Deck Replacement Cost Calculator
Decide between replacing boards, resurfacing with new railing, or a full tear-down and rebuild. This calculator prices all three paths — including demolition and disposal — so the comparison is honest.
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View on AmazonResurface or rebuild? Start with the frame
The whole decision hinges on one inspection. Get under the deck with a screwdriver and probe the joists, the rim, the ledger where it meets the house, and the tops of the posts. If the tip sinks in more than about 1/4 inch, that member is compromised. If a third or more of the framing fails the probe — or if the ledger is rotted or was attached with nails instead of bolts — a rebuild is the honest answer. If the frame is solid, resurfacing costs 55-65% of a rebuild and is the better value nearly every time.
2026 replacement cost by scope
| Scope | Installed / sq ft | 240 sq ft deck | What's included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Removal / demo only | $4-$8 | $1,100-$2,000 | Tear-out, dumpster, haul away |
| Boards only, PT | $18-$28 | $4,300-$6,700 | Tear-off, new boards, fasteners |
| Boards only, composite | $30-$42 | $7,200-$10,000 | Tear-off, boards, hidden clips, fascia |
| Boards + railing (resurface) | $38-$58 | $9,100-$13,900 | Above plus new code-compliant railing |
| Full rebuild, composite | $52-$74 | $12,500-$17,800 | Demo, new frame, footings, boards, rail |
The framing repairs that show up mid-job
Once the old boards come off, three problems surface regularly. Soft joist tops from years of water sitting in screw holes — sistering a joist runs $60-$120 each. Rusted joist hangers and nails, especially where older galvanized hardware met modern ACQ-treated lumber, which corrodes it aggressively. And ledger flashing that was never installed, which usually means rot in the house rim joist and a repair well beyond deck scope. Hold back 15% of your budget for this; on decks older than 20 years, make it 25%.
Can you put composite over old joists?
Only if two conditions are met: every joist passes the probe test, and spacing is 16 inches on center or tighter. Composite sags visibly on 24-inch spacing, which was common on older 2×6 decks. If your spacing is 24 inches, you can add sister joists between the existing ones — roughly $8-$14 per square foot — or switch to a wood surface. While the frame is open, add joist tape across every top edge; it's a few hundred dollars that adds a decade to the framing life.
When rebuilding is simply the cheaper path
Rebuild rather than resurface if the deck was built without footings below frost line, if posts are set in concrete (they rot at the collar), if the ledger is nailed rather than bolted, if the deck lacks lateral load connectors, or if you want to change the footprint or height. Spending $8,000 on beautiful new boards over a frame that fails inspection is the most expensive mistake in deck ownership. Price the alternative with the full material calculator or compare surfaces in the cost per square foot calculator.
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Frequently asked questions
- How much does it cost to replace deck boards?
- Boards-only replacement runs $18-$28 per square foot installed for pressure-treated and $30-$42 for composite, including tear-out and disposal. A 240 sq ft deck typically lands between $4,300 and $10,000.
- Is it cheaper to repair or replace a deck?
- Resurfacing (new boards on a sound frame) costs roughly 55-65% of a full rebuild. If more than about a third of the joists are soft or the ledger is rotted, a rebuild is cheaper over the deck's life.
- How much does deck removal cost?
- Demolition and disposal runs $4-$8 per square foot, or roughly $1,100-$2,000 for a 240 sq ft deck including a dumpster. Elevated decks and concrete footing removal push toward the top of the range.
- Can I put composite decking over old joists?
- Only if the joists are sound and spaced 16 inches on center or tighter — composite sags on 24-inch spacing. Inspect every joist, replace soft ones, and add joist tape before the new boards go down.
- How long do deck boards last?
- Pressure-treated boards last 10-15 years with regular staining, cedar 15-20, composite 25-30, and PVC 30-plus. Framing under a well-flashed deck often outlives two rounds of decking.
