How Much Does Deck Painting Cost? (2024 Guide)
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Deck painting can be an affordable upgrade that keeps the wood looking fresh and new. Homeowners can expect to pay between $600 and $2,720 for deck painting, with an average deck painting cost of $1,010.
Painting a deck can be a quick way to spruce up outdoor living space, but how much does the project cost from start to finish? There are several variables to consider, like a deck’s square footage, layout, and its current condition.
For an estimate that goes beyond the cost of a can of paint, it may help to know the national average deck painting cost is $1,010. Smaller decks or those that require less labor cost as little as $600 to paint, while larger decks or more labor-intensive jobs can cost as much as $2,720.
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Key Cost Factors
Every deck is unique, which means there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to how much it should cost to paint a deck. The national average cost of painting a deck is $1,010, but when all the different variables are factored in, an accurate estimate can be determined before the job officially begins. This can help homeowners stay on task and budget.
Deck Size and Material
Square footage is a major factor when determining how much it will cost to paint a deck. A small 10-foot by 10-foot deck can cost between $200 and $500 to paint, while a much larger deck measuring 16 feet by 16 feet can cost between $500 and $1,500. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $2 and $5 per square foot when painting a deck.
The deck material also plays a large role in painting costs. If a deck needs several boards replaced before painting can begin, material pricing can quickly add up, especially if a more expensive material is required or preferred. Pine or white wood are affordable deck material options that take paint well. Treated lumber is another material to consider that’s not much more expensive than untreated lumber, yet lasts years longer. Cedar and redwood are also both commonly used, albeit expensive, decking materials. Overall, decking materials cost between $20 and $45 per square foot.
Deck Design and Condition
A simple rectangular or square deck typically requires less prep, time, materials, and labor to paint compared to a more complex design, like a custom shape or one with curves. And if a deck has multiple levels, elaborate staircases, built-in seating, planters, or other architectural touches, a deck painting cost estimate is likely to increase even more. A deck staircase costs between $440 and $2,350 to install, while built-in bench seating averages between $500 and $800 per foot.
The condition of a deck greatly affects painting costs. A new deck is often already prepped for priming and painting, so it requires very little prep work or additional tools and materials. An older or weathered deck, however, may need to be stripped, sanded, or even have boards replaced before painting can begin. This will cost a homeowner more in materials and labor.
Primer and Paint Type
Primer closes the pores in the wood so that paint holds and looks better. Even though primer adds to the overall cost of a deck painting project, running between $15 and $30 per gallon, it’s a step that typically isn’t recommended to skip. Customers can expect to pay between $30 and $60 per gallon of deck paint.
Number of Coats
A single coat of paint can certainly be enough to adequately cover and protect a deck. But multiple coats may be required, depending on the deck materials, condition, and paint color. Particularly light or dark colors typically need additional coats to avoid looking streaky or patchy. Homeowners will want to determine how much paint they need if the deck requires additional coats, since the cost estimate will increase accordingly.
Prep Work
Prep work can quickly add to a deck painting project’s budget and timeline. This is especially true when it’s time to repaint deck boards. This process typically involves scraping away old paint; removing dirt, mold, or mildew; and sanding the surface. Homeowners may need to add the cost to power-wash a deck into their budget since a dirty deck won’t paint up as well as a clean one. Boards may also have to be replaced and railings may have to be repaired, all of which can quickly increase a painting project estimate. Not all paint and deck staining companies provide repair services, so check if this is included in any deck painting cost proposals being considered if you suspect any areas of your deck need repair.
Labor and Geographic Location
Time comes at a price. The larger or more difficult the deck painting job, the more labor is likely to cost. This is especially true if repairs are needed. The cost of labor doesn’t just include the time spent painting but also the site setup, prep work, and cleanup.
Material shortages can affect different geographic locations at different times, causing the same materials to cost more in certain areas compared with others. If a deck painting job isn’t time-sensitive and deck material prices are higher than usual, consider putting off the job until prices even out, especially in areas experiencing material shortages. It’s also important to consider that no matter the state of the supply chain, some projects will be costlier in more densely populated suburban or urban areas due to a higher cost of living and subsequent higher labor prices.
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Time of Year
Depending on your region of the country, not all of Mother Nature’s seasons are ideal for deck painting. For example, if cold weather makes it too difficult to paint decks 6 months out of the year, prime prices can be expected when materials and labor are in demand. At the same time, timing out a deck painting job with seasonal sales can help lower the overall cost.
Additional Costs and Considerations
So, how much to paint a deck? It’s difficult to pinpoint before starting a deck painting project. But there are a few additional costs and considerations to take into account when estimating a budget.
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Paint vs. Stain
Choosing between painting versus staining a deck will affect project costs. A gallon of stain can be as inexpensive as $20 (or even less through a deck staining company with access to industry prices). Not only is the cost to stain a deck lower, but a gallon of stain also tends to go farther than a gallon of paint. Both of these reasons make stain a budget-friendly option. Paint may cost more during the initial stages of a deck project, but it tends to last longer and require less maintenance than stain. This could actually make it the more affordable option in the end. When searching for “deck staining companies near me,” ask what route each professional recommends based on your budget and expectations.
Deck Repair
If a deck is showing signs of rot, has structural problems, or is not up to current code (for example, railing spacing requirements may have changed), it can be expected that overall costs will rise. How much will depend on the scope of repair. Replacing a few boards will be much more affordable than funding an entire new deck build.
Customizations
A deck doesn’t have to be a flat, desolate wooden structure; the space can be completely customized. But keep in mind that dream decks come with a higher price tag. Elements like lighting, wire accents, built-in seating, fire features, cooking areas, pergolas, and screened-in dining areas will add to a project’s budget, even if they don’t require additional paint.
Types of Deck Paint
The type of deck paint chosen will have an effect on the overall cost of painting a deck. There are two main types of deck paint, each with its own unique pros and cons. Browse below to find the best deck paint options for a deck painting project.
Oil-Based
Homeowners who are trying to stick to a budget will want to consider oil-based paint. This type of paint has been a popular choice for decades and is often more affordable per gallon than a water-based product, starting at around $30 per gallon. It’s tough and durable, making it ideal for outdoor spaces.
Depending on wood quality and how the surface was prepared before application, oil-based paint can last up to 10 years. Compared to water-based paint, oil-based paint better protects wood from moisture to prevent rotting.
Deck looking a little worse for wear?
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Water-Based
Water-based paints cost about 25 percent more than oil-based options and are available in both acrylic and latex varieties in a multitude of colors. Though water-based paint will increase the cost of deck painting, this type of paint offers several advantages.
They’re also less likely to fade, crack, or peel, making them the ideal choice for harsher climates. They’re also easier to clean up. Brushes and rollers quickly come clean with just soap and water. Water-based paints also dry faster than oil-based ones.
It should be noted that water-based paints can last up to 8 years—slightly less than oil-based. This makes them not only more expensive during initial application but also when it comes to maintenance and upkeep.
Do I need to paint my deck?
Debating whether a home’s deck is in tip-top shape or if it’s begging for a fresh coat of paint can be frustrating. Look for any of the following signs that a deck is in need of some upkeep.
Keep your deck looking beautiful all year
A new coat of paint may be the secret to a good-looking deck. Get free, no-commitment project estimates from top-notch experts and services near you.