If your deck feels a little “soft” underfoot, a railing wobbles when you lean on it, or boards are cracking and splintering, you’re not alone. Chicago’s freeze–thaw cycles, summer humidity, and heavy outdoor use can accelerate wear—especially on older wood decks. The good news: most decks can be repaired and restored safely without jumping straight to a full replacement.
So what should you budget?
In Chicago, deck repair costs often fall in a wide range—from a few hundred dollars for small fixes to several thousand for structural repairs or major resurfacing. In this guide, we’ll break down typical Chicago price ranges by repair type, deck size, materials, and the “hidden” cost factors that make estimates swing.
Chicago Deck Repair Cost Snapshot
Most Chicago-area deck repairs land in a typical “normal” range of $825 to $3,101, with many homeowners seeing an average of around $1,963. That said, small repairs can start around $300+, and extensive repairs can run $6,500+ if your deck has deep rot, structural movement, or multiple components failing at once.
A simple way to think about it:
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Small fixes: $300–$750
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Standard repairs: $825–$3,101
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Major repairs / extensive structural work: $3,101–$6,500+
The key is what’s actually failing—surface boards, stairs and rails, or the structure underneath.
Deck Repair Cost in Chicago by Repair Type
The fastest way to estimate your budget is to match your deck’s issue to a repair category. Below are common deck repairs we see around Chicago and what they typically cost.
Board Replacement (Spot Repairs or Sections)
If you have cracked, splintered, warped, or rotting boards, you may need a spot replacement or a larger section swap.
Typical price ranges include:
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$175–$875 per board
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$25–$125 per square foot installed (depending on material and complexity)
Why the range is so wide: the type of decking, how it’s fastened, whether boards must be color-matched, and whether there’s hidden rot underneath.
Common Chicago scenarios: the first few rows near doors and stairs failing early, boards around planters or downspouts rotting, or “soft spots” around rail posts.
Railing Repair or Replacement (Safety-Critical)
Railings are a big deal because they’re a primary safety system. If your railing wobbles, fasteners are loose, posts are compromised, or the system is no longer code-safe, you should address it quickly.
Typical costs:
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Railing repair: $150–$5,000
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Railing replacement: $20–$250 per linear foot
Material matters a lot here. Wood rails usually sit on the lower end. Metal, composite, cable, and glass systems can climb higher depending on layout and hardware.
Stairs and Steps (High-Traffic, High-Wear)
Stairs take a beating in Chicago: ice melt exposure, foot traffic, and moisture settling on treads.
Typical costs:
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Loose stairs: $25–$50 per stair
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Stair repairs: $150–$300 per stair
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New stairs installed: $1,400–$2,600
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Replace existing stairs: $500–$1,500
If stairs feel spongy, bounce under load, or shift laterally, the issue can extend into the stringers or the way the stairs are anchored—this is when repairs can move from “quick fix” to “structural.”
Fasteners, Hardware, and Connection Repairs
Sometimes the deck looks “fine” but feels loose because fasteners are failing. Rusted nails, stripped screws, and weak connections are common on older decks.
Typical costs:
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Fastener replacement: $50–$200
This may be minor on its own—but if it’s part of a bigger issue (like rail post movement), you’ll want a full inspection.
Post Replacement and Structural Support Repairs
Posts and joists can rot at the base or in areas where water collects. Once a structural support is compromised, repairs become more complex because they can involve temporary bracing and careful reconstruction.
Typical costs:
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Post replacement: $150–$500 per post
Structural repairs are one of the biggest drivers of higher deck repair quotes because they’re tied to safety, load-bearing, and code compliance.
Mold, Rot, Mildew, and Moisture Damage
Chicago decks often deal with moisture trapped under planters, snow piles, or shaded areas with slow drying. Early problems can sometimes be corrected with cleaning and targeted repairs. Deeper rot requires replacement of affected components.
Typical costs:
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Mold/rot treatment (minor): $200–$500
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Mildew cleaning: $50–$110
The most important factor: whether the damage is only on the surface or has penetrated into the structure.
