I helped my neighbor tear out her old deck last spring. The boards were so soft you could poke a screwdriver right through them. She kept asking me the same question over and over: “How much is this actually going to cost me?” It’s the question every homeowner asks, and honestly, it’s not a simple one to answer.
The cost to replace a wood deck usually lands somewhere between $8,000 and $25,000 for an average-sized deck. I’ve seen small ones done for under $5,000, while big custom builds can easily run past $40,000. It all comes down to size, wood type, labor in your area, and how much of the old structure needs to go.
I’ve noticed most homeowners get quoted a number and have no idea what’s actually driving that price. Let’s break it down piece by piece.
Average Cost to Replace a Wood Deck
Nationally, you’re looking at $25 to $60 per square foot for a full wood deck replacement, including demolition, framing, and new decking. A basic 200-square-foot deck built with pressure-treated pine often costs around $6,000 to $9,000. Add cedar or a fancier layout, and that number climbs fast.
One thing homeowners often overlook is that “replacement” isn’t the same job everywhere. A deck attached to a house with solid footings costs less to rebuild than one where the frame and posts are also rotted out. If you want to see what different wood species run per board foot before you even call a contractor, our best woods for decks guide is a good place to start.
Wood Deck Replacement Cost by Size
| Deck Size | Square Feet | Estimated Cost |
| 8×10 | 80 | $2,400 – $4,800 |
| 10×10 | 100 | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| 12×12 | 144 | $4,300 – $8,600 |
| 12×16 | 192 | $5,800 – $11,500 |
| 14×20 | 280 | $8,400 – $16,800 |
| 16×20 | 320 | $9,600 – $19,200 |
| 20×20 | 400 | $12,000 – $24,000 |
These ranges assume pressure-treated lumber on the low end and cedar or hardwood on the high end.
If you want a quick, personalized number based on your own dimensions, try our wood deck cost calculator or the more general wood calculator.
Wood Deck Replacement Cost by Material
| Material | Price per Sq Ft | Lifespan | Maintenance | Pros | Cons |
| Pressure-treated pine | $15–$25 | 15–20 yrs | Annual sealing | Cheap, widely available | Warps, needs upkeep |
| Cedar | $25–$40 | 20–25 yrs | Sealing every 2 yrs | Natural rot resistance, good looks | Softer, dents easily |
| Redwood | $30–$45 | 20–30 yrs | Sealing every 2 yrs | Beautiful grain, durable | Pricier, limited supply |
| Tropical hardwood | $40–$60+ | 30+ yrs | Oiling yearly | Extremely durable | Expensive, harder to work with |
A contractor will usually steer first-time deck owners toward pressure-treated wood because it’s forgiving and budget-friendly. But if you’re weighing cedar against treated lumber for the long haul, our cedar vs. pressure-treated deck comparison lays out the real tradeoffs.
There’s also a full cedar deck guide and a pressure-treated wood deck guide if you want to go deeper on either option. Some homeowners also compare wood against composite decking entirely—that breakdown is in our wood deck vs. composite deck article.
Also read:
Wood Deck Guide: Types, Costs & Best Wood
Labor Costs
Labor typically makes up 50–60% of your total bill. Expect:
- Hourly rates: $50–$100 per hour per worker
- Per square foot pricing: $10–$20 per sq ft for labor alone
- Contractor project pricing: Flat quotes based on size and complexity
- Removal costs: $3–$6 per sq ft to tear out the old deck
- Cleanup and haul-away: $300–$800 depending on deck size
Pro Tip: A common mistake I see is homeowners forgetting to ask if demolition and haul-away are even included in the quote. Some contractors bundle it in, others charge separately, and that gap can be a few hundred dollars you didn’t budget for.
What Affects Deck Replacement Cost?
A lot of small details add up:
- Deck size and shape – Curves and multiple levels cost more than a simple rectangle.
- Wood type – Hardwoods and cedar cost more than pine.
- Railings and stairs – These are often priced separately from the decking itself.
- Permits – Most cities require one for anything attached to the house.
- Location – Labor costs vary heavily by region.
- Accessibility – A backyard with tight access can slow the job down.
- Old deck removal – More rot means more demolition time.
- Foundation and framing damage – This is the hidden cost nobody budgets for.
- Custom designs – Built-in seating, pergolas, or multi-level layouts add up fast.
