Decks & Patios · Repair, replace or choose · Updated November 2026
Deck Resurfacing vs. Full Replacement
If the frame underneath is sound, you can refinish the deck or replace only the boards and railings. If the framing, ledger board or footings are failing, new boards will not fix it, and a full replacement is the safe choice.
Three options
| Option | What it involves | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Refinish | Clean, sand and re-stain or seal the existing boards | $3–$7 per sq. ft. (about $980 for 200 sq. ft.) |
| Resurface | Replace boards (and often railings) on the existing frame | Board material: pressure-treated $2–$5, composite $12–$22 per sq. ft., plus labor |
| Replace | Tear out and rebuild, including framing and footings | Ground-level deck $10–$20 per sq. ft.; demolition $5–$15 per sq. ft. |
Refinishing from HomeAdvisor; materials, decks and demolition from our deck and patio cost guide.
Why the frame matters
- Ledger board: where the deck attaches to the house. It needs proper fasteners and flashing; a rotted or poorly attached ledger is a serious safety concern.
- Joists and beams: check for rot, especially at the ends and under seams.
- Posts and footings: posts should sit on proper footings, not directly in the soil, and should not lean.
- Fasteners and hangers: rusted connectors weaken the structure.
Have a deck builder or inspector check the structure before paying for new boards. Joist spacing also matters: composite boards often need closer joist spacing than wood.
Resurfacing makes sense when
- The frame is solid and dry, and the ledger is properly attached and flashed.
- Boards are cracked, splintered or cupped but the structure is fine.
- You like the size and layout.
Choosing boards? See composite vs. wood decking. Railings due too? See deck railing replacement cost.
Sources
- HomeAdvisor: Deck refinishing cost, accessed November 2026
Cost figures are national ranges from the sources listed above and in our decks & patios cost guide, not a quote from FixFinch or any contractor.