COST CALCULATOR

How Much Does It Cost To Refinish A Deck?

Typical range: $325-$726

Find out how much your project will cost

Zip Code

cost to refinish a deck Calculator

For your project in zip code 43215 with these options, the cost to refinish a deck starts at $2.73-$6.10 per square foot. Your actual price will depend on job size, conditions, finish options you choose.

After years of neglect and exposure to the elements, wooden decks start to show their age. In some parts of the country, homeowners may contemplate replacement just eight to 10 years after the installation. Fortunately, most decks can be restored to their former glory as long as the joists and foundation piers are structurally sound.

Cost Calculator

Zip Code

Calculations are dependent on where you live

Square Feet

Standard Services		Quantity	Low	High
What you can expect
Range per square foot:			$2.73	$6.10
Range for this type of project:			$325	$726
Estimate: $526
	Deck Refinishing Cost	127 square feet	$41	$100
	Complete cost of oil-based, semi-transparent stain with integral sealer for a durable, natural finish. Rate is inclusive of local delivery, as well as standard excess for perfect coverage and occasional touch-ups.
	Deck Refinishing Labor, Basic	7 hours	$227	$552
	Labor cost, under typical conditions, for complete project. Loose or peeling finish will be removed with light scraping (up to 2 hours per 1000 SF). Two coats of stain will be applied. Rate is inclusive of all aspects of the project, such as thorough planning, acquisition of equipment and material, preparation and protection of project site, and meticulous cleanup.
	Deck Refinishing Job Supplies	127 square feet	$12	$13
	Requisite supplies for the job, including masking tape and paper, materials for surface repair, solvents, and cleanup supplies.
	Deck Refinishing Equipment Allowance	1 job	$46	$61
	Daily rental of specialty equipment for maximum quality and efficiency. These include 3,000-plus PSI, 4 GPM, gasoline-fueled power washer. Consumable equipment elements not included.
Optional Services
	Option: Deep Wash Deck	2 hours	$61	$148
	Surface will be swept clear of solid dirt and debris, and cleaner applied with light brushing. Deck surface will be thoroughly power-washed and rinsed.

Standard services

Deck Refinishing Cost
$41 -$100

127
square feet

Complete cost of oil-based, semi-transparent stain with integral sealer for a durable, natural finish. Rate is inclusive of local delivery, as well as standard excess for perfect coverage and occasional touch-ups.

Deck Refinishing Labor, Basic
$227 -$552

7
hours

Labor cost, under typical conditions, for complete project. Loose or peeling finish will be removed with light scraping (up to 2 hours per 1000 SF). Two coats of stain will be applied. Rate is inclusive of all aspects of the project, such as thorough planning, acquisition of equipment and material, preparation and protection of project site, and meticulous cleanup.

Deck Refinishing Job Supplies
$12 -$13

127
square feet

Requisite supplies for the job, including masking tape and paper, materials for surface repair, solvents, and cleanup supplies.

Deck Refinishing Equipment Allowance
$46 -$61

1
job

Daily rental of specialty equipment for maximum quality and efficiency. These include 3,000-plus PSI, 4 GPM, gasoline-fueled power washer. Consumable equipment elements not included.

Optional Services

Option: Deep Wash Deck
$61 -$148

2
hours

Surface will be swept clear of solid dirt and debris, and cleaner applied with light brushing. Deck surface will be thoroughly power-washed and rinsed.

What you can expect

Range per square foot:
$3 - $6

Range for this type of project:
$325 - $726

Estimate:
$526

Cost Comparison

YOUR ESTIMATE

$526

NATIONAL AVERAGE RANGE

$338 -$754

YOUR ESTIMATE

Refinish a Deck: national average cost

The national average materials cost to refinish a deck is $0.57 per square foot, with a range between $0.33 to $0.81. The total price for labor and materials per square foot is $4.19, coming in between $2.53 to $5.85. A typical 300 square foot project costs $1,257.52, with a range of $758.71 to $1,756.33. Your actual price will depend on your location, job size, conditions and finish options you choose.

cost to refinish a deck
National Avg. Materials Cost per square foot	$0.57
National Avg. Cost (labor and materials) for 300 square foot	$1,257.52
National Cost Range (labor and materials) for 300 square foot	$758.71 - $1,756.33

Refinishing vs. Replacement

Before undertaking a refinishing project, carpenters assess the decking and support structure to determine which components can remain in place and which might need to be replaced. Aesthetic issues can generally be corrected with cleaning agents and several coats of stain. Minor details, such as loose nails, can be solved easily. However, if the boards have rotted or been damaged by pests, replacement is the only option.

Deck Refinishing Cost Factors

According to This Old House, refinishing costs about 65 percent less than a complete restoration. The condition of the deck and the extent of refurbishment that's required have the greatest influence on the cost. Most jobs involve replacing rotted or warped boards, installing new fasteners and adding updated railings and stairs. If the boards have been damaged by water or pests or if large sections of decking need replacement, this will add to the cost of materials and labor. In many cases, weathered lumber requires several coats of stain or sealer, which increases the completion time.

Hiring a Contractor

Before repairing or refinishing the deck, have a carpenter inspect the structure and determine the best course of action. Professionals know what works and what doesn't. They also have experience using different products and refinishing techniques to produce optimal results on a variety of common decking materials. By seeking a contractor's advice, homeowners are more likely to be satisfied with the project's outcome.

Last updated Apr 21, 2024