Deck services

Installation means new framing, footings, and decking. It runs $15 to $55 per square foot installed, and the deck type matters more than the brand of board: platform decks $10 to $30 per square foot, raised decks $25 to $50, two-story $30 to $60, multi-level $30 to $75, covered $40 to $100.

Resurfacing replaces the decking and railing while keeping the existing frame. It only makes sense if the joists, beams, posts, and ledger are genuinely sound. Ask the contractor to probe the joists and the ledger board and show you what they found. If the frame is questionable, resurfacing is money spent on top of a problem.

Repair averages about $1,500 nationally and ranges roughly $500 to $3,000, or $10 to $55 per square foot. Individual items: joists $100 to $300 each, railing $25 to $100 per linear foot, stairs $15 to $50 per step. Deck professionals commonly charge $50 to $100 per hour with a $50 to $75 call-out fee.

Maintenance is the service most homeowners underbuy. Wood decks need restaining and sealing every two to three years. Staining runs $2 to $5 per square foot, restaining $4 to $7 because it includes power washing and stripping. Skipping it is what turns a repairable deck into a replacement.

How to choose

Get the frame assessed before you buy anything

Every service decision — repair, resurface, replace — follows from the condition of the joists, ledger, and posts. Insist that assessment happens first and in writing.

Beware of a resurfacing quote with no framing inspection

New boards on rotten joists is the most expensive mistake in this trade. It looks finished and it is not safe.

Repair, until repair approaches replacement

The standard guidance is to replace when repair cost approaches new-deck cost, when the deck is over 20 years old, or when beams and joists need replacing.

Bundle staining with the build only if it's itemized

Staining is $2 to $5 per square foot as a standalone job. If it's folded into a build quote with no line item, you cannot tell what you paid.

Confirm who pulls the permit

Permit service is a real line item. Get it named in the contract along with who attends the inspection.