Deck & Patio Refresh Cost Calculator
Exterior

Deck & Patio Refresh Cost Calculator

Free deck & patio refresh cost calculator. Wood, composite, concrete, pavers — stain, repair, or full replacement.

Enter your inputs and we'll show you the estimated exposure, severity, urgency, and recommended next steps.

About this calculator

Decks are the most common cause of structural collapse in residential homes. This calculator combines refresh cost estimates with safety flags — especially the ledger-board and post-condition issues most inspectors catch but many buyers underestimate.

Free calculator vs full Buyer's Leverage report

What this calculator shows you

  • Estimated repair exposure range
  • Severity, urgency, and negotiation relevance for this issue
  • General next-step checklist
What a full Buyer's Leverage report unlocks
  • Issue-by-issue inspection analysis across your whole report
  • Total repair exposure with prioritization
  • Negotiation strategy + seller-credit guidance
  • Repair timeline and specialist recommendations
  • Related-issue patterns the inspector may have missed
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Frequently asked questions

Wood vs composite decking — which makes financial sense?
Composite is 2x upfront ($45-100/sqft vs $25-60/sqft) but saves $200-400/year in stain/seal labor. Break-even is 8-12 years. Composite wins for homes you'll own 10+ years; wood wins for shorter holds.
What's a deck ledger board — and why does it matter?
The ledger is the structural board attaching the deck to the house. Failed ledgers (rotted lag bolts, missing flashing, water-damaged framing) cause 90% of catastrophic deck collapses. Always check this during inspection.
When does a deck need a permit?
Any deck over 30 inches above grade OR attached to the house requires a permit in most jurisdictions. Unpermitted decks become disclosure liabilities at resale and can void homeowner insurance after a collapse.
Calculator results are estimates for educational planning only. Actual repair costs, negotiation outcomes, and professional recommendations vary by property, location, contractor, inspection findings, and market conditions. Buyer's Leverage does not replace licensed inspectors, contractors, engineers, real estate agents, attorneys, lenders, or insurance professionals.