Deck Repair Near Me: Fix Rotted Wood, Loose Boards & More

💰 Deck Repair Cost Guide (2025)

Average Pricing by Repair Type

Repair Type	Average Cost	Time Required
BOARD REPLACEMENT
Single deck board	$150-400	1-2 hours
Multiple boards (5-10)	$500-1,200	4-8 hours
Extensive board replacement (25%+)	$1,500-4,000	1-3 days
STRUCTURAL REPAIRS
Joist repair/replacement	$800-2,500	1-2 days
Support post replacement	$500-1,500 per post	4-8 hours
Ledger board repair	$1,000-3,000	1-2 days
RAILINGS & STAIRS
Railing repair (tighten/reinforce)	$200-600	2-4 hours
Railing replacement (per section)	$400-1,200	4-8 hours
Stair repair	$300-1,000	4-8 hours
REFINISHING & SEALING
Power washing	$200-500	2-4 hours
Sanding & refinishing	$500-2,000	1-2 days
Staining & sealing	$500-3,000	1-2 days

Cost Factors

• Deck size: Larger decks = more material and labor
• Material type: Pressure-treated wood (cheapest), cedar (moderate), composite (most expensive)
• Extent of damage: Isolated vs. widespread rot
• Accessibility: Ground-level vs. second-story decks
• Structural vs. cosmetic: Structural repairs cost 2-3x more
• Permits: Some structural repairs require permits ($50-500)
• Labor rates: $50-100/hour varies by region

🔍 Common Deck Problems & Repairs

1. Rotted or Damaged Deck Boards

Signs:

• Soft, spongy boards when walking
• Visible cracks or splits
• Dark discoloration (water damage)
• Boards feel unstable or flex excessively

Causes:

• Water absorption (lack of sealing)
• Age (wood decks last 15-20 years)
• Poor drainage
• Ground contact moisture

Repair cost: $150-400 per board
DIY-friendly? Moderate (requires some carpentry skills)

2. Loose or Wobbly Railings

Signs:

• Railing moves when pressure applied
• Posts wiggle at base
• Gaps between railing and deck

Safety concern: HIGH - loose railings are a fall hazard

Repair cost: $200-600 (tightening/reinforcing)
Replacement cost: $400-1,200 per section

3. Structural Issues (Joists, Posts, Beams)

Signs of structural problems:

• Deck feels bouncy or unstable when walking
• Visible sagging or sloping
• Cracks in support posts
• Deck pulling away from house
• Joists show rot or insect damage

Safety concern: CRITICAL - structural failure can cause collapse

Repair costs:

• Joist replacement: $800-2,500
• Post replacement: $500-1,500 per post
• Ledger board (attaches to house): $1,000-3,000

4. Stairs & Stringers

Common stair problems:

• Loose or wobbly handrails
• Cracked or rotted treads (steps)
• Stringer (support) damage
• Uneven steps

Repair cost: $300-1,000
Full stair replacement: $1,000-3,000

5. Weathering & Cosmetic Issues

Signs deck needs refinishing:

• Gray, weathered appearance
• Fading or peeling stain
• Splinters forming on surface
• Water no longer beads on surface (lost seal)

Refinishing process & costs:

1. Power washing: $200-500
2. Sanding (if needed): $300-800
3. Staining & sealing: $500-3,000
4. Total refinishing: $1,000-4,000

Frequency: Restain/reseal every 2-3 years to prevent damage

🔍 Repair vs. Replace: When to Do Each

When to Repair Your Deck

Repair makes sense if:

• ✓ Less than 25% of boards need replacement
• ✓ Structural elements (joists, posts) are sound
• ✓ Deck is under 15 years old
• ✓ Damage is isolated to specific areas
• ✓ Foundation and support posts solid
• ✓ Cosmetic issues only (weathering, fading)

Average repair cost: $500-3,000

When to Replace Your Deck

Replace instead of repair if:

• ✗ More than 50% of boards are rotted/damaged
• ✗ Structural damage to joists, beams, or posts
• ✗ Deck is 20+ years old
• ✗ Extensive water damage or rot throughout
• ✗ Deck is shifting, sagging, or separating from house
• ✗ Repair costs exceed 50% of replacement cost
• ✗ Want to upgrade size or materials

Average deck replacement cost: $6,000-15,000

🔍 How to Find Deck Repair Near Me

1. GigNGo (Best for Comparing Quotes)

Why it works: Post once, get quotes from local deck contractors with portfolios.

