Wood Deck Refinishing Cost

Refinishing a wood deck restores its appearance and protects against UV damage, moisture, and foot traffic. Power washing, light sanding, and a quality stain every 2-3 years extends deck life significantly.

Low Estimate

$500

Mid-Range

$2,000

High End

$6,000

Avg ROI

65%

Duration: 2-3 days
DIY: Easy
Permits: Not Required
ROI: 65%

Interactive Cost Estimator

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

Mid-grade materials, good quality fixtures, standard options.

Estimated Total Cost

$2,000

Based on 200 sq ft at mid quality. Actual costs vary by location and contractor.

Cost Breakdown

Labor70%

Approx. $1,400 at mid-range pricing

Materials30%

Approx. $600 at mid-range pricing

Labor-heavy projects (like this one) benefit most from getting multiple contractor bids. You can save on materials-heavy projects by sourcing materials yourself at contractor pricing.

What Affects the Price

  • 1Deck size
  • 2Cleaning and prep
  • 3Stain vs paint vs sealant
  • 4Number of coats
  • 5Railing treatment

Popular Upgrades

  • Semi-transparent stain
  • Deck brightener pre-treatment
  • UV-resistant sealer topcoat

Discuss upgrades with your contractor before finalizing the quote. Some upgrades are cheaper to include during initial construction than to add later.

DIY vs. Hire a Pro

Easy DIY Project

Most homeowners can tackle this with basic tools.

DIY Advantages

  • • Save 70% on labor costs ($1,400 at mid-range)
  • • Control over timeline and material selection
  • • Satisfaction of completing the project yourself
  • • Flexibility to work in phases

Pro Advantages

  • • Guaranteed workmanship and professional finish
  • • Proper permits and code compliance
  • • Access to trade pricing on materials
  • Faster completion timeline

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Frequently Asked Questions

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