How Much Does a Deck Replacement Cost in 2025?

This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.

Most homeowners pay $2,155 to fix a deck, with an average range of $863 and $3,481, or roughly $3 to $20 per square foot. The total cost depends on the materials you’re working with, as well as labor, demolition, deck size, and maintenance. Build a realistic budget and hire a licensed decking pro so your deck stays safe, lasts longer, and matches the look you want.

Deck Replacement Cost Factors

What you’ll pay to repair a deck largely comes down to local labor rates, the deck’s size, and the materials already in place.

Size

Because lumber, stains, and paints are sold by the square or linear foot, bigger repairs always cost more.

Materials

Material drives a big chunk of the bill. For example, cedar costs $3 to $7 per square foot, while ipe hardwood can cost $10 to $20.

Labor

Labor costs vary by location, but you can expect to pay between $100 and $500 for deck repair labor. Set aside a little extra cash for surprises—pros often find hidden decking issues once they start the work.

Demolition

Demolishing and removing an existing deck costs between $5 and $15 per square foot. This price includes tearing up the old deck surface, removing the brackets, pilings, and foundations, hauling away the debris, and covering local disposal fees.

The cost to build a new deck after demolition ranges from $4,300 to $12,600.

Deck Repair Cost by Damage Type

Some fixes are cheap; others hit the wallet hard. Here are some common decking repairs and replacements and their costs.

Railing Repairs

Railing repairs cost $500 to $4,000. Simpler railings sit on the low end; ornate cable or composite options push toward the top. It also depends on whether the rail alone needs replacing, or if a replacement trim rail, post end cap, or baluster is also required.

Stair Anchors

If your deck stairs are loose but structurally sound and made of healthy wood, a professional can simply anchor any loose steps for $15 to $40 per step, depending on the number of stairs. A pro adds screws or metal brackets to tighten each step and keep the deck safe.

Mold and Rot Repairs

Fixing rotted wood costs $200 to $500, parts and labor included. In addition to removing and repairing areas with dry rot, your professional will investigate the root cause of the problem, including drainage and plumbing issues. This could drive up the total repair price for the project.

If the area damaged by dry rot is not weight-bearing, you can often repair it yourself by trimming away the damaged wood and filling it in with a two-part epoxy compound that hardens in place and can be sanded smooth. These epoxy compounds sell for $35 to $70 per quart or $100 to $200 per gallon.

Mildew Repairs

Mold and mildew can build up on decks over time, but power washing is often an effective removal method. Professional pressure washing costs between $200 and $450.

Expect to pay $40 to $75 per day to rent a power washer, plus $10 to $30 for cleaning supplies. However, make sure you feel comfortable with this project; incorrect power washing can ruin your deck’s appearance and potentially cause further damage. That’s why it’s always best to hire a pro, even if you have some experience.

Instability

If the boards are unstable, one or more might need replacing. Replacing boards costs between $500 and $4,000, depending on the materials and local labor costs.

Pest Control Services

Sometimes, pros find additional issues when inspecting for repairs, such as pest problems. If they find insects, like termites, you might need to hire a local pest control company to check the deck and surrounding areas before proceeding with your repair project. On average, termite or other pest control on a deck costs between $200 and $600.

Deck Replacement Cost by Material

If you're replacing one or more broken boards, the size and type will affect your cost. Boards around the damaged board may also require replacements, and if the board is expensive or hard to find, this may increase your expense.

Cedar Boards

The average material cost for cedar is $3 to $7 per square foot. These decks generally last for 15 to 20 years, but they can deteriorate faster, particularly on the ground floor and in shaded areas that take longer to dry out.

Cedar decking is a great choice for individuals living in extreme climates because the wood continues to produce its own oils years after being processed into lumber, which helps maintain its good condition. Additionally, the oils help maintain the appealing cedar scent.

Treated Lumber

The cost for treated lumber ranges from $8 to $20 per square foot. However, not all treated lumber is created equal. Inexpensive treated wood often retains moisture, causing it to shrink and twist when it dries. More expensive options are often kiln-dried before and after pressure treatment, making them less likely to warp. When properly maintained, this type of deck should last for 20 to 30 years.

Redwood Boards

The cost of redwood boards ranges from $5 to 30 per square foot. Redwood has distinctive broad grain patterns that add visual appeal and ensure that every redwood deck is unique. Redwood is fairly easy to maintain and can last 15 to 30 years with proper maintenance.

Ipe Hardwood

Ipe hardwood offers one of the longest life spans, lasting 75 years or longer with proper maintenance. However, it's also more expensive, costing $10 to $20 or more per square foot.

Composite Wood

Composite wood can consist of many materials. Some composite wood boards comprise wood mixed with plastic, while others are made entirely of plastic or plastic wrapped around wood. These boards cost $12 to $45 per square foot. Composite decking is known for its durability, often lasting 30 years or more, but it requires significant maintenance, such as regular cleaning, staining, and repairing any damage the deck sustains.

Deck Maintenance Costs

Regular staining, sealing, and cleaning keep a deck looking sharp and lasting longer. Here’s what you can expect for ongoing deck maintenance costs.

Staining and Sealing

Stain and seal your deck to protect the wood and boost its lifespan. Staining and sealing protect the wood by repelling water while allowing the wood to breathe and transfer moisture.

Staining: Deck staining costs $550 to $1,250. The more pigment a stain has, the more UV protection it provides. Without UV protection, your deck may turn gray or dry out, resulting in higher maintenance costs and an unattractive appearance over time.

Sealing: The cost to seal or waterproof a deck ranges from $550 to $1,250. Clear sealants are mainly water repellents and don't carry UV light protection. To protect your deck from UV damage, it's advisable to apply a pigmented stain before sealing.

Cleaning

It’s helpful to set up a cleaning schedule to make sure your deck gets the care it needs year-round.

• Early Spring: Set aside time in the spring to thoroughly wash, sweep, and clean your deck. Your contractor can recommend the best cleaner for your specific deck, which generally costs $10 to $30. Use the cleaner according to its specifications. For best results, choose a cloudy (but not rainy) day so the sun won’t evaporate the cleaner.

• Late Spring: Seal the deck in late spring, allowing two days for the task. During this step, replace any missing or popped nails and screws.

• Summer: During summer, examine your deck for rot or mildew. Pay close attention to the ledger, joists, posts, and beams.

• Fall: In the fall, sweep away debris and take care of any cleaning or sealing you didn’t get around to in the spring.

DIY vs. Hiring a Decking Company

Handy homeowners can handle small jobs—tightening a loose board or adding a fresh coat of stain—without calling in a pro. However, more extensive damage requires professional expertise to avoid more costly repairs down the road.

Expect to pay a local decking company $100 to $500 for labor, depending on your location and the deck's damage. Sometimes professionals encounter other problems during the repair, such as termites or wood rot, which can further increase labor costs.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed over 10,000 real 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.