Painting a deck costs between $500 and $2,000 or an average of $1,000 for a standard 300-square-foot deck.
The cost to paint a deck primarily depends on its size, and ranges from $2 to $5 per square foot. Depending on the deck condition, size, style, the type of paint you use, and whether you DIY the project or hire a pro, you could pay anywhere between $200 and $2,880. A standard 300-square-foot deck will set you back an average of $1,000, and to coat a large, multi-level deck you’ll need to budget out the top of that range. With the protection and polish a fresh coat of paint provides, you can consider your money well spent. Read on to learn what factors influence the cost of your deck painting project so you can determine just how much you’ll need to spend to refresh your outdoor space.
The cost to paint a deck depends on factors including the condition and size of your deck, the kind of paint you use, and the local cost of labor. To help you brush up on your budget, here’s a more detailed breakdown of what to consider.
The average deck is around 300 square feet, but dimensions vary widely depending on your garden space and layout. Based on the average cost of $2 to $5 per square foot, here’s what you could spend on coating some standard deck sizes.
| Deck Dimensions | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 10’x10’ (100 square feet) | $200–$500 |
| 12’x12’ (144 square feet) | $288–$720 |
| 12’x16’ (192 square feet) | $384–$960 |
| 12’x20’ (240 square feet) | $480–$1,200 |
| 14’x24’ (336 square feet) | $700–$1,680 |
| 16’x24’ (384 square feet) | $800–$1,920 |
| 24’x24’ (576 square feet) | $1,200–$2,880 |
Painting a floating, detached deck with no adornments costs the least because it doesn’t have any extra surface area beyond the deck itself. You’ll need to budget for extra paint and labor if your design involves additional deck parts, such as deck railings, stairways, or a pergola.
Most decks are wood, but you may have a deck made of less common materials like vinyl or metal. You’ll find that more costly adhesive or rust-proof primers are a must for these types of materials, which will up your budget slightly.
The cost to paint a pool deck is typically higher because the paint required for the job often has additional or stronger anti-slip, chemical resistance, and mold and mildew properties.
The paint you use has a modest impact on your budget, but there isn’t a one-size-fits-all best paint type for decks. The paint's sheen, base, and protective qualities all play their part in determining what type works for you. Water-based latex and acrylic paints are more affordable, but they might not last as long as durable—but less environmentally friendly—oil-based paints.
Unless you go for a 2-in-1 paint, you’ll also need to budget for a primer.
Budget anywhere from $25 to $100 per hour for a professional deck painter to complete the job. It may take around 10 hours to paint a ready-to-go deck, depending on the size and how many coats it needs. If the pro has to sand down an already painted deck, it could add another five hours or more, and they will clock more time making small finishing repairs.
Without proper prep work, you can end up with a shabby paint finish that won’t last nearly as long. Pros wrap these requirements into their final costs, but how much more they add depends on the deck's condition and whether the application is onto bare wood or material that needs repainting. Some elements to consider include:
Power washing: You don’t want lots of dirt and debris on the surface of your deck before getting down to painting. This is a standard part of any good pros deck painting quote. If you want to power wash the deck and don’t have the gear, renting out for a day costs around $50 to rent out for a day.
Sanding: This is essential to the prep work for staining a deck. Without doing this, the stain won’t absorb as effectively. It isn’t as necessary for painting if you already have a smooth surface. If you feel the finish won’t look as polished without some sanding, then budget an extra $1 to $1.50 per square foot to have a pro lightly sand the deck.
Paint stripping: If you're repainting a deck rather than painting a new one for the first time, you'll probably need to strip the old paint. Add $0.50 to $2 per square foot for this process.
The factors above are all essential cost considerations. But other factors could influence how much you need to budget for your deck painting project.
Typically, pros quote the cost to apply one coat of primer and two coats of paint (or just two coats of more pricey 2-in-1 formulas).
In some cases, the number of paint coats you need could be more or less. If you’re painting over an existing painted deck in good condition, one coat to freshen things up could be enough. You might need an additional coat if the paint formula is thinner, you are applying a light color on top of dark wood, or for very heavily trafficked decks.
One gallon of paint costs between $20 and $80 and covers anywhere from 200 to 400 square feet. For more coats, you’ll have to budget for more paint and extra labor costs.