In many older homes, I’ve noticed the framing underneath looks fine until you actually pull up the boards. That’s when the estimate changes.
Cost to Replace Deck Boards Only
If your frame and posts are still solid, you might only need new boards. This runs $8–$15 per square foot, which is way less than a full rebuild since the expensive components—footings and framing—stay untouched.
The catch is that boards are usually the first thing to go. By the time they’re visibly bad, the frame underneath has often taken on moisture too. Before you commit to a boards-only job, it’s worth checking for termite damage vs. wood rot underneath, since both can hide beneath decking that still looks okay on the surface.
Repair vs. Replace a Wood Deck
| Situation | Repair | Replace |
| A few soft or cracked boards | Yes | No |
| Widespread rot across the deck | No | Yes |
| Loose railings only | Yes | No |
| Sagging or leaning frame | No | Yes |
| Deck is under 10 years old | Yes | No |
| Deck is 20+ years old | No | Yes |
One mistake I see often is homeowners sinking $2,000 into repairs on a deck that really needed replacing. If more than 25–30% of the structure is compromised, replacement usually saves money in the long run.
Signs Your Wood Deck Needs Replacement
- Soft, spongy spots underfoot
- Visible rot or discoloration
- Loose or wobbling posts
- Deep cracks running through boards
- Sagging in the middle of the deck
- Termite tunnels or damage
- Wobbling or loose railings
If you’re seeing any pest-related signs, it’s worth reading up on wood-destroying pests and wood mites on a deck, since both can quietly weaken a structure long before it looks obviously damaged.
Can You Replace a Deck Yourself ?
DIY can cut your total cost by 30–50%, but it’s not always the smarter move. Materials alone will run $2,000–$8,000 depending on size, and you’ll need tools like a circular saw, drill, and post-hole digger if you don’t already own them. A weekend warrior project can easily stretch into three or four weekends once you factor in permits and inspections.
A contractor will usually finish in days what takes a DIYer weeks, and they know local code requirements for railing height and footing depth off the top of their head. If your deck is attached to the house, sits more than a couple of feet off the ground, or needs new footings, I’d lean toward hiring a pro. Simple, ground-level decks are a reasonable DIY project if you’re handy.
Ways to Save Money
- Build during the fall or winter off-season when contractors have more availability.
- Reuse the existing framing if it’s still structurally sound.
- Choose pressure-treated lumber over cedar or hardwood.
- Get at least three quotes before picking a contractor.
- Handle demolition and haul-away yourself if you’re physically able.
Once the new deck is up, protecting it properly saves you money down the road, too. Our guides on the best deck sealer and best deck stains can help you pick the right finish so you’re not redoing this project again in five years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace a 12×12 wood deck?
A 12×12 deck (144 square feet) typically costs between $4,300 and $8,600 to replace, depending on the wood type and whether the existing frame can be reused.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a wood deck?
Repairs are cheaper upfront, usually costing a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars. But if more than a quarter of the structure is damaged, replacement often works out cheaper over time.
How much does deck demolition cost?
Demolition and haul-away typically run $3–$6 per square foot, or $300–$800 total for an average-sized deck.
What is the cheapest wood for a deck replacement?
Pressure-treated pine is the most budget-friendly option, usually costing $15–$25 per square foot installed.
How long does a wood deck replacement take?
Most standard decks take 3–7 days for a professional crew, though larger or custom builds can take two to three weeks.
Do I need a permit to replace my wood deck?
Most cities require a permit if the deck is attached to your house or elevated above a certain height. Always check with your local building department first.
How long does a new wood deck last?
A well-built and maintained wood deck can last 15 to 30 years depending on the wood species. Our guide on how long a wood deck lasts breaks this down by material.
Can I just replace the deck boards instead of the whole deck?
Yes, as long as the frame and footings are still structurally sound. This can cost 40–60% less than a full replacement.
What’s the average cost per square foot to replace a deck?
Most homeowners pay between $25 and $60 per square foot for a full replacement, including materials and labor.
Is composite decking cheaper than replacing with wood?
Composite costs more upfront but needs less maintenance over time. Our wood vs. composite deck comparison walks through the full cost breakdown.
Final Thoughts
Replacing a wood deck is one of those projects where the sticker price depends entirely on what’s hiding underneath the old boards. Get a few quotes, ask exactly what’s included, and don’t be afraid to walk the deck with your contractor before signing anything. A little homework upfront saves a lot of surprises later.
