The average deck repair job costs between $200 for simple repairs to $4,500 for more extensive work. The total cost to repair a deck depends on the size of the deck, the extent of the problem, and the cost of the materials.

Although it requires an investment of time and money, repairing your deck costs significantly less than replacement, as long as the deck is structurally intact and the wood is healthy. When your contractor inspects your deck, he or she will be able to tell you if it can be repaired or if you need to tear it out and start over. Read on to get an idea of how much it will cost to repair your deck and what will affect the pricing.

What’s in This Cost Guide?

• How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Deck?
• Deck Material Costs
• Cost of Mildew Damage Repair
• Cost of Termite Damage Repair
• What Affects the Cost of Deck Repair?
• When Should You Repair a Deck?
• How to Hire Someone to Repair Your Deck
• How to Save Money on Deck Repair

How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Deck?

For contractors who charge by size of the deck, the nationwide cost averages between $15 and $25 per square foot for a deck made of pressure-treated wood.

Other contractors may create custom estimates based on how many workers the job will require and how long it will take. Because each job is unique, most professionals will only quote a final rate after going to the site to inspect the damage. An on-site consultation allows the contractors to give an idea of what the deck repair will cost based on the issue, deck material (is it a wood deck or composite?), and deck size.

Thumbtack pro Joe Hernandez, owner of V&G Enterprises in Hamden, Connecticut, always provides an estimate for the total project cost of any deck repair or construction job based on how much of the deck needs to be repaired and the type of repair needed, but he generally charges:

• Hourly rate: $40 per hour if he can manage the job alone; the rate increases if more workers are needed to complete the job in the desired time frame or if it’s too much work to do solo.
• Lumber delivery fee: $50, but there is no “upcharge” (meaning, he does not charge customers more than he pays) for the materials.

Deck Material Costs

The cost of deck repair depends on the cost of materials used. Here are different types of deck materials and their average cost per square foot:

• Cedar: $5 – $15
• Composite: $20 – $50
• Hardwood: $40 – $80
• Redwood: $15 – $25
• Treated lumber: $8 – $20

Cost of Mildew Damage Repair

If a wood deck has succumbed to mildew, it can usually be pressure-washed and restained. The cost deck mildew repair averages between $250 and $450 nationwide, depending on the total square footage and extent of mildew buildup.

Cost of Termite Damage Repair

If a wood deck has been damaged by termites or the presence of termites is suspected, a pest management service may be needed to assess the extent of the infestation and exterminate the termites. On average, termite inspection costs $150–$300 nationwide.

What Affects the Cost of Deck Repair?

Extent of Repairs

Deck repairs can include patching or replacing areas where the deck material (usually wood) has rotted, twisted, warped, become loose, or shrunk over time to create gaps between boards that are unsightly or hazardous. Contractors can repair most of these issue by replacing damaged boards with new material. Larger areas that need to be replaced will cost more than small areas.

Site Elevation

If the ground needs to be leveled or if the deck needs to be elevated to meet the door threshold of the house, contractors will need to pour concrete footings for the deck to rest on, which will add to the overall cost. Adding skirting to conceal the area between the deck and the ground will also cost more in materials and labor, depending on the materials and design of the skirting. A solid board skirting and short brick walls typically cost more than wood lattice, for example.

Stairs and Railings

Damage to deck railings, stairs, landings, or built-in features such as benches can cost more to repair than the decking because of the additional time required to match the existing design and materials.

If deck stairs are loose, a contractor can usually fix the problem by securing the loose stair tread with screws. This job can add a few hundred dollars to the overall cost, depending on how many stairs need to be fixed.

When Should You Repair a Deck?

If your deck has boards or railings that are loose, broken, or cracked; has screws or nails that are missing, loose, or protruding; or has dry root, mold, or mildew, it’s time to call in the pros to get a repair estimate.

Stains and blemishes caused by day-to-day use don’t don’t necessarily need to be repaired right away, but they do ruin the aesthetics of a beautiful deck and, if left untreated for too long, can leave materials exposed and cause problems down the road.

How to Hire Someone to Repair Your Deck

• Ask for referrals: Ask for referrals from friends who have had their deck repaired. Keep in mind that depending on the type of job, deck repair work can be done by a handyman, carpenter, or decking company or contractor.
• Choose a company or person that’s bonded and insured: This protects you and your property in case of damage.
• Hire a licensed company: This means they are legally registered in your state to operate as a business.
• Read client reviews: Ask for reviews to make sure you’re choosing the contractor for you.
• Ask for an on-site estimate: For bigger repair jobs, ask the professional to come and take a look at the damage, so you can get an accurate estimate of how much it will cost and how long it will take. Get the estimate in writing.
• Compare prices: Remember: the lowest price isn’t always the best. A person who offers a wildly low price may not be operating legitimately, and a person who charges more likely does so because they have the experience and workmanship to warrant higher prices.

How to Save Money on Deck Repair

Repairing a deck not usually a DIY project. Rather, it’s the type of home improvement project that is usually better left to a deck contractor, which will not only save you time and energy, but give you the peace of mind that the job was done right and that your deck is a safe place for your friends and family to spend time.

That being said, there are a few ways to save money, including:

• Buy the materials yourself from your local hardware store: Some contractors charge a 10 to 15 percent “handling fee” premium on the materials they buy.
• Compare quotes: Get free estimates for labor costs from at least three contractors to ensure a fair price, keeping in mind that you get what you pay for.
• Consult a handyman for simpler jobs: If the repairs are small, like popped nails or a couple of loose boards, use your family handyman instead of a decking company.
• Repair your deck in the off-season: The most popular time for deck building and repair is during the warmer months, so if the weather permits, having your deck repaired between November and March may save you money.
• Maintain your deck throughout the year: The best way to avoid repairs is by regularly cleaning and sealing your deck to protect it from damage and ensure it stays in good shape.