How Much Does Deck Refinishing Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $900 - $2,720
The average cost to refinish a deck ranges from $900 to $2,720, with a national average of $980. Cost depends on the size and condition of your deck, along with the finish type.
The average cost to refinish a deck is $980 on average, or $3 to $7 per square foot. The total cost varies widely depending on your deck size, condition, and location. Some small decks cost as low as $500 to refinish, while large, older decks may cost $4,600 or more. Any necessary repairs also add to the deck refinishing cost.
You and your deck have been together through countless barbecues, weekend lounge sessions, and morning coffees. Here’s all that you need to know about budgeting to keep your deck fresh and enjoy it for many years to come.
- Average
- $980
- Low end
- $500
- high end
- $4,600
Deck Refinishing Cost Factors
Refinishing a deck is well worth the investment. Your deck restoration cost depends on labor and the size and state of your deck. Repairs are another major factor that can quickly tally up your bill. It’s one of the best ways to maintain your deck.
To preserve your deck’s beauty, keep up with regular cleaning, repairing, sealing, and other maintenance work. A local deck refinishing service can give your deck the TLC it deserves.
Size
Professional deck refinishing costs between $3 and $7 per square foot. Here are a few cost estimates based on size:
| Deck Size in Square Feet | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 100 | $300–$700 |
| 120 | $400–$800 |
| 144 | $400–$1,000 |
| 180 | $600–$1,400 |
| 240 | $700–$1,600 |
| 256 | $800–$1,700 |
| 280 | $800–$1,900 |
| 320 | $1,000–$2,200 |
Keep in mind that repairs also play a part in your cost to refinish a deck. A small but mangled deck could end up being more expensive than a large one that’s more structurally sound.
Labor
Your biggest deck resurfacing cost factor is labor. Professional resurfacing of a 200-square-foot deck could cost between $600 to $1,400. DIY-ing it might cost between $300 and $800, depending on what tools you already own.
Prep Work
You’ll need to do some prep work—or hire a pro to do so—before refinishing a deck to ensure a smooth and durable finish.
| Prep Task | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | $0.40 per square foot |
| Repairs | $850–$3,500 |
| Stripping paint | $30–$50 per hour |
| Sanding | $40–$70 per day |
Cleaning
Professional power washing costs $0.40 per square foot, while renting a power washer costs $70 to $300 per day. This method can help eliminate chipped paint so that you start with a smoother surface. Be careful not to use too much water pressure on your deck. Otherwise, you could splinter your wood.
Repairs
If you find that the happy pattering of feet loosened your deck over time or that greedy insects have been munching on it, you’ll have to budget for repairs in your deck refinishing cost. The average cost to repair a deck is $2,000, but it can reach $4,000 or even over $10,000 for larger and severely damaged decks.
Stripping Paint
Removing old paint before you apply a new paint or stain ensures the wood absorbs the product. A deck cleaning agent or stripping solution costs $20 to $60 per gallon. A contractor may charge $30 to $50 an hour to strip the wood for you, but they usually include stripping in their total project price. After you apply the cleaner, allow it to soak in before you sand the surface.
Sanding
Sanding creates a smooth surface that will accept the new finish evenly. Use a power sander for larger areas and a hand sander for edges and corners. Renting a power sander costs about $40 to $70 per day. You’ll also need to pick up a three-pack of discs for around $5.
Staining and Sealing the Deck
Staining a deck can cost $550 to $1,250, while deck sealing will add about $0.50 to $7 per square foot. It might cost more than a simple DIY job, but hiring a local deck staining pro will guarantee a smooth, beautiful application your neighbors will “ooh” and “aah” at.
Type of Finish
Deck sealants cost between $20 and $60 per gallon, depending on the type of finish. Water-based sealants can cost twice as much as oil-based sealants. Though they cost double that of oil-based sealants, water-based sealants have a lower life span. Water-based sealants are easier to apply to deck surfaces, however. They also contain fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs), making them more environmentally friendly.
| Finish Type | Average Cost per Gallon |
|---|---|
| Water-based sealant | $40–$60 |
| Oil-based sealant | $20–$50 |
| Semi-transparent stain | $30–$50 |
| Solid stain | $35–$55 |
Many DIY deck stains come with built-in sealant and cost about $40 per gallon. A gallon covers 200 to 300 square feet, so you might need more than one. For best results, apply with a paint sprayer, which costs around $300. If that price makes you flinch (we feel you), you can rent a paint sprayer for around $100 per day.
