What drives the price
Board replacement is straightforward carpentry priced by the board and the day. Cost climbs when the structure underneath is involved - joists, ledger board, posts and footings - because that is structural work and often needs a permit.
- How many boards versus structural members
- Whether the ledger board attachment to the house is sound - the critical safety item
- Material - pressure-treated cheapest, composite and hardwood higher
- Height off the ground and whether railings must meet current code
- Whether staining or sealing is included
Should you DIY this or call a professional?
Replacing a few surface boards is a reasonable DIY job with a drill and a circular saw. Anything involving joists, posts or the ledger board should be a professional: deck collapses almost always trace back to a badly attached ledger, and that is the one component where a mistake injures people. If the deck is more than about eight feet up, that is a pro job regardless.
Signs you need this repair
- Boards that flex or feel soft underfoot
- Screws and nails backing out across the surface
- Wobbling railings
- Rot where the deck meets the house - inspect this first
- Rusty or missing ledger fasteners
How to not get overcharged
Ask them to inspect and photograph the ledger board and post bases before quoting anything cosmetic - if those are compromised, board replacement is the wrong spend. Get a per-board price so you can decide how many to do. Ask whether the repair triggers a permit, which varies enormously by jurisdiction.
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Red flags to watch for
- A quote for surface boards with no structural inspection
- Full replacement recommended for localised rot
- No mention of the ledger board
- Cosmetic staining sold over structural repair
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to repair a deck?+
Deck repairs typically run $600-$2,500, averaging near $1,400 for board replacement and refastening. Full replacement runs $15-$35 per square foot depending on material.
Can I repair a deck myself, or should I hire a professional?+
Replacing a few surface boards is a reasonable DIY job with a drill and a circular saw. Anything involving joists, posts or the ledger board should be a professional: deck collapses almost always trace back to a badly attached ledger, and that is the one component where a mistake injures people. If the deck is more than about eight feet up, that is a pro job regardless.
How long does it take to repair a deck?+
1-3 Days Depending on Scope. Scheduling and parts availability can extend the overall timeline beyond the hands-on work itself.
What makes the price of this job go up or down?+
How many boards versus structural members. Whether the ledger board attachment to the house is sound - the critical safety item. Material - pressure-treated cheapest, composite and hardwood higher. Height off the ground and whether railings must meet current code. Whether staining or sealing is included.
How do I avoid being overcharged?+
Ask them to inspect and photograph the ledger board and post bases before quoting anything cosmetic - if those are compromised, board replacement is the wrong spend. Get a per-board price so you can decide how many to do. Ask whether the repair triggers a permit, which varies enormously by jurisdiction.