How to use:

1. Go to GigNGo.org
2. Describe deck issues (rotted boards, loose railings, etc.)
3. Upload photos showing damage
4. Note deck size and material type
5. Receive 5-10 quotes from local contractors
6. Review past deck projects and ratings

Advantages:

• ✓ Free to use
• ✓ See before/after photos of deck work
• ✓ Verified customer reviews
• ✓ Often same-week estimates

2. Google "Deck Repair Near Me"

What to look for:

• 4.5+ stars with 25+ reviews
• Before/after photos in reviews
• Specializes in deck work (not general contractor)
• Licensed and insured
• Years in business (5+ preferred)
• Experience with your deck material (wood/composite)

3. Ask Neighbors with Decks

Neighbors can recommend contractors they've used and show you completed work quality firsthand.

4. Lumber Yards & Specialty Suppliers

Visit specialty lumber yards (not big box stores). Staff know quality deck contractors who buy materials there regularly.

✅ Questions to Ask Before Hiring

About Experience & Work

1. "How long have you been doing deck repairs?"
2. "Can I see examples of similar repair projects?"
3. "Do you work with [my deck material type]?"
4. "Will you inspect structural elements?"
5. "Do you handle permits if needed?"

About the Repair Plan

6. "What's causing this damage?" (Should explain root cause)
7. "How extensive is the damage?"
8. "Will you match existing materials or upgrade?"
9. "What's included: materials, labor, disposal?"

About Pricing & Timeline

10. "Can you provide written estimate?"
11. "When can you start and how long will it take?"
12. "What's your payment schedule?"
13. "Do you warranty your work?"

💰 How to Save Money on Deck Repairs

1. Address Issues Early

Potential savings: 50-70%

Small repairs caught early prevent larger damage:

• Single rotted board now: $200
• Wait 2 years, 10 boards + joist damage: $2,000+
• Early action saves $1,800

2. Regular Maintenance (Prevent Repairs)

Potential savings: $1,000-3,000 over 5 years

Annual maintenance tasks:

• Power wash yearly ($200 or DIY $50)
• Reseal every 2-3 years ($500-1,500 or DIY $200-400)
• Inspect for early damage (free)
• Clean debris from between boards (free)

Prevents expensive rot and structural damage.

3. Get 3-5 Quotes

Potential savings: 20-35%

Deck repair pricing varies significantly:

• Post on GigNGo for multiple quotes
• Compare scope of work (some may find additional issues)
• Choose middle-range pricing with best reviews

4. Bundle Repairs

Potential savings: 15-25%

Do all repairs at once:

• Replace boards, fix railings, and refinish together
• Contractor already on-site = lower mobilization costs
• May offer package discount

5. DIY What You Can

Potential savings: Varies by task

Easy DIY tasks:

• Power washing: Save $150-300
• Applying stain/sealer: Save $300-1,000
• Simple board replacement (if skilled): Save $100-200 per board

Hire professionals for:

• Structural repairs (safety critical)
• Railing replacement (code compliance)
• Joist/beam work
• Any repair requiring permits

6. Choose Cost-Effective Materials

Potential savings: 30-50%

Material cost comparison (per board):

• Pressure-treated pine: $15-25
• Cedar: $30-50
• Composite: $40-80

For repairs, using pressure-treated wood instead of composite saves significantly while maintaining quality.

🛠️ DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

When to DIY

Good projects for DIY:

• Power washing
• Applying stain/sealer
• Replacing 1-2 deck boards (if you have carpentry skills)
• Tightening loose screws/fasteners
• Cleaning and minor maintenance

Required skills: Basic carpentry, comfort with power tools

When to Hire a Pro

Hire professionals for:

• Structural repairs (joists, posts, beams)
• Railing replacement (building code compliance)
• Multiple board replacements
• Stair repairs
• Any repair requiring permits
• Deck inspection/assessment
• If deck is elevated (safety concern)

Professional advantages:

• Identify hidden structural issues
• Code-compliant work
• Proper tools and materials
• Faster completion (experience)
• Warranty on repairs
• Liability insurance

🚨 Red Flags to Avoid

Don't hire if they:

