A deck is a perfect place for all relaxing and fun things. You could use your deck to host weekend barbeque parties or simply spend a peaceful night stargazing. However, you might notice that with time, your deck has started to look worn out due to constant weather exposure. You could even feel that your current deck is no longer suitable for your needs. This is the case with a lot of homeowners who initially build their deck with a limited budget. It is only a couple of years later that they realize that they have the money to renovate their deck. If you are in the same boat, then you must be thinking about how much does it cost to redo a deck?
Remodeling a deck can be a difficult and a relatively expensive project to undertake but it has great payoffs. A renovated deck will allow you to spend quality time with your family and friends and make long-lasting memories. Moreover, the Remodeling magazine says that renovating wooden decks has a very high return on investment at 72 percent. Even the 2018 Remodeling Impact Report published by NAR says that redoing a deck can increase your home’s resale value.
Factors Influencing the Cost to Redo A Deck.
There are numerous factors that can potentially influence your cost to redo a deck.
#1 –Size of the Deck
This is one of the most important factors in determining the cost of redoing a deck. The cost to redo a deck is directly proportional to its size. What this means in simple terms is that the cost will rise as the size of the deck increases.
#2 –Type of Material Used
There are numerous types of materials that can be used to redo a deck all of which are priced differently. Here is a list of some of the most commonly used materials for deck renovation:
- Cedar
- Composite
- Hardwood
- Redwood
- Treated Lumber
#3 –Extent of Repair Required
You will have to undertake deck repairs if your deck wood has warped, twisted, rotted, shrunk, or become loose. Even gaps between boards are hazardous and can give your deck an unpleasant look. Usually, contractors repair such issues by replacing damaged boards with new ones. The cost to repair a large damaged area will be much higher than the cost to redo a small one.
#4 –Cost of Labor
You can either opt for a contractor to redo your deck or do simple remodeling yourself. Even if you do hire a contractor, you can do a few things to reduce your costs. For instance, if your contractor is going to install new boards, you could remove the old ones yourself. The same applies to the stairs, deck, and porch railing.
#5 – Time of the Year
Deck remodeling is very high in demand in the spring and summer seasons. Thus, in these seasons, the cost to redo a deck also increases. If you don’t need to redo your deck urgently, you could wait for the winter season to get lower prices.
#6 – Area of Residence
The cost to redo a deck will be quite high if you’re residing in a large metropolitan area or the Coasts. Similarly, the cost to redo a deck will be quite low if you live in a rural area or a small town.
#7 – Railings or Stairs
You will have to bear additional costs if your deck’s railings, landing, or stairs have become damaged. This is because renovating them requires more time and effort to match the deck’s existing materials and design.
#8 – Permits and Inspections
Your city or county might require you to obtain a permit if your deck needs major renovation. Some examples of major renovation include stairs or railing reparation and substructure. An inspector might be sent to your place to ensure that the renovation is carried out safely. This can push up your remodeling costs.
Breaking Down the Cost to Redo a Deck
Generally, contractors who redo decks charge on a per-square-foot basis. On average, the nation-wide cost to redo a deck is estimated to be $2000. Most homeowners tend to spend between $100 – $500 for simple renovation. In case of more extensive remodeling, the price can even go anywhere between $2500 – $6000.
Let’s have a look at other costs needed to redo a deck.
Deck Replacement Costs
Your deck’s flooring can get damaged because of extreme weather conditions, use of non-pressure treated wood, or inadequate use of sealant. Deck replacement cost is divided into 2 parts: cost to remove old boards and cost to install new boards.
Deck Removal Costs
The per square foot cost to remove a deck can lie anywhere between $5 and $10. This depends on the size of your deck, its condition, and its complexity. For instance, if your deck has built-in benches, railings, or stairs, the removal cost will lie towards the higher side.
The average cost to remove a standard 12×12 deck of 144 square feet can range from $700 to $1500.
Deck Replacement Costs
The cost to replace a deck depends on the type of material you use. Here is a list of common materials used for decks.
Cedar – Cedar is one of the most popular and inexpensive choices for deck flooring. However, you need to treat it every summer to prevent it from turning dingy and gray. The per square feet cost of Cedar lies between $5 – $15.
Composite – Composite is another common choice for decks due to its environmental-friendly aspect. However, composite decking cannot be refinished. This means that any scratches or damages to your composite decking may last forever. The average per square foot cost for composite decking lies between $20 – $50.
