If your deck needs staining or painting, you are probably thinking to yourself, “Just how much is this going to cost?” It’s a good question with a somewhat unclear answer…that is, it depends! There are a lot of factors that come together to determine the price of a deck painting job — the trick is understanding the scope of your particular project. A professional painting contractor will want to get a look at your deck to calculate his bid, but let’s discuss some of the things he’ll consider when pricing your job.

Deck Condition

The first thing to consider is the condition of your deck. How long has it been since its last painting or staining? Will it require stripping, sanding, or washing prior to painting? Do any portions require repair prior to painting? The are important things that a painting contractor will consider when deterring the price of a job. The less preparation work needed, the lower the cost — and of course, vice versa.

How Large Is The Deck?

The total surface area to be painting is another factor that is important to determining the price of a job. The calculation isn’t rocket science: the bigger the deck, the bigger the price. Another thing to consider is the location of the deck — is it at ground level, or on a second-level? Will it require ladders to access? As you may expect, decks with more challenging access take longer to complete, and that definitely affects the price.

The Little Details

The railing around the deck can affect the overall cost. Spindles with detailing may have less surface area than flat board railings, but they take longer to paint because of the intricate shape.

Based on his years of experience, Marc Gallagher of Gallagher Paint and Paper has completed deck painting or staining project anywhere from $300 – $3000. It’s a big range, and most jobs fall somewhere in the middle — from about $1000 – $1500.

The best way to find out how much your deck painting project will cost is to call Marc Gallagher for a free, no-risk estimate. Call today!