weight-bearing, you can trim away damaged wood on your own and fill in the area with an epoxy compound. These compounds cost $35 to $70 per quart or $100 to $200 per gallon. A pro charges about $200 to $500 for this repair.

Termite and Pest Control

Professional termite and pest control on a deck costs an average of $200 to $600. Staining and sealing your deck every two to three years can dramatically decrease the likelihood of infestations.

Resurfacing

Resurfacing a deck costs around $15 to $50 per square foot. This project totally transforms the look of a deck by replacing decking boards, stairs, and railings while keeping the underlying base structure intact.

Refurbishing

Refurbishing a deck averages $100 to $2,000 or more, depending on the materials and the extent of the work. Refurbishing involves minor cosmetic fixes, such as sanding, restaining, and replacing rusted nails to refresh the deck's appearance.

Stair Anchoring

Anchoring steps costs between $15 and $40 per step. This repair helps correct wobbly steps and is an important fix for the deck's overall safety.

Pressure Washing and Staining

Pressure washing costs around $200 to $450 on average, while the cost to stain a deck is between $550 and $1,250. If you’re up for the money-saving DIY deck staining option, you’ll pay between $20 and $250 for the stain and $35 to $175 per day to rent a pressure washer.

Location

Your location can have a major impact on labor and material costs. Densely populated urban areas and places with higher costs of living will have the highest costs.