Deck Refinishing Cost Calculator
Deck refinishing costs about $3–$8 per square foot in 2026 — roughly $900–$2,400 for a typical 300 sq ft deck. Pick a mode below: estimate by area and condition, by service level, or compare DIY materials against a pro quote.
Pro refinishing typically runs $3–$8 per sq ft depending on prep work. DIY materials (cleaner, stain, sandpaper, applicators) run about $0.50–$1.50 per sq ft.
Estimates only — not contractor quotes. Prices vary by region, labor rates, wood type, and stain quality. Get 2–3 local quotes before hiring.
How the deck refinishing cost calculator works
Refinishing a deck means cleaning (power wash), sanding (usually 80–120 grit), staining (penetrating oil or water-based), and sealing. Prep is 60–70% of the labor cost — that is why the deck's condition, not its size alone, drives the price.
Four things move the number: deck size (priced per square foot), current condition (peeling stain that needs chemical stripping adds $1–$2 per sq ft), wood type (pressure-treated is cheapest to refinish; cedar and redwood take stain beautifully; exotic hardwoods need specialty products), and stain quality ($30–$60 per gallon, covering roughly 150–300 sq ft).
Not sure it is time? Do the water-drop test: sprinkle water on the boards. If it beads up, the old finish still works. If it soaks in within seconds, the wood is unprotected and ready for refinishing.
cost = area × rate per sq ft · low–high = rate range for the condition or service level
Related tools
Keep exploring: if the boards are past saving, the Deck Replacement Cost Calculator prices a full rebuild; for a brand-new deck, the Deck Build Cost Calculator estimates the whole project from scratch.
Deck refinishing cost calculator FAQ
How much does deck refinishing cost per square foot?
About $3–$8 per square foot for a professional job in 2026. A basic power-wash cleaning runs $1–$2 per sq ft, clean + sand + stain lands around $3–$5, and a full strip, sand, stain, and seal on a weathered deck reaches $5–$8 per sq ft.
How much does it cost to refinish a 300 sq ft deck?
Roughly $900–$2,400 professionally for a typical 300 sq ft deck, depending on condition and service level. Doing it yourself cuts that to about $150–$450 in materials — cleaner, stain, sandpaper, and brushes or a rented sprayer.
How often should I refinish my deck?
Every 2–3 years for stain and sealer in most climates; clear sealers in harsh sun may need yearly attention. Do the water-drop test: sprinkle water on the boards — if it beads up the old finish still works, if it soaks in within seconds it is time to refinish.
Is it cheaper to refinish a deck yourself or hire a pro?
DIY is much cheaper: materials run $0.50–$1.50 per sq ft versus $3–$8 for a pro — a 50–70% saving. Hire a pro if the deck needs full stripping (the hardest DIY step), if you lack a free weekend, or if you want a workmanship warranty.
How long does deck refinishing take?
A pro crew usually finishes an average deck in 1–3 days: cleaning and prep on day one, staining on day two. As a DIY project plan one full weekend, plus 24–48 hours of dry time between coats — never stain in direct midday sun or when rain is forecast within a day.
Stain or paint for a deck — which costs less over time?
Stain costs less over time for most decks: $3–$5 per sq ft and simple recoating without stripping. Paint ($4–$7 per sq ft) lasts longer per coat but peels on horizontal boards, and each repaint needs heavy scraping and priming that erases the savings.
When should I replace my deck instead of refinishing it?
Refinish when boards are solid but gray, faded, or peeling. Replace when boards feel soft or spongy underfoot, posts wobble, railings are loose, or more than about a quarter of the boards need swapping — refinishing rotten wood just wastes money.