Deck Replacement Cost in 2026: Tear-Out, Disposal and Rebuild Pricing

Deck replacement in 2026 runs $38 to $78 per square foot installed, including tearing out the old deck and disposing of it. A typical 300 sq ft pressure-treated replacement lands around $11,400 to $14,400; the same footprint in composite runs $17,400 to $21,600. The tear-out itself is $4 to $9 per square foot depending on height, access and whether the old footings can be reused.

Average deck replacement cost by material (300 sq ft)

• Pressure-treated pine — $11,400 to $14,400 ($38–$48/sq ft)
• Cedar or redwood — $13,800 to $17,400 ($46–$58/sq ft)
• Composite (mid-range) — $17,400 to $21,600 ($58–$72/sq ft)
• Capped PVC (premium) — $20,400 to $25,200 ($68–$84/sq ft)

These ranges include demolition, disposal, new framing, decking, railing and stairs. Regions swing the number 10–28% — West Coast metros price highest, the South and Midwest lowest.

What tear-out and disposal actually cost

Demolition labor is $4 to $9 per square foot. Ground-level decks with good access sit at the low end; elevated decks, decks over walkout basements, and decks with concrete-set posts cost more because everything comes down by hand. Disposal adds $300 to $700 for a 20-yard dumpster — pressure-treated lumber cannot be burned or mulched, so it goes to a licensed landfill.

Repair vs replace — the 50% rule

If the frame is sound, replacing only the decking and railing costs 40–55% of a full replacement. Once repair quotes pass half the cost of a rebuild, replacement usually wins: you get new footings, new ledger flashing, a full warranty and another 20–30 years of life. Have a contractor probe the joists and posts for rot before deciding — surface boards can look terrible on a frame that is perfectly solid.

Ways to cut the replacement bill

• Reuse footings — if they pass inspection, you save $500 to $1,500
• Keep the same footprint — no new permit drawings in most cities
• Do the tear-out yourself — save $1,200 to $2,700 on a 300 sq ft deck
• Build in late fall — deck contractors discount 5–15% in the off-season

Frequently asked questions

Is it cheaper to replace a deck or repair it?

Repair is cheaper when the frame is healthy — new boards and railing on a sound frame cost roughly half of a full rebuild. If joists, posts or the ledger are rotted, replacement is the better value because repairs on a failing frame rarely last five years.

Do I need a permit to replace my deck?

In most US cities, yes — a like-for-like rebuild still needs a permit because the ledger attachment and footings are life-safety items. Same-footprint replacements usually skip the full plan-review process, which saves time and fees.

How long does deck replacement take?

A straightforward 300 sq ft replacement takes a two-person crew 4 to 7 working days: one to two days of demolition, two to four days of framing and decking, and a day for railing, stairs and cleanup.