Get Your Deck Back Together so You Can Start Enjoying it Again
Worried about your deck’s condition and wondering how much it’ll cost to fix it up? Are you curious about how to make smart choices for your deck repair without spending a fortune?
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the cost for deck repair in Illinois. We’ll dive into the different factors that affect deck repair costs and give you a helpful guide to make sense of it all.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll know what to expect for your deck repair project.
Key Points
- Deck repair costs vary based on factors like deck size, material, and damage extent, with minor repairs starting at around $100.
- Common deck issues include wood rot, loose boards, and structural problems, requiring different repair approaches and costs.
- Regular maintenance helps prevent costly repairs and enhance deck longevity.
What is the Deck Repair Cost?
Deck repair costs range from $250 to over $15,000. Small repairs cost between $250 and $1,500, while structural fixes and board replacements range from $5,000 to $10,000. Major repairs, including full board and railing replacement, exceed $15,000. The average repair cost is around $7,000, influenced by material prices and project scope.
Contact us today about your deck repair needs.
What’s the Cost to Replace Deck Boards?
Replacing deck boards costs between $2 and $22 per square foot, depending on the material. Most homeowners pay $5 to $10 per square foot for removal and replacement. Pressure-treated wood is the most affordable, while composite and exotic hardwoods like Ipe are more expensive.
- Basic wood deck boards: $2 – $5 per square foot
- Composite deck boards: $5 – $12 per square foot
- High-end wood (e.g., Ipe): $10 – $20 per square foot
Deck Repair Cost Factors
The Type and Extent Of the Damage
The first factor to consider when estimating deck repair costs is the type and extent of the damage. Minor issues like fixing a few loose deck boards or replacing several damaged ones will be less expensive than more extensive repairs, such as addressing rotting support beams or replacing the entire deck surface.
As a professional deck repair contractor, I recommend inspecting your deck regularly to catch small issues before they turn into more significant problems, which will ultimately save you money in the long run.
The Amount of Prep Work
Before any deck repairs can begin, you may need to invest time and money into preparing the deck for the work. This may include tasks like cleaning, sanding, and power washing, which can add to the overall cost. Proper preparation is essential to ensure that the repairs are effective and long-lasting.
Size of the Area Needing Repairing
The size of your deck will play a role in determining the cost of repairs. Larger decks require more materials and labor to complete the repair work, which will increase the overall cost.
Deck Height
The height of your deck is another factor that can impact repair costs. Decks that are higher off the ground can be more complicated to repair. They may require additional safety equipment and different repair techniques, resulting in increased labor costs. In some cases, specialized equipment may be necessary to access hard-to-reach areas.
Deck Material
Different deck materials come with varying costs for repair. For example, repairing composite decking often costs more than fixing a wood deck due to the higher price of composite materials. Additionally, some materials require specialized tools or techniques, which can add to the overall cost of the repair project.
Lumber Prices
Recently, we have seen considerable changes in lumber prices, which can directly impact the overall expenses for fixing your deck. As lumber costs rise, homeowners may find it more expensive to replace damaged boards or complete extensive structural repairs. On the other hand, when lumber prices decrease, repairing your deck might become more affordable. It’s essential to keep an eye on the ever-changing lumber market when planning your deck repair project.
Who Does the Repair
Hiring a professional deck contractor will generally cost more than doing the repairs yourself or hiring a handyman. However, professionals have the experience and expertise to ensure that the repairs are done correctly and safely. Additionally, professional contractors typically provide warranties on their work, giving you peace of mind about the quality of the repair.
Higher-tier contractors will cost more, too. The higher quality work they do is worth it, as is the peace of mind that comes with knowing your deck repair was done well and that your deck is safe.
How can you find the right contractor?
Where You Live
Your location can affect the cost of deck repairs, as labor and material costs vary by region. In urban areas and places near large cities, the cost of living is higher, which can translate to increased prices for both materials and labor. People living way out in more rural areas may still have a higher price tag due to travel and transportation expenses.
Deck Customizations
If your deck has custom features like built-in seating, lighting, or unique decking designs, these elements can add to the repair costs. Custom features often require specialized knowledge or materials, which can result in higher prices for repairs.
Adding Extra Features During the Repair
You can take this time to have the contractor install additions, such as built-in seats, a drinking edge, lighting, and so forth.
The Season
The time of year you choose to repair your deck can impact the cost. Contractors may offer lower prices during their slow season, typically in the colder months. Scheduling your deck repairs during this time can save you money.
Permits
Some deck repairs may require permits, which can add to the overall cost. Be sure to check with your local building department to determine if any permits are necessary for your deck repair project. Permit costs can vary depending on the scope of the repairs and local regulations, so it’s essential to budget for this expense when planning your deck repair.
Your contractor should take care of getting the necessary permits for you.
How to Lower the Cost of Repairing a Deck
- Do simple tasks. Parts that are simple enough for you to handle, like cleaning.
- Subscribe. Subscribe to newsletters and look at local decking companies’ social media in case of any deals or sales.
- Schedule your deck repair during the colder months. This is usually when contractors have lower demand.
- Stain and seal your deck. One way to save money on your deck repair project is by staining and sealing the deck yourself after the repairs are completed.
- Dispose of the materials yourself. Instead of paying the contractor to haul away old materials, consider disposing of them yourself to reduce costs. You can rent a dumpster or take the materials to a local waste disposal facility, which may be more cost-effective than having the contractor handle it.
- Bulk discount. Check if the company is willing to offer a bulk discount if you and a neighbor or friend both need deck repairs.
- Pay for the materials yourself. Purchasing the materials directly can often save you money compared to having the contractor provide them. This allows you to shop around for the best prices and potentially negotiate bulk discounts.
- Special discounts. Inquire about special discounts for military personnel or senior citizens.
- Multiple estimates. Obtain price estimates from several deck contractors before making a decision. Don’t let the lowest price sway your decision, as it could be from a lower-tier contractor.
- Demolish your deck. Safely perform some of the deck demolition yourself if you have the skills. We recommend not doing this unless you have previous demolition experience because it can be dangerous.
- Proper maintenance. Regular maintenance can help keep damages to a minimum and have them discovered before they get costlier.
How to maintain your deck to prevent the need for repairs.
The Main Types of Deck Repairs
- Replacing damaged or rotten boards
- Fixing loose boards or your deck railing
- Repairing or replacing support beams
- Replacing deck stairs
- Restaining or sealing the deck surface
- Repairing or replacing railing systems
- Addressing termite or insect damage
- Fixing foundation or structural issues
FAQs About Deck Repairs
Can you fix a rotting deck?
Once deck wood starts rotting, it cannot be repaired, only replaced. Remove and replace affected boards and structural supports to restore integrity. Prevent future rot by improving drainage, sealing wood properly, and performing regular maintenance.
What is the most expensive part of a deck?
The most expensive part of a deck is the material cost, especially for premium options. Composite decking, hardwoods like ipe, and PVC are significantly pricier than pressure-treated wood. High-end materials often account for 50-60% of the total budget. Custom features like railings and built-in seating add further expenses.
Revive Your Deck With Hard Decks: The Deck Specialists
We hope this blog post has given you valuable insights into deck repair costs and the factors that influence them. By keeping these tips in mind, you can ensure your deck remains in top-notch condition for years to come.
At Hard Decks, our team of skilled professionals is ready to assist you with all your deck repair needs, providing quality workmanship and excellent customer service.
Don’t wait any longer to give your deck the care it deserves; fill out our contact form today or give us a call.