Hardwood – People prefer hardwood decking due to its natural and beautiful appeal. Moreover, hardwood is a very durable option for decking. The price per square foot of hardwood ranges between $40 – $80. The price difference depends on the wood’s performance on the Janka Hardness Test.
Redwood – Redwood decks are perfect for summer because they are heat-resistant and can keep themselves cool. The per square foot cost of a redwood deck is between $15 – $25.
Pressure-treated wood – This decking option offers a natural and attractive appearance. Pressure-treated wood is one of the most affordable decking options available because its price per square foot is only around $8.
Deck Repair Costs
It is extremely important that you take on some deck repairs during the renovation process. This will give your deck a whole new look. Here are the costs of some common deck repairs.
Deck Stair Repairs
Fixing Loose Stairs – Loose stairs are hazardous and give your deck a very old and worn out look. Securing loose decks can cost a minimum of $125 and go up to $200.
Replacing Stair Treads – The cost of replacing stair treads can range anywhere between $75 – $250. It primarily depends on the type of material you use and the number of steps that you have.
Replacing Set of 3 Steps – Complete replacement of a set of 3 steps will cost between $225 – $400.
Deck Railing Repair
Securing Loose Railings – The cost of fixing loose averages between $450 – $700.
Replacing Railing Balusters – If you’re looking to redo your deck, a great way is to simply replace old railing balusters with modern and trendy ones. This can cost you between $300 and $600. The cost will be towards the higher side if your deck is a large one with railing all around.
Replacing Entire Railing – This is one of the most expensive repair costs that you will have to incur. Homeowners tend to spend anywhere between $1,100 – $2,500 on railing replacement.
Mildew Damage Repair
If your deck’s wood has succumbed to mildew, you can get it pressure-washed and re-stained. The total cost to redo a deck in such a case depends on the total area covered along with the extent of mildew damage. The average cost to repair such a deck ranges between $250 – $400.
Termite Damage Repair
If your deck’s wood has been infected by termites, you should call in a pest management service to assess the damage. The nationwide average cost to repair termite damage lies between $150 – $300.
Labor Costs
You can cut down on the cost to redo a deck by doing some tasks on your own. Here is how much it will cost you if you go for a DIY job versus hiring a handyman for the job.
DIY Costs
You can opt for DIY supplies to redo your deck. For a simple project, you will have to spend anywhere between $10 – $50. However, for extensive projects, you will have to spend approximately $100 – $600.
Handyman Costs
Handyman and deck repair companies charge an hourly rate of $40. They even charge $50 as an “upcharge” or material handling fees.
Hiring a handyman for simple projects can cost you $100 – $500. In case of more extensive remodeling, the cost can be anywhere between $500 – $4,000.
Deck Seating Installation
You could opt to get built-in seating installed in your deck if it doesn’t already have one. Some major factors that impact the cost of installing seating include the size, the complexity of the task, the quality of materials used.
Basic Custom Built-In Seating
You could opt for a basic custom built-in seating solution for your deck such as an L-shaped bench. The cost to build this lies between $1500 – $3000. Installation can take a couple more days and can cost an additional $560 – $1120.
Curved Bench
A curved bench is more complex than the previous one and has a larger seating space. It can cost $3000 – $6000 to build the bench and a further $1120 – $2240 to install it.
Free Standing Waterproof Deck
This is the lowest cost option and can cost as low as $300 to a maximum of $1000. There is no additional installation cost associated with these decks.
Re-staining Costs
The average cost to re-stain a deck is $1 – $3 per square foot. This cost includes power-washing, sanding, and sealing. Here is a breakdown of deck re-staining costs.
Stain – 1 gallon of stain covers 400 square feet. The price for 1 gallon of opaque stain is $20 whereas the price of 1 gallon of semi-opaque stain is $45.
Finish – Again 1 gallon is sufficient for 400 square feet. 1 gallon of polyurethane gloss of satin costs $37 whereas the same quantity of oil spar varnish can cost $80.
Sealant – 1 gallon of sealant covers approximately 275 square feet of sanded wood. It costs between $16 – $18.
Wood Preservative – 1 gallon of wood preservative can cover 100 – 300 square feet and the cost lies between $24 – $30.
Permit Costs
The starting price of getting a permit is $30 but you might not need one if you’re going for a simple redo. If you’re going for a major redo, then it can cost you up to $150 for obtaining a permit.
Final Words
The cost to redo a deck is undoubtedly high but it’s going to be worth it.
