Most homeowners pay $7,900–$16,500 to replace a deck, and Angi puts the typical replacement at about $8,000. Full replacement usually costs $30–$55 per sq. ft., including tearing out the old deck ($5–$15 per sq. ft.) and building a new one (Angi, HomeGuide and HomeAdvisor data, as of October 2026).
Updated October 8, 2026. Source: Angi + 4 more. National US estimates.
Replacement makes sense when a deck has widespread rot, soft or sagging framing, failing footings or a ledger that has pulled away from the house. Decks around 15 years or older with major damage are usually better replaced than patched, while younger decks with isolated problems can often be repaired.
This guide covers what a full tear-out and rebuild costs by size and material, a line-item breakdown and how to save. If the damage is limited to a few boards or a railing, check the deck repair cost guide first; for a brand-new deck with no demolition, see the cost to build a deck.
Average cost
Typical deck replacement costs including demolition and a new deck, national averages as of October 2026:
| Scenario | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small deck, about 100–150 sq. ft., pressure-treated | $3,000–$8,250 | Tear-out plus a simple ground-level platform |
| Mid-size deck, about 200–300 sq. ft., wood or composite | $7,900–$16,500 | Most common range; a 20x20 replacement runs about $10,000–$11,000 in Angi's data |
| Large or elevated deck, 400+ sq. ft., composite or hardwood | $12,000–$30,000+ | New footings, stairs and premium railing |
Deck replacement cost by size
Estimated at HomeGuide's full-replacement rate of $30–$55 per sq. ft. (includes removal of the old deck).
| Deck size | Square feet | Estimated replacement cost |
|---|---|---|
| 10 x 12 ft | 120 | $3,600–$6,600 |
| 12 x 16 ft | 192 | $5,760–$10,560 |
| 16 x 16 ft | 256 | $7,680–$14,080 |
| 16 x 20 ft | 320 | $9,600–$17,600 |
| 20 x 20 ft | 400 | $12,000–$22,000 |
Railing replacement cost by material
| Railing material | Installed cost per linear foot |
|---|---|
| Wood | $40–$60 |
| Metal | $55–$85 |
| Composite | $80–$165 |
| Cable | $115–$175 |
| Glass | $140–$210 |
Cost breakdown: materials, labor, permits and extras
Line-item estimate for tearing out a 200 sq. ft. wood deck and replacing it with a new pressure-treated deck with about 40 linear feet of wood railing. Ranges are national, as of October 8, 2026.
| Cost item | Typical range | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition & haul-away | $1,000–$3,000 | $5–$15 per sq. ft., including debris disposal |
| Materials (decking, framing, footings, fasteners) | $2,800–$5,600 | About $14–$28 per sq. ft. |
| Labor (new deck) | $2,200–$4,400 | About $11–$22 per sq. ft. |
| Railing | $800–$2,400 | $20–$60 per linear foot for wood or vinyl |
| Permits & inspections | $50–$500 | Required for most rebuilt attached decks |
| Contingency (about 10%) | $500–$1,200 | Rotted ledger, siding repair, new footings |
| Estimated total | $7,400–$17,000 | Before any discounts or rebates |
Choosing composite decking instead of pressure-treated wood can roughly double the materials line.
What affects the price
- Size. Cost scales with square footage: at $30–$55 per sq. ft., a 12x16 deck runs about $5,800–$10,600 to replace and a 20x20 deck about $12,000–$22,000.
- Material. Decking material drives the biggest swing. Cedar boards cost about $3–$7 per sq. ft. and redwood $5–$30, while composite runs $12–$45 per sq. ft. for materials alone.
- Demolition and removal. Removing and hauling away the old deck costs about $5–$15 per sq. ft., covering the surface boards, framing, brackets and old foundations plus disposal fees.
- Footings. If the existing footings are sound and correctly sized, a builder may reuse them. New footings cost about $200–$400 each, and a typical deck needs several.
- Railing. Replacing the railing at the same time runs $40–$60 per linear foot for wood, $55–$85 for metal and up to $140–$210 for glass panels.
- Permits. A rebuilt attached deck usually needs a permit; Angi reports $225–$500 for permits on a new build, while HomeGuide puts many permits at $50–$150.
Ways to save
- Ask whether the existing footings and framing can be kept. A resurfacing job (new boards and railing on sound framing) costs far less than a full rebuild.
- Do the demolition yourself if the deck is low and safe to dismantle, saving $5–$15 per sq. ft.; rent a dumpster for the debris.
- Stick to the same footprint and height so you can often reuse the permit drawings and footings layout.
- Pick pressure-treated framing with composite only on the surface if you want low maintenance without paying composite prices everywhere.
- Get at least three written quotes that separate demolition, materials, labor and railing so you can compare like for like.
Related questions people ask
How much does it cost to replace a deck?
The cost to replace a deck is typically $30–$55 per sq. ft. including tear-out, or about $8,000 for an average project. Angi reports most replacements at $7,900 to $12,500 or more, and a 20x20 deck at about $10,000–$11,000.
How to get an accurate quote
Get at least three written quotes from licensed, insured deck builders. Give each the same details:
- The size and height of the current deck, how it attaches to the house and any known rot or soft spots.
- Whether you want the same footprint or a new design, plus your decking and railing material choices.
- Ask them to price demolition and haul-away separately, and to say whether footings and ledger will be reused or replaced.
- Confirm who pulls the permit, how flashing at the house will be handled, and what labor and material warranties apply.
FAQ
Should I repair or replace my deck?
Repair is usually best for minor damage or decks only a few years old; average repairs run about $750–$2,500. Replacement makes more sense when damage is widespread, framing or footings are failing, or the deck is 15 or more years old.
Can I replace only the deck boards?
Yes, if the joists, beams and footings are sound. Resurfacing costs about $15–$50 per sq. ft. and keeps the existing structure, which is cheaper than a full tear-out and rebuild.
How long does a deck replacement take?
Demolition is usually quick, but the full project depends on permits, size and whether new footings must be poured and inspected. Ask each builder for a written schedule that includes permit and inspection lead times.
For the big picture, start with our complete fence installation cost guide.
Related cost guides
Sources
- Angi — How Much Does Deck Replacement or Repair Cost? [2026 Data] (updated Aug 3, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- HomeGuide — How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck? (2026) (Feb 10, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- HomeGuide — How Much Does Deck Repair Cost? (2026) (Oct 28, 2025). Checked October 8, 2026.
- HomeAdvisor — How Much Does a Deck Replacement Cost in 2026? (updated Jun 20, 2026). Checked October 8, 2026.
- Fixr — Deck Repair Cost (updated Jan 31, 2025). Checked October 8, 2026.
Prices are estimates and vary by location and provider. See our methodology and editorial policy. Browse all yard & pests cost guides.