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Repair a deck when the frame, ledger and posts are sound and the damage is limited to boards, railings, stairs or the finish. Replace it when rot or insects have spread through the framing. Repairs average about $1,465; replacement often runs $5,420 to $14,540.
October 5, 2026
Most wood decks need a fresh coat every 2 to 3 years, from about 1 year for a clear sealer to 4 to 6 years for a semitransparent stain. Stain on a dry, mild day between 50°F and 90°F, out of direct midday sun, with no rain in the forecast.
September 23, 2026
Screening in an existing covered porch usually costs about $2,000 to $4,000. Building a new screened porch with a roof runs about $25 to $120 per sq ft, and custom builds can cost far more.
September 14, 2026
On flat ground, a patio is usually cheaper than a raised deck and outlasts a wood deck. For 16x20, HomeAdvisor puts pavers at about $2,600–$8,000, a ground-level deck at $3,200–$6,400 and its size-table deck at $12,800–$19,200. Decks suit slopes.
September 6, 2026
Composite decking costs more up front (about $12–$22 per sq ft for boards vs. $2–$5 for pressure-treated wood) but needs only cleaning. Wood is cheaper to build and easy to repair, but needs refinishing every 1–6 years.
August 19, 2026
