True Cost Guide Outdoor Living Refinish a Deck

How Much Does It Cost to Restain a Deck in 2024?

Typical Range:

$600 - $1,600

Cost data is based on research by HomeAdvisor.

Updated September 26, 2024

Reviewed by Andy Kilborn, Expert Home Building and Remodeling Contributor.

Written by HomeAdvisor.

Highlights

The average cost to restain a deck is about $980 for a 200-square-foot deck.
Deck refinishing costs range from $600 to $1,600, depending on size and other factors.
The cost to refinish a deck is between $3 and $8 per square foot, including labor and materials.
Staining a deck is usually cheaper than painting, but it may not last as long.
Plan to inspect your deck for damage and restain it every two to three years.
The most common types of wood deck stains are water-based and oil-based.
Local market conditions affect the cost to restain a deck.

The cost to restain a deck measuring about 200 square feet is $980 on average, ranging from $600 to $1,600 in most cases. This works out to a deck refinishing cost of $3 to $8 per square foot, including materials and basic labor costs. Additional preparation and repair work, like sanding or fixing damage, costs extra. Expect to pay more for staining stairs and railings along with the cost to stain a deck.

Average Cost to Restain a Deck

Average Cost	High Cost	Low Cost
$980	$1,600	$600

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Deck Restaining Cost Factors

Several deck refinishing cost factors impact your final price. The cost to restain a deck depends on its size, the type of stain you choose, and the amount of prep work required.

Deck Size

The larger the surface to cover, the more it costs to restain a deck. Larger decks require more labor and materials. When calculating your cost to refinish a deck, remember that steps, railings, and other surfaces beyond the main deck also add to your total project cost.

On average, the cost to refinish a deck works out to $3 to $8 per square foot. An average 200-square-foot deck has a total cost of $600 to $1,600. Smaller decks may cost as little as $500 to refinish. By comparison, the cost to restain an older, larger deck could be more than $4,000, especially if deck repairs are needed.

Deck Size in Square Feet	Average Cost Range
100	$300–$800
150	$450–$1,200
200	$600–$1,600
300	$900–$2,400
400	$1,200–$3,200
500	$1,500–$4,000

Prep Work

The current condition of your deck greatly affects the refinishing costs. A deck already in great shape may not require much preparation beyond some light sanding, while a weathered, cracked, or damaged deck may require more serious repairs and resurfacing work.

Local pros can inspect your deck to suggest what prep work may be required. Pressure washing a deck costs about $150 on average, or $0.40 to $1.20 per square foot. Expect to pay $1 to $4 per square foot for sanding and between $30 and $50 per hour for paint stripping.

The cost to repair a deck varies on the extent of damage, ranging from $860 to $3,600. Repairs may address cracks, splitting, mold, mildew, and other concerns.

Prep Task	Average Cost Range
Sanding	$1–$4 per sq. ft.
Power Washing	$0.40–$1.20 per sq. ft.
Repairs	$860–$3,500
Paint Stripping	$30–$50 per hour

Finish Type

Your deck refinishing cost depends on the type of stain you choose. It’s important to pick a stain appropriate for the type of wood. The wood finish is meant to protect your deck from moisture, sunlight, weather, and other potential sources of damage. Wood stains cost anywhere from $20 to $120 per gallon.

Water-based deck stain costs, on average, $20 to $60 per gallon. These semi-transparent stains are mold- and mildew-resistant but typically don’t penetrate the wood deeply. They’re best suited for wood with natural, rot-resistant oils, like cedar and redwood.
Oil-based deck stain costs an average of $35 to $120 per gallon. They darken over time, penetrating more deeply for optimal protection against weather and damaging UV rays. They’re well-suited for pine, spruce, and other woods that lack natural, rot-resistant oils.
Clear deck stain is available in water- and oil-based options for $20 to $60 per gallon. It allows the natural beauty of your wood planks to shine through.
Solid deck stain costs $25 to $70 per gallon, giving you more options for different colors and finishes. This is similar to deck painting costs, a middle ground between staining and painting a deck with oil- and water-based formulations.

