How Much Does It Cost to Paint a Deck?

In this guide

Cost to Paint a Deck per Square Foot

The cost to paint a deck per square foot ranges from $3 to $6, depending on the type of paint used and the prep work involved. When painters do not charge by the hour, they typically charge by the square foot, making it easier to estimate how much you will pay for professional deck painting. The average cost to paint a large deck will be higher than the cost to paint a small deck. In the table below, you will find a list of common deck sizes and their average costs with labor included.

Average Cost to Paint a Deck by Material

The cost to paint a deck by material ranges from $3 to $6 per sq.ft., with options like wood, vinyl ¹, composite, and aluminum or stainless decking. Typically, the material you choose for your decking impacts the cost of the painting project. The cost to paint a wood deck is usually the cheapest. Materials like vinyl and composite decking may cost more to paint. If you have aluminum or steel decking, you may require fewer coats of paint, but you will have to use a metal-approved paint, which could cost more. Several factors influence the kind of paint you choose and how much you spend on painting the deck. However, the decking material is something to keep in mind.

When it comes to wood decking varieties, people can choose between painting and staining a deck. Staining is nice if you want to keep the wood tone or prefer a clearer coating that allows the material underneath to show through. Painting, however, adds extra protection to the wooden deck material. It also enhances the style and exterior appeal of your home by coordinating with the home’s colors. Staining is less expensive than painting a wood deck because there is generally more work required with painting. Still, it is all a matter of preference for the homeowner.

Cost to Have a Deck Painted by Part

Painting a deck by part costs $3 to $6 per sq.ft. or $3 to $10 per linear foot, depending on the part in question. For example, if you add or replace handrails ² or stairs, you may only need to paint part of the deck, not the entire thing. Perhaps you already did the decking and now want to update the different parts of the deck with new paint. There are several reasons why you would only need the cost to paint deck railing ² or spindles ³. The table below shows a breakdown of how much it costs to paint each part of the deck.

Deck Paint Cost by Type of Paint

Different types of paint are used on decks, ranging in cost from $20 to $60. Acrylic paints are common because they work well on wood decks and other materials. Also, they are easy to clean up. Some people use latex or oil-based paint for their deck, depending on the exact material being painted and the type of coverage and protection they need. Special lines of deck paint from leading brands help make the decision even easier. Oil-based paints protect the deck from potential spills and are also ideal for metal or aluminum decking. Latex paint offers easy application and affordable pricing for most deck materials. In the table below, you will see the average cost of deck paint by type.

Deck Paint Prices by Finish

Although the costs do not vary greatly, you will spend between $20 and $60 on deck paint based on its finish. Different finish options have pros and cons to consider. High-gloss paint is ideal because it is the easiest to clean but shows imperfections much easier than other finishes. Semi-gloss paint adds to the coverage and reduces the sheen. Satin finishes hide imperfections better. Eggshell is the hardest to clean. Although it hides the most flaws, it may not be ideal for keeping it in good condition without additional work. In the table below, you will see a breakdown of the costs per gallon for each finish.

Deck Paint Prices by Brand

The brand is another important consideration when choosing deck paint. You will spend between $20 and $75 per gallon based on the brand you choose. Sherwin Williams is a popular choice, as is Benjamin Moore. However, when painting a deck, you may be better suited to use a product like KILZ or Rust-Oleum that allows you to protect and cover the wood entirely to ensure that nothing gets past the coat of paint. They prevent and reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth, making these two brands preferred for basement and outdoor use. In the table below, you will see each brand and its average cost per gallon.

Labor Cost to Paint a Deck

A large portion of what you spend on painting a deck is on the labor, which is charged at $40 to $60 per hour by painters. Some painters charge by the square foot or linear foot when painting certain elements. However, they typically charge hourly and based on the amount of effort involved in the project. The costs may vary depending on the size of the deck, what type of paint is used, and whether any preparation work is needed.

The process of painting a deck starts with preparation. The deck will be cleaned, sanded if necessary, and swept clean to get rid of all debris and sawdust. Then, the paint will be applied, followed by a second coat if necessary. Some people finish painting by adding a top clear coat that protects the paint from the elements. Several deck paints are designed to include this protection, saving steps and money. Of the average labor cost to paint a deck, the deck painting cost per hour makes up more of the total than the cost of the paint itself.

Cost to Repaint a Deck

Repainting a deck costs between $3 and $6 per sq.ft. for the new paint and application and $40 to $60 per hour for any prep work your painter has to complete. This includes power washing, sanding, and other duties. The cost to remove paint from deck materials is included in this project since it is a necessary step in the process. Deck painting usually lasts about ten years. However, some people repaint more frequently if the paint wears off or if they are selling the house and want to freshen up the look of the deck. The biggest difference between painting a new deck and repainting is the amount of preparation involved and the potential need to remove old paint before starting the new paint job.

Deck Paint Preparation

You can expect to spend between $2.25 to $9 per sq.ft. with preparation steps added to the deck painting job. Preparation work may or may not be required, depending on the existing deck and its condition. However, it may be necessary to clean, power wash, or even sand and strip the deck before painting to ensure that it is ready to paint and will create a long-lasting finish. Composite and metal decking may not need to be stripped or sanded, but every deck should be washed and inspected before painting begins. If you have metal decking, check for rust spots before repainting. In the table below, you will see a list of the common preparation steps and their costs, including individual costs and their price when added to the painting project. You may also need to inquire about the cost to repair and paint deck materials if you have damage.

How Much Paint Do I Need for My Deck?

The amount of paint needed to paint your deck depends on how big the deck is, the type of paint you choose, how many additional features or parts need to be painted (railings, steps, etc.), and other factors. Fortunately, there is a rule of thumb that you can follow to help you get the right amount of paint to get the job done: one gallon of paint covers around 300 to 400 sq.ft. Remember, you may need additional coats, which adds to how much you use. In the table below, you will see a breakdown of the most common deck sizes and the amount of paint needed for each.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Fence Painting

Some people choose to have their fence painted at the same time as their deck, which costs an additional $1,800 to $4,000, depending on the length of the fence, its type, materials, and other details. If you paint the deck to give it new life or match the home’s curb appeal, it may also be a good idea to update the fence to give it a new look. Not only that, but then they will both wear at the same rate, and you will be able to refresh them together instead of having two separate projects all the time. Plus, your deck painter can likely do the fence, too, which might result in discounts on your total bill.

Patio Painting

Patio painting is another way to enhance the backyard along with a newly painted deck and costs $4 to $6 per sq.ft. This assumes that you have a concrete patio and are painting it with specialty concrete paint. In some instances, you might want to choose paint with textures or special finishes, which adds a premium to the cost. Although plain concrete is fine, painting the patio to match or complement the deck takes the exterior of your home to an entirely new level.

Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting costs about $2,000 to $4,000 and is a great way to enhance and show off your new deck and enjoy the space once it gets dark outside. There are several different types of outdoor lights that you can find. You can create a custom lighting design to give you the perfect look. You can install motion lights, designer lights, and even solar lights, making it easy for you to enhance your deck and create a more user-friendly space.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Vinyl: A synthetic plastic made from ethylene and chlorine. Vinyl has many applications in the construction industry and it is widely used in sidings, window frames, roofing and gutters, among others

⁴ Primer: Preparatory coat applied to materials (drywall, wood, metal, etc.) before painting to ensure paint adhesion, extend paint durability, and help seal and protect the surface to be painted