• ❌ Don't inspect under the deck - May miss structural issues
• ❌ Quote without seeing damage in person - Unreliable estimate
• ❌ Can't explain what caused the damage - Inexperienced
• ❌ Significantly undercut competitors (40%+ below) - Quality/safety concerns
• ❌ Pressure immediate decision - Pushy sales tactics
• ❌ No license or insurance - You're liable for accidents
• ❌ Won't provide references or portfolio - No proof of quality
• ❌ Suggest unnecessary upgrades immediately - Upselling

📋 Deck Maintenance Checklist

Annual Inspection (Spring)

• ☑️ Check all boards for rot, cracks, splinters
• ☑️ Test railing stability (push hard)
• ☑️ Inspect stairs and stringers
• ☑️ Look for loose or popped fasteners
• ☑️ Check ledger board attachment to house
• ☑️ Inspect support posts and beams (from below)
• ☑️ Look for signs of insect damage
• ☑️ Check for proper drainage (no standing water)

Regular Maintenance

• ☑️ Sweep debris weekly
• ☑️ Power wash annually (spring)
• ☑️ Restain/reseal every 2-3 years
• ☑️ Clean between boards (prevent rot)
• ☑️ Trim vegetation touching deck
• ☑️ Check and tighten fasteners annually

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How much does deck repair cost?

Deck repair costs $500-2,500 on average. Small repairs (single board): $150-400. Medium repairs (multiple boards, railings): $500-1,500. Large repairs (structural, joists): $1,500-5,000+. Deck refinishing (staining/sealing): $500-3,000. Factors: extent of damage, deck size, material type, accessibility. Get 3-5 quotes to compare and save 20-30%.

When should I repair vs. replace my deck?

Repair if: Less than 25% damage, structural elements sound, deck under 15 years old, cosmetic issues only. Replace if: More than 50% rotted boards, structural damage (joists/posts), deck 20+ years old, extensive water damage, shifting/sagging. Borderline cases: Get professional inspection ($100-300) to assess structural integrity and safety.

How do I find a good deck repair contractor?

Best methods: 1) Post on GigNGo to get quotes from local contractors, 2) Google "deck repair near me" and check reviews (4.5+ stars, 20+ reviews), 3) Ask neighbors with decks for recommendations, 4) Verify they have experience with your deck material (wood, composite). Most offer free inspections and same-week estimates.

How long does deck repair take?

Timeline varies by project size. Small repairs (1-3 boards): 2-4 hours. Medium repairs (multiple boards, railings): 1-2 days. Large repairs (structural, extensive): 3-7 days. Full refinishing: 2-3 days (includes drying time). Weather affects timeline—avoid rainy periods. Most contractors can start within 1-2 weeks.

Can I just replace damaged boards or do I need to replace the whole deck?

You can replace individual boards if: Damage is isolated (under 25% of deck), structural elements (joists) are sound, replacement boards match existing. Whole deck replacement needed if: Structural damage, 50%+ boards damaged, deck 20+ years old. Partial replacement is 60-80% cheaper than full replacement.

How often should I restain or seal my deck?

Restain/reseal every 2-3 years for wood decks. Signs it's time: Water no longer beads on surface, fading color, gray weathered appearance. Composite decks: Clean annually, no staining needed but may apply UV protectant every 3-5 years. Regular sealing extends deck life by 5-10 years and prevents costly repairs.

📚 Related Resources

✅ Your Action Plan

Here's your step-by-step process:

1. Inspect your deck
   • Walk entire deck, test all boards
   • Push hard on railings (check stability)
   • Look underneath for structural issues
   • Take photos of all damage
   • Note deck size and material type
2. Determine repair vs. replace
   • Count damaged boards (what percentage?)
   • Assess structural elements
   • Consider deck age
   • Get professional inspection if unsure ($100-300)
3. Get 3-5 quotes
   • Post on GigNGo
   • Google local deck contractors
   • Request written estimates with scope of work
   • Ask about structural inspection
4. Review and compare
   • Check reviews and deck project portfolios
   • Verify license and insurance
   • Compare scope (some may identify more issues)
   • Understand what's included
5. Choose and schedule
   • Select contractor (best value, not just cheapest)
   • Get written contract with warranty
   • Confirm start date and timeline
   • Discuss permit requirements if structural
6. Maintain going forward
   • Power wash annually
   • Restain/reseal every 2-3 years
   • Annual spring inspection
   • Address small issues immediately

Most homeowners find reliable deck contractors and schedule repairs within 1-2 weeks using this process.