How much does it cost to paint a deck?

Deck painting cost

Deck painting costs $600 to $2,000 on average. The cost to paint a deck, patio, porch, or pool deck is $2 to $5 per square foot, depending on the condition, size, design, paint quality, and labor. Repainting a deck costs $3 to $9 per square foot for cleaning, repairs, and prep work.

• Painting deck railings and spindles costs $2 to $8 per linear foot extra.
• Painting porch columns costs $20 to $100 per column extra.

In comparison:

• DIY deck painting costs $160 to $400 for materials and paint.
• Staining a deck costs $1.50 to $4.00 per square foot.
• Building a new deck costs $15 to $30 per square foot.

Deck painting cost calculator

The following table shows the average cost to paint a 300- to 400-square-foot deck:

Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.

Average cost to paint a deck

The cost to paint a deck professionally is $2 to $5 per square foot on average or up to $9 per square foot for extensive preparation and repainting an old deck. Most deck painting jobs need two coats of paint.

Cost to repaint a deck

The average cost to repaint a deck is $3 to $9 per square foot for pressure washing, repairs, prep work, and painting. Repainting a 16'x16' deck costs $750 to $2,300 on average. Painting a light color over a darker surface requires extra paint coats and increases the cost.

• Pressure washing prices are $100 to $200 for an average deck.
• Deck repair costs $100 to $500 on average for replacing small sections.

Staining a deck

The cost to stain a deck is $450 to $1,000 on average or $1.50 to $4.00 per square foot. This price includes power washing, staining, and sealing the deck. Total costs depend on the prep work, the wood’s condition, and the deck design.

Labor cost to paint a deck

The labor cost to paint a deck is $1 to $4 per square foot, depending on the prep work, deck size, material, and layout. Painter hourly rates are $20 to $50 on average. Labor typically includes cleaning, scraping, sanding, priming, and applying two coats of paint.

*Labor cost only. Not including materials.

Extra labor applies for painting with multiple colors, deck or porch heights above 6’ to 8’ tall, and decks with peeling paint.

Cost to paint deck and porch railings

The total cost to paint deck and porch railings is $50 to $400 on average or $2 to $8 per linear foot, depending on the material and design. The labor cost to paint deck railings alone is $20 to $50 per hour.

*Prices based on 36” to 42” tall railings.

Cost to paint deck spindles

The cost to paint deck spindles is $2 to $7 per linear foot, depending on the material and design complexity. Contractors typically include the spindles as part of the total cost to paint railings.

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Cost to paint a pool deck

The average cost to paint a pool deck is $2 to $5 per square foot, depending on the material. Painting an average pool deck costs $500 to $2,500.

• Concrete pool deck resurfacing costs $3 to $6 per square foot for damaged areas before painting.
• Kool Deck coating costs $3 to $4 per square foot for increased durability and creating a non-slip texture.

Cost to paint a porch

The average cost to paint a porch is $200 to $750 or $2 to $5 per square foot, depending on the size and layout. The cost to paint porch columns adds $20 to $100 per column extra.

Cost to paint a patio

The average cost to paint a patio is $300 to $1,000 or $2 to $5 per square foot. Painting costs depend on the size, layout, surface conditions, and whether it’s a wooden or concrete patio. Extra labor costs apply for repairs before painting.

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Cost to paint a pergola

The average cost to paint a 16’x16’ pergola is $500 to $1,500 or $2 to $6 per square foot. Costs depend on the size, height, and latticework complexity.

DIY deck and porch painting cost

DIY deck and porch painting costs $70 to $200 for supplies, plus $90 to $270 for paint and primer.

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Deck paint prices

Deck paint prices are $30 to $90 per gallon, depending on the quality, brand, and type. Higher-priced deck paints have additional benefits like UV-resistance, anti-slip texturing, paint-primer blends, and sealant mixed in with the paint.

How much paint do I need for my deck?

An average 16'x20' (320 SF) deck needs two gallons of paint for two coats, not including primer.

• One gallon of paint covers 300 to 400 square feet of deck on average, depending on the formula, deck material, and condition.
• Painting a bare-wood deck takes 250 to 300 square feet per gallon and up to 2 coats of primer, plus paint.
• A pool-deck coating typically covers 80 to 150 square feet per gallon for a non-slip, concrete-resurfacing paint.
• One gallon of deck sealer costs $30 to $80 and provides waterproofing but no color.

How do you prepare a deck for painting?

Prepare a wooden deck for painting by:

• Hammer in raised screws and nails.
• Fill in cracks with exterior wood filler.
• Replace damaged boards.
• Sand down any old paint, stain, sealant, or uneven surfaces.
• Clean with a deck cleaning solution, pressure wash, and let dry for two days.
• Use painter’s tape and sheeting to protect adjacent surfaces.
• Apply primer and let it dry before painting.

What kind of paint do you use on a deck?

Use oil-based or acrylic latex exterior paint made for decks to withstand high foot traffic.

• Oil-based paint lasts longer than acrylic but gets UV-related damages like cracking and fading.
• Acrylic latex paint has better UV and mildew resistance, requires less maintenance, and resists peeling and cracking.
• Pool deck resurfacing paints have texturing ingredients for an anti-slip surface.

How long does deck paint last?

Deck paint lasts 10 to 15 years, depending on the paint quality, number of coats, weather, and deck usage.

Is it better to paint or stain a deck?

The following table shows the pros and cons between painting and staining a deck:

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Tips for hiring a deck painter

Before hiring local painting contractors to paint a deck, porch, or patio, be sure to:

• Get at least three in-person bids to compare.
• Check their reviews on HomeGuide, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
• Seek certified, insured, and bonded companies with 5+ years of experience.
• Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
• Avoid companies with the cheapest quotes as quality may suffer.
• Avoid making large payments upfront, and never pay in cash.

Questions to ask deck painters

• How long have you been painting?
• Can you show me a list of references and a portfolio?
• Do you provide free estimates?
• Are prep work and cleanup costs in this quote? What additional fees can I expect?
• How should I prepare my property for this project?
• Does the crew move deck furniture and grills, and will that cost extra?
• Will you do pressure washing and basic repairs before painting?
• Do you replace damaged deck boards? If so, what is the cost per board?
• Will you apply mold deterrents and remove stains before painting?
• Which paint do you recommend and why?
• What options do you have for waterproofing or sealants?
• Do you offer nontoxic paints if I’m allergic to heavy chemicals?
• Will you handle the project yourself or use subcontractors?
• How long will the project take?
• Can I get a warranty or guarantee your work?
• Will you provide a signed copy of the agreement?

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