Maintaining your deck helps preserve your paint job longer, keeping this outdoor entertainment space in tip-top condition. If you do a DIY power wash, don’t blast too hard—you could do more harm than good. An annual professional power wash for your deck will set you back around $300 and can help keep your deck in good condition over the years.
Mending any deck damage straight away prevents a minor issue from becoming major and helps maximize the longevity of your deck. Watch out for wobbly railings, warped or loose deck boards, and signs of pest infestations or rot. The average cost of deck repairs is $2,000, but it’s well spent if you can enjoy the space for many years more.
The area you live in can greatly impact your deck painting costs. Not only do labor costs vary wildly across the country, but so do material costs and availability. If there’s a shortage of deck painting supplies, the existing materials will be more expensive. So, if you don’t want to compromise on the look you’ve been dreaming about, it may be better for your wallet to wait until supplies build up again and the cost returns to normal.
As you can imagine, not every month of the year is an ideal time to paint your deck. Deck painting isn’t feasible in temperatures that are too hot or too cold. Get in touch with a few local contractors and ask them what their peak deck painting months are. Then, see if you can schedule your project for a slower month that’s still suitable for deck painting.
You can save a ton by painting a deck yourself if you’ve got the time and the skills. If you already have the paint stripper, a sander, a power washer, and painting tools on hand, you might only have to splash out some cash for the paint itself.
One gallon of paint, costing between $20 to $80, is usually enough for the average 300-square-foot simple floating deck. Unless you opt for a 2-in-1 paint, budget $20 to $50 for a can of primer. Then you’ll need essentials like brushes, sprays, and drop clothes, but they won’t cost you more than $50.
If you don’t have the tools already lurking in your garage, you might need to rent or buy a power washer and sander.
Painting a deck is a job most handy homeowners can DIY, and you can cut costs by at least 60% compared to hiring a pro. But if you’re worried about having a patchy finish, hiring a deck painter near you guarantees a smooth result. Plus, when life gets in the way, it saves you trying to squeeze in applying the last paint coat in between school runs or in the evening after a long day at work.
While you have a professional painter out to redo your decking, it makes sense to do any other necessary paint jobs simultaneously. That way, your painting contractor will likely offer a multi-project discount, and you’ll save on additional disruption further down the line.
Some other areas you may want to consider adding to your painting plan include fences, doors, and the outside of your home. Here’s how those jobs break down so you can work it into your budget:
Fence painting costs: $750 to $4,250 on average
Exterior door painting costs: $150 to $500 each
Home exterior paint costs: $1,800 to $4,400 on average
Looking to shave a little off your final spend? There are some smart strategies to help you cut costs.
You don’t have to opt for luxury brands to guarantee a long-lasting, flawless finish. Do your research to find more affordable brands with quality ingredients. If you’re hiring a painting contractor, they can help you on this front.
If you're worried about doing a less-than-stellar paint job, leaving you with a cracked, uneven, or dripping finish, you might not want to do the application yourself. But you could still save big by tackling some or all of the prep work yourself. Why not have a go at power washing and paint stripping?
If you decide to tackle the prep work yourself, don’t do it half-heartedly. The finish won’t last for as long if you haven’t done a good job with the groundwork, so you’ll pay more to redo it down the road. And if you leave debris or old paint on in sections, your pro might charge you extra to remedy the blunder.
Painting directly over old deck paint is okay, providing it’s in good condition. If it’s widely cracking, peeling, or chipping, it’s better to remove the existing deck paint. If you do paint over what’s already there, a clean, smooth surface is still essential. Don’t forget to power wash and lightly sand sections where appropriate. Ideally, you’ll also want to use the same type of paint as the old stuff—whether that’s latex, acrylic, or oil-based—to ensure effective adhesion.
Unless you’re using a 2-in-1 formula or painting over an existing coat of paint, it pays to apply a coat of primer ahead of your new paint. Decks see a lot of footfall and exposure to extreme and sudden temperature changes and moisture levels. The primer promotes better paint adhesion, moisture repellency, and a smoother finish, which means you’ll often need fewer coats of paint.
Consider less costly staining rather than painting your deck when you have a limited budget. Although you’ll have to restain your deck after a few years rather than lasting up to 10 years like paint will, the cost to stain a deck averages around $850 and is easier to apply. Plus, it’s ideal if you prefer a more au naturel look.