Pressure Washing, Sealing, Staining, and Refinishing
Many Chicago deck repair projects end with sealing or staining—because repairing boards without re-protecting the wood is like fixing a roof leak and leaving the hole exposed.
Typical costs:
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Pressure washing: $200–$450
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Seal/waterproof boards: $1.00–$3.50 per sq ft
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Sealing rails/spindles: $5–$8 per linear ft
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Refinishing (strip/sand + stain + sealer): $3.00–$6.50 per sq ft
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Professional staining in Chicago: $482–$1,096 (common range)
A properly stained and sealed deck generally needs refreshing every couple of years in our climate, depending on exposure and product choice.
Resurfacing vs. Repair
Resurfacing is the “middle ground” between basic repairs and a full rebuild. If the frame is solid but the boards are worn, resurfacing can be a smart investment.
Typical cost:
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$15–$50 per sq ft
Resurfacing can include new boards, fasteners, and refinishing—while keeping the existing structure where it’s safe and sound.
Cost Estimator by Deck Size (Chicago Examples)
Deck size can dramatically change your cost—because labor and material add up quickly with square footage, and larger decks often have more rails, stairs, and connection points.
Here are common size-based repair ranges seen in Chicago pricing models:
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10×10: $263–$3,947
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12×12: $379–$5,684
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12×14: $442–$6,631
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14×14: $516–$7,736
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14×16: $589–$8,841
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14×20: $737–$11,051
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16×16: $674–$10,104
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16×18: $758–$11,368
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20×20: $1,053–$15,788
Why are the ranges so big? Because “repair” can mean anything from swapping 10 boards to rebuilding sections of framing and replacing rail systems.
Material Costs: Wood vs. Composite in Chicago Repairs
Material impacts your repair price in two ways: the cost of the replacement boards and how often the deck needs repairs over time.
Material-only price ranges (per square foot)
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Pressure-treated pine: $2.00–$3.75
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Cedar: $3.40–$6.00
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Redwood: $5.50–$19
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Ipe: $9–$16
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Composite: $8.20–$13.30
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PVC: $8.50–$12
Installed board replacement ranges (per square foot)
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Wood: $25–$50 installed
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Composite: $40–$80 installed
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PVC: $50–$80 installed
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Aluminum: $100–$125 installed
At Core Improve, we work with AC2 pressure-treated wood, Cedar, IPE, and Trex composite options (Enhance / Select / Transcend). When you’re repairing a deck, we also pay attention to something homeowners often overlook: matching the look and performance of your existing deck, so the repair blends cleanly and protects evenly.
Chicago-Specific Cost Factors: Labor, Permits, and Local Requirements
Even if your deck is similar to one in another state, Chicago pricing can run higher because of labor, code expectations, and municipal requirements.
Labor rates
In Chicago, professional deck labor often ranges from $44 to $88 per hour, depending on the scope, access, and complexity.
Permits and compliance
Some deck repairs—especially anything structural—may require permits or inspections depending on where you live (Chicago vs. specific suburbs can differ). This is one reason an in-person inspection matters: we can tell you whether your project is cosmetic maintenance, a repair, or structural work that needs formal documentation.
Sales tax and materials
Chicago’s sales tax can also affect material-heavy jobs. If your repair requires a significant amount of decking, hardware, and supplies, taxes can noticeably increase the final number.
Prep Work and Add-Ons That Can Change Your Estimate
Some costs don’t show up until you’re looking at the deck up close. Common “adders” include:
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Removing old decking: $5–$10 per sq ft
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Demolition: $5–$15 per sq ft
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Leveling/grading (when needed): $800–$4,000
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Power washing before stain/paint: $100–$200
Not every deck needs these, but when they apply, they can explain why one quote is much higher than another.
Repair vs. Replace: How to Know What Makes Sense
Homeowners often ask: “Should I repair it, or is it time to replace?”
