Wood Deck Refinishing in Philadelphia, PA — Costs $689 to $8,273

What does wood deck refinishing cost in Philadelphia? Average $2,758, ranging $689–$8,273. Labor runs $42.89/hr locally — 38% above the national average. Free breakdown with material + labor split.

Philadelphia, PA Market

+38% vs national

Labor Rate

$42.89/hr

Material Index

126

Avg Permit Cost

$2,967

Median Home Price

$407,994

As one of the largest metros in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia has a competitive contractor market with hundreds of licensed professionals. This typically gives homeowners more leverage on pricing, though high demand for renovations can offset that advantage. At 38% above the national average, Philadelphia is one of the more expensive markets for home improvement — driven primarily by above-average labor rates in the region. The median home in Philadelphia is valued at $407,994, putting this project at about 0.7% of home value — a moderate investment with a projected 65% ROI.

Low Estimate

$689

National: $500

Mid-Range

$2,758

National: $2,000

High End

$8,273

National: $6,000

Per Sq Ft

$4

National: $3

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

Wood Deck Refinishing Cost Calculator for Philadelphia

Adjusted for Philadelphia's labor rate ($42.89/hr) and material costs (index 126).

50 sq ft1,000 sq ft

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

Estimated Total in Philadelphia

$2,758

Based on 200 sq ft at mid quality, adjusted for Philadelphia market rates.

Local Cost Breakdown

Labor (70%)$1,931

At Philadelphia's average rate of $42.89/hr (43% above national avg)

Materials (30%)$827

Material cost index 126 (26% above national baseline of 100)

Wood Deck Refinishing vs. Home Value in Philadelphia

MetricPhiladelphiaNational Avg
Wood Deck Refinishing (Mid-Range)$2,758$2,000
Median Home Price$407,994$350,000
Project as % of Home Value0.7%0.6%
Estimated ROI65%65%
Median Household Income$85,450$75,000

What Affects the Price in Philadelphia

  • 1Local labor rates ($42.89/hr in Philadelphia)
  • 2Material cost index (126 vs national 100)
  • 3Deck size
  • 4Cleaning and prep
  • 5Stain vs paint vs sealant
  • 6Number of coats

Popular Upgrades

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

Planning a Wood Deck Refinishing in Philadelphia

A wood deck refinishing typically doesn't require a permit in Philadelphia, which simplifies planning. However, always confirm with the local building department before starting, especially for structural changes. Expect the project to take 2-3 days to complete.

This is a beginner-friendly project that many Philadelphia homeowners tackle themselves. DIY can save you roughly $1,931 in labor costs, though you'll still need to source materials at local prices (material index: 126).

With a median household income of $85,450, many Philadelphia residents can budget for this project through savings. The mid-range cost of $2,758 represents 3% of the typical household's annual income.

Explore All Project Cost Guides

Compare costs across 120+ home improvement projects in 3,636 cities nationwide.

View All Project Costs

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Calculators