Common repairs
Many decks need help long before they need replacing. Boards split, cup or rot in spots. A stair tread cracks. Railing posts loosen. Joist hangers rust. Caught early, these are modest jobs.
- Replacing rotted or split deck boards
- Sistering or replacing a damaged joist
- Tightening or replacing railing posts
- Rebuilding worn stairs and treads
- Adding or replacing flashing at the ledger
- Cleaning, sanding and staining or sealing
Safety first
A wobbly railing or a soft spot near the ledger is not cosmetic. If a railing moves when you lean on it, keep people off that side until it is fixed. If the ledger is pulling away from the house, or posts are rotted at the base, stop using the deck and have it inspected. Decks rarely fail without warning signs.
Seasons and timing
Winter is hard on decks here. Snow sits on boards, freeze and thaw opens cracks, and shoveling scrapes finishes. Spring is when most homeowners notice damage, and it is also the busiest time for builders. If you see a problem in late fall or winter, it can be worth getting on a builder's list early. Staining and sealing need dry weather and mild temperatures, so they are usually done from late spring through early fall.
Repair or replace
If the damage is limited to boards, railings or stairs, repair usually makes sense. If the framing, posts or ledger are rotted in many places, repairs become a patchwork and replacement is often better value. A good builder will tell you honestly which side of that line your deck is on.
Shade, moisture and older wood
Decks under big trees, near the river or on the north side of a house stay damp longer, and that is where rot starts. Keeping the boards clear of leaves, trimming back branches and making sure water drains away from posts helps any deck last longer. Ask the builder to check the underside, where problems often hide.
Request an estimate
A yearly look helps catch problems while they are small. Each spring, walk the deck and push on the railing posts, probe the bottom of the posts and the ledger with a screwdriver to check for soft wood, and look for rusted hangers or popped screws. Clear leaves from between the boards and from the area under the deck. Anything soft, loose or rusted is worth showing to a builder.
If your deck has a hot tub, a heavy planter or a built-in grill, mention it. Concentrated loads stress joists and footings more than people, and a builder will check those areas closely.
Use the estimate form and choose deck repair. Describe what is wrong and send photos, including any from underneath. A local deck builder will reach out to look at it.
Typical deck repair costs
National figures from Fixr. Not quotes.
| Repair | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Deck repair, most jobs | about $500 to $3,000 |
| Replacing deck boards | about $10 to $35 per sq ft |
| Joist repair | about $100 to $300 per joist |
| Railing repair | about $25 to $100 per linear ft |
| Stair repair | about $15 to $50 per step |
| Staining an entire deck | about $550 to $850 |
Rounded national averages from Fixr, not quotes. Westchester labor often runs higher. Ledger and post repairs can cost more.
Sources: Fixr, deck repair
Questions homeowners ask
How much does deck repair cost?
Fixr puts most deck repairs at about $500 to $3,000, with a national average near $1,500. Board replacement runs about $10 to $35 per square foot and joist repair about $100 to $300 per joist.
Is a wobbly deck railing dangerous?
It can be. Keep people from leaning on it and have it repaired soon. Loose railings usually mean loose or rotted posts or failing connections.
When is the best time to stain a deck?
In dry, mild weather, typically late spring through early fall. The wood needs to be clean and dry, and rain should stay away until the stain cures.
Other services
Deck building
New wood and composite decks, from small landings to multi-level.
Composite decks
Low-maintenance composite and PVC decking.
Deck replacement
Tear out an old deck and build a new one.
Screened porches
Screen in a deck or porch, or build a new one.
Deck railings and stairs
New or replacement railings and deck stairs.