A repair is usually the right call when:
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Damage is limited to a small section
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The frame is stable (no sway, no major rot)
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Railings and stairs can be corrected to safe standards
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The deck hasn’t become a “repeat repair” situation
Replacement often becomes smarter when:
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The deck sways or feels structurally unstable
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You’re seeing widespread rot (not just surface boards)
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Repairs keep stacking up year after year
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The deck is older and has reached the end of its functional life
If your deck is around 15+ years old, it’s especially important to inspect the structure—not just the boards you can see.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro (Realistic Advice)
Some deck fixes are DIY-friendly—others are not worth the risk.
Typical pro labor often lands around $45–$90 per hour, depending on the project.
DIY may make sense for:
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Replacing a few fasteners
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Very small board swaps when you’re sure the framing is healthy
Hiring a pro is the safer move for:
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Railings and stairs (safety systems)
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Posts, joists, ledger issues, and any structural movement
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Projects involving permits or code requirements
DIY costs can also surprise people once tool rentals, disposal, and redo materials are included—especially when sanding, stripping, or resurfacing is involved.
How to Get an Accurate Deck Repair Estimate in Chicago
Deck repair pricing is highly specific to your layout, materials, and the true cause of the problem. To get an accurate estimate, a good contractor should inspect:
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Soft spots and rot locations
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Rail post stability and attachment points
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Stair anchoring and stringer integrity
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Hidden framing damage under worn boards
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Drainage problems that caused the damage
When you request quotes, ask for a clear scope that explains what’s being repaired, what’s being replaced, and what’s included (materials, labor, disposal, finishing, and timeline).
Why Homeowners Choose Core Improve
Core Improve is a family-owned, fully insured deck contractor serving Chicago and the surrounding counties. We specialize in the work homeowners need most: deck repair, deck restoration, deck staining, and long-term protection—not quick patch jobs that fail again next season.
Our approach is simple:
- Inspect first
- Repair what’s necessary for safety and longevity
- Protect the wood with the right prep and finish
- Help you keep the deck looking strong year after year
If you’re in Cook, Lake, DuPage, McHenry, Kane, Kendall, DeKalb, or Boone County and want a straightforward estimate, we’re ready.
FAQs: Deck Repair Costs in Chicago
What’s the average deck repair cost in Chicago?
Many deck repairs in Chicago fall around $825–$3,101, with an average of $1,963. Small repairs can be a few hundred dollars, while major structural repairs can run several thousand.
How much does it cost to replace deck boards in Chicago?
Board replacement often ranges from $175–$875 per board, or $25–$125 per sq ft installed, depending on the material and how much decking needs to be replaced.
What does deck resurfacing cost per square foot?
Resurfacing typically runs $15–$50 per sq ft, and it’s best when the frame is sound but the surface boards are worn.
How much do deck railing repairs cost?
Railing repair can range from $150–$5,000, while full railing replacement can range $20–$250 per linear foot, depending on materials and layout.
How much do deck stairs cost to repair?
Loose stairs may be as low as $25–$50 per stair, while full stair repairs often land around $150–$300 per stair. Replacing stairs can range from $500 to $1,500, and new stairs can be $1,400–$2,600 installed.
Do I need a permit to repair a deck in Chicago?
It depends on the scope. Cosmetic repairs may differ from structural repairs. If posts, framing, or other structural elements are involved, permits may apply. A local inspection helps clarify this quickly.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace a deck?
Most of the time, repairs cost far less than full replacement. But if the deck has widespread rot or repeated structural issues, replacement can be the smarter long-term investment.
How often should I stain and seal a deck in Chicago?
Many decks benefit from staining and sealing every two to three years, depending on sun exposure, snow/ice conditions, and the stain system used.
Ready for a Free Deck Repair Estimate?
If you’re seeing soft spots, loose rails, worn boards, or stairs that don’t feel safe, don’t wait for the damage to spread. Core Improve offers free estimates and a repair-first approach that focuses on safety, durability, and clean results.
Call 847-778-6554 or request a free quote through our website to get a clear plan and a reliable price for your deck repair in Chicago or the suburbs.