Labor

The labor cost to refinish a deck typically ranges between $600 and $1,400 for 200 square feet. Most local deck staining pros charge $40 to $70 per hour, or $1 to $3 per square foot, not including the cost of materials. Labor involves not only restaining a deck but also all the prep work like sanding and paint stripping. It takes more time to apply multiple coats of deck stain.

Location

How much deck sealing services in your area charge for restaining a deck varies based on local market conditions and the time of year. Companies tend to be busiest in the spring as homeowners prepare for summers on the deck, sometimes resulting in higher costs or longer wait times.

A big city with a higher cost of living can drive up the cost of refinishing a deck. While you may be able to restain a deck in Salt Lake City for $700, it could cost $1,500 or more in Los Angeles.

Deck Restoration Cost

If your deck has significant damage, you may need to invest in deck repairs before staining and finishing it. Deck restoration costs $1,080 on average, depending on the size of the deck and the amount of work needed to restore it. The deck restoration project may involve inspecting for mold or rot, warped areas, and termite damage. The more work needed, the more your desk restoration costs. You may need to call a local pest control service to remove existing insect or rodent colonies.

Deck Resurfacing Cost

Resurfacing a deck involves sanding down the top layer and then applying a new layer of stain or paint. Deck resurfacing costs $500 to $1,400 for about 200 square feet, with an average cost of about $1,000. Larger decks cost more. It may cost a bit more to seal a deck against moisture, organic growth, and UV damage. Deck sealing costs $0.75 to $4 per square foot for the sealant and labor.

Does Restaining a Deck Increase Home Value?

Curb appeal goes a long way in attracting potential buyers. While restaining a deck may not directly increase your home value in a substantial way, it can mean the difference between an interested buyer and having them walk away from making an offer. The deck itself can add significant value to your home, adding terrific outdoor space for entertaining guests.

Budgeting for Deck Restaining

To reduce your cost to refinish a deck, keep these budget-friendly tips in mind:

Clean your deck regularly, clearing it of leaves and other debris, to avoid accumulated damage to the wood.
Consider doing some of the basic prep work yourself, like minor repairs and sanding.
Inspect your deck periodically, repairing minor damages before they grow into bigger issues.
Redirect downspouts away from your deck to prevent the accumulation of moisture, which can lead to rotten wood.
Add a grease catcher to your grill to avoid difficult-to-remove grease stains.
Request complete estimates from at least three local contractors, including the cost of materials, delivery, preparation, and cleanup.

How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data

No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.

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FAQs

Can I put new decking over the old decking?

No, you shouldn’t put new decking over old decking. There’s often decay beneath the deck where the fastener penetrates the joist. It’s better to cap, repair, or replace joists. Although several products exist for this purpose, they increase the risk of moisture damage and rot and can create spots for insects to live in. Additionally, they're difficult to utilize on more complex decks with several levels or stairs.

Why should I refinish a deck?

You should refinish a deck because it needs regular upkeep to maintain its appearance and functionality, especially if you live in a harsh climate. Otherwise, the deck can show signs of wear and tear, or even become a safety hazard. Staying on top of maintenance, like refinishing your deck, helps to prolong its lifespan. Maintaining your deck allows you to keep enjoying your outdoor living space. It also increases your home’s resale value without you having to absorb the cost to build a new deck.

How often should I refinish or restain a deck?

Plan to restain or refinish your deck every two years, on average. It depends on the level of wear and tear, based on usage and local weather conditions. Look for signs of water damage, like warping and cracking, as well as visible mold or mildew growth. Other signs you may need to restain your deck include fading, splintering, and a loss of luster on the wood. The typical cost to refinish a deck is far lower than deck repair costs if you delay regular maintenance.

Is it better to paint or stain a deck?

If you want to create a durable layer of protection, it’s better to paint a deck rather than stain it. Oil-based paint is best for keeping out moisture, but latex-based paint is better for protection against sunlight. However, painting a deck covers the look of the natural wood. If you want to preserve the beauty of the wood, a stain offers protection while allowing the wood grain to show through. Staining a deck penetrates the wood for greater resistance to rot, mold, and mildew. Wood stain won’t last as long as paint, so you need to reapply it more often.