Regardless of the finish type, a high-quality finish costs more upfront than a low-quality finish. In the long run, however, you’ll likely save money by investing in a quality finish with a longer life span.
Location
Areas with a higher cost of living will see higher labor costs to refinish a deck. For example, refinishing a deck in Los Angeles, California, will cost more than refinishing a deck in Nashville, Tennessee.
| City | Average Cost* |
|---|---|
| Nashville, TN | $700—$1,400 |
| Orlando, FL | $680—$1,420 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $700—$1,500 |
| Portland, OR | $770—$1,600 |
| Buffalo, NY | $800—$1,700 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $820—$1,720 |
*For a 200-square-foot deck.
Deck Condition
Your deck’s condition could make or break your budget, with costs varying wildly from $300 to $10,000. A deck that is in good condition and only needs cleaning, sanding, staining, and resealing can be DIYed for about $300, while a deck in poor condition may need reparation, sending project costs upward to over $10,000.
Deck Restoration Cost
Deck restoration costs anywhere from $1,400 to $4,600 on average. Restoring your deck involves repairing and refinishing the deck, which can cost $600 to $1,400 and $800 to $3,200, respectively. The more work the project takes, the higher the price will be.
Before the restoration process, you’ll need a deck inspection for signs of rot, warping, and infestations. If a pest infestation is present, you’ll need to hire a local exterminator to evict any squatters. Structural repairs can get pricey, but they’re absolutely necessary before you can refinish the deck.
Deck Resurfacing Cost
The cost to resurface a standard 200-square-foot deck is between $500 and $1,400 or around $1,000 on average. Included in this price is sanding and repainting or staining the deck. This price depends on the type of resurfacing materials and the size of your deck.
Sanding
The cost to rent a floor sander varies by the duration of your rental, with most ranging between $40 and $70 per day. You’ll also need to pick up a three-pack of discs for around $5. Your local hardware store might rent out a floor sander for different rates and time frames, including:
| Rental Duration | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 4 hours | $30–$50 |
| 1 day | $40–$70 |
| 1 week | $150–$250 |
| 1 month | $400–$800 |
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
If you decide to DIY your deck, you could save between $300 and $600 on average. However, refinishing a deck on your own is challenging. You’ll likely invest great energy and time into the project, even if you save money on labor costs. If you don’t already have experience refinishing decks—or the deck is in poor condition—your best bet is to work with a professional to restore and refinish your deck.
Here’s a breakdown of the costs for refinishing a deck yourself.
| DIY Factor | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic tools and supplies | $150–$200 |
| Paint sprayer | $100–$300 |
| Power washer | $50–$250 |
| Stain and sealant | $20–$60 per gallon |
| Sander | $40–$70 per day |
| Deck inspection | $25–$200 |
Hiring a deck refinishing service near you costs anywhere from $600 to $1,400, depending primarily on the condition and size of your deck. Working with a pro helps ensure that your deck is safe, comfortable, long-lasting, and attractive for years to come.
Ways to Save on Deck Refinishing Costs
Here are a few ways you can save on the cost to refinish a deck:
Do prep work, like minor repairs and sanding, yourself.
Inspect your deck consistently and make regular repairs to keep it in better shape for longer.
Choose a cost-effective stain with a long life span.
Get at least three quotes from local contractors to compare costs and value.
Use a grease catcher with your grill, as grease stains are difficult to remove from deck boards.
Clean your deck at least once a year by sweeping leaves and dirt to avoid wood damage.
Clean grease, food, and drink spills immediately to avoid permanent staining.
Redirect downspouts away from the deck to prevent moisture damage and rot.
Alison Kasch and Jenna Jonaitis contributed to this piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
You should refinish your deck to maintain its appearance, durability, and longevity. Refinishing your deck protects the wood from foot traffic and the elements. It also helps extend its life span by keeping rot, mildew, and termites at bay. By maintaining your deck, you can avoid the cost of replacing your deck sooner. A refinished deck also looks great and restores some of its original beauty.
You should refinish your deck once every 2 to 3 years to maintain its appearance and durability. By refinishing your deck every few years, you extend its life by protecting the wood. If you notice faded deck boards, splintering boards, or warping, your deck likely needs refinishing soon. Be sure to repair your deck before refinishing to ensure its longevity.
It is much cheaper to refinish a deck than to replace it. Refinishing a deck costs $980 on average, while building a new deck costs $8,000 (but can reach up to $23,000 depending on the size of the deck and type of wood). With proper maintenance, untreated wood decks last 10 to 30 years, while treated wood and composite decks last up to 50 years or longer. Keeping your deck in good shape extends its life.