Red decking a deck typically costs $4,500-$12,000 for a 300-square-foot surface, with an average near $7,500. The cost depends on decking material, labor rates, board removal, access, and whether the existing frame needs repairs.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 300-sq-ft redeck project | $4,500 | $7,500 | $12,000 | Boards, removal, and installation; frame repairs may cost extra |
| Pressure-treated wood | $15 per sq ft | $20 per sq ft | $27 per sq ft | Installed, including typical removal |
| Composite decking | $25 per sq ft | $35 per sq ft | $50 per sq ft | Installed; premium boards can exceed this range |
What a 300-square-foot deck redeck usually costs
For a straightforward 300-square-foot project using pressure-treated boards, a common total is $4,500-$8,100. Cedar or similar wood may bring the total to $6,000-$10,500, while composite often costs $7,500-$15,000. These estimates assume the joists and ledger are serviceable and the deck has ordinary access.
Most standard redeck quotes fall around $15-$40 per square foot installed, depending chiefly on material. A small deck can cost more per square foot because hauling, setup, and minimum crew charges are spread across fewer boards. Stairs, railings, fascia, and framing work are often separate.
Assumptions: U.S. suburban market, standard-grade boards, normal access, and no major structural repairs.
How boards, demolition, and labor appear on quotes
Ask whether the estimate includes removing the old surface, fasteners, disposal, and replacement of damaged framing. Some contractors quote new boards only, which can make an initial price look lower than the full project cost.
| Quote item | Typical price | What changes the charge | Common billing basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decking boards | $4-$15 per sq ft | Wood species, composite grade, color, and board profile | Material area |
| Removal and disposal | $2-$6 per sq ft | Board condition, stairs, landfill fees, and access | Deck area or job |
| Installation labor | $5-$15 per sq ft | Cutting, fastening system, layout, and crew rates | Area or labor hours |
| Fasteners and trim | $300-$1,200 | Hidden fasteners, fascia, border boards, and stairs | Materials and labor |
| Framing repairs | $300-$3,000+ | Rot, spacing, joist damage, or ledger replacement | Repair scope |
Labor can be estimated as . For example, a two-person crew working 2-4 days at a combined $100-$180 per hour could bill roughly $3,200-$11,500 before material, though many contractors price by area or project instead.
A complete quote should identify removal, disposal, fasteners, trim, and framing repairs rather than hiding them in one unexplained total.
Deck size and board material shift the per-square-foot price
At 150 square feet, expect roughly $2,500-$7,500 for a basic-to-midrange redeck; a 300-square-foot surface may run $4,500-$15,000; and 500 square feet can reach $8,000-$25,000. Larger decks cost more overall, but the per-square-foot rate may fall when setup costs are spread over more area.
Pressure-treated pine is commonly the least expensive option at about $15-$27 per square foot installed. Cedar generally runs $20-$35, while composite is often $25-$50. PVC decking and premium capped composite can exceed $50 per square foot when higher-priced boards, specialty fasteners, and detailed borders are included.
Changing from basic wood to composite can add thousands of dollars on a 300-square-foot deck, even when the existing frame is reused. Some composite products require closer joist spacing than older wood decks, so verify that the frame meets the manufacturer’s specifications before comparing board prices alone.
Joist spacing and rot can turn a surface job into framing work
Frame condition is one of the largest unknowns. If only a few joists need sistering or replacement, repairs may add $300-$1,500. Widespread rot, a damaged ledger, or code-related reinforcement can add $2,000-$6,000 or more. An inspection after the old boards come off may be needed for a reliable repair allowance.
Composite boards commonly require joists no farther apart than 16 inches on center, with some products or diagonal layouts requiring 12 inches. If an existing frame has 24-inch spacing, adding joists can materially increase labor and lumber costs. Decks higher than 30 inches may also have railing requirements that affect the scope.
Confirm joist spacing and ledger condition before ordering boards, especially when switching from wood to composite.
Labor rates vary between metro areas and rural markets
Labor and disposal charges differ by location. Large coastal metros and high-cost cities may price a comparable project 15%-30% above the national midpoint. Rural areas can be 5%-20% lower, but a long contractor travel distance or limited crew availability can erase that difference. Local building rules and landfill fees also affect estimates.
Deck access matters as well: carrying boards through a narrow home, working above a slope, or removing material by hand can add 10%-25% to labor. Ask whether the quote includes sales tax, delivery, and any permit or inspection charge. Rules vary locally, and replacing boards alone may be treated differently from altering the frame or stairs.
Compare quotes from contractors working in the same local market and confirm that each includes the same removal and repair scope.
Three sample quotes show how the scope changes totals
| Project | Materials and unit rate | Labor and scope | Estimated total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 180-sq-ft pressure-treated deck | $4-$7 per sq ft boards | 20-30 crew hours; removal and disposal included | $3,000-$5,000 |
| 300-sq-ft cedar deck | $7-$12 per sq ft boards | 35-50 crew hours; trim and standard fastening | $6,000-$10,500 |
| 400-sq-ft composite deck | $12-$22 per sq ft boards | 50-75 crew hours; hidden fasteners and limited joist work | $12,000-$22,000 |
These examples assume ordinary access and no major railing replacement. The labor-hour ranges describe estimated crew time, not necessarily the number of hours charged at one individual worker’s rate. Stairs, picture-frame borders, and extensive framing work can push totals above the examples.
Use the same deck area, material grade, removal plan, and repair allowance when comparing contractor totals.
Which add-ons deserve a separate line in the estimate
Replacing railings can add about $25-$70 per linear foot for common wood systems, while composite or metal options may cost more. Stair tread replacement often adds $50-$150 per step, depending on width and material. Fascia or perimeter trim may add $8-$25 per linear foot installed.
Delivery may be included or billed at $100-$500, especially for remote sites or small orders. Old-board disposal commonly costs $300-$1,200 for a typical deck, depending on volume and local fees. If the contractor discovers damage after demolition, request photos and a written change order before approving additional work.
Separating stairs, railings, and disposal from the deck-surface price makes add-on costs easier to verify.
How to lower a redeck quote without cutting necessary work
Keep the existing frame only when it is sound, properly spaced, and suitable for the selected boards. Choosing standard-width pressure-treated boards or a midrange composite line instead of premium colors and specialty borders can reduce material cost. A simple square layout also takes less cutting and labor than diagonal patterns or intricate picture frames.
Remove movable furniture and planters before the crew arrives, but leave structural demolition and disposal to the contractor unless the quote explicitly allows owner removal. Get at least three itemized estimates and ask each contractor to price the same material, square footage, fasteners, and repair allowance. Avoid choosing the lowest bid until its exclusions are clear.
The strongest savings usually come from controlling material upgrades and decorative scope, not skipping needed frame repairs.