Deck Resurfacing Cost Calculator

Frequently asked questions

Is it cheaper to resurface a deck or rebuild it?

Resurfacing usually runs 35 to 55 percent less because the expensive structural work — footings, posts, beam and ledger — stays put. On a 192 square foot deck in composite, resurfacing typically lands around $5,500 to $9,500 against $9,200 to $13,400 for a full rebuild. The saving disappears if the frame turns out to need more than a couple of sistered joists.

Can I put composite decking over old joists?

Only if the spacing and condition suit it. Nearly every composite brand requires joists at 16 inches on centre for straight boards and 12 for diagonal, so a deck framed at 24 inches needs extra joists added before the new boards go down. The joist tops also need to be flat and sound — composite telegraphs every dip in the frame underneath it.

How long does resurfacing a deck take?

For a typical 200 square foot deck, a contractor takes two to four days: a day to strip and inspect, a day or two to lay the new boards, and a day for railing and trim. DIY realistically takes two weekends. The variable is what the tear-off reveals — a rotten ledger or several bad joists adds days and changes the job into a partial rebuild.

How do I know if my deck frame is still good?

Push a screwdriver into the posts at ground level, the ledger where it meets the house, and the joist ends — sound wood resists, rotten wood gives. Look for rust streaks at the hangers, and for any joist that has dropped out of plane. If the ledger is not flashed or the posts sit directly in soil, treat the frame as suspect regardless of how the surface looks.