
The average cost to paint a deck ranges from $600 to $2,000, depending on factors such as the deck's condition, size, design, paint quality, and labor costs. The average deck is around 300 square feet, and the cost to paint a deck is typically between $2 and $5 per square foot. Painting a detached floating deck costs the least, while additional deck features such as railings, stairways, or a pergola will increase the cost. The type of paint used also affects the price, with deck paint priced higher than traditional indoor paint, ranging from $20 to $70 per gallon. Oil-based paints are more expensive but last longer, while water-based paints are more affordable. To save costs, homeowners can opt for staining instead of painting, which costs around $850 and lasts a few years.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Deck painting costs
The cost to paint a deck varies depending on several factors, including the condition and size of the deck, the type of paint used, labour costs, and the deck's design and location.
Deck Size
Labour Costs
Labour costs for painting a deck range from $20 to $50 per hour. The total labour expense will depend on the prep work required, deck size, material, layout, and whether any repairs are needed.
Paint Costs
The cost of paint varies depending on the type and quality, with prices ranging from $20 to $70 per gallon. One gallon of paint typically covers 200 to 400 square feet, and most deck painting projects use between one and three gallons of paint. If you're using a primer, you'll need to budget for that as well, with primer prices ranging from $20 to $50 per gallon.
Additional Costs
There may be additional costs for power washing or pressure washing the deck, which can range from $100 to $200. Sanding the deck can cost around $280, and deck repair costs can range from $100 to $750 for simple fixes. If your deck has railings, spindles, or columns, these features will also add to the overall cost, with railings costing an extra $2 to $8 per linear foot and columns costing $20 to $100 each.
Alternative Options
If you're on a tight budget, consider staining your deck instead of painting it. Staining is a more cost-effective option, with the average cost to stain a deck ranging from $450 to $1,000. However, staining may not last as long as paint, and you may need to restain your deck every few years.
Sample Deck Painting Costs
To give you an idea of the total cost to paint a deck, here are some examples:
- A 16'x16' deck could cost $750 to $2,300 to paint.
- A 15'x15' deck could cost around $1,500 for materials and labour.
- An average pool deck could cost $500 to $2,500 to paint.
- An average porch could cost $200 to $750 to paint.
Customizing MS Paint Skins: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Labour costs
The labour cost to paint a deck varies depending on several factors, including the condition and size of the deck, the complexity of the design, the type of paint used, and the local labour rates. Here is a breakdown of the labour costs associated with painting a deck:
Labour rates for painters typically range from $20 to $50 per hour. The total labour cost will depend on the time spent on the project, which is influenced by the deck's size and the amount of prep work required. For example, a larger deck will require more time to clean, pressure wash, sand, and apply multiple coats of paint, resulting in higher labour costs.
The design of the deck also impacts labour costs. Painting deck railings, spindles, and porch columns incurs additional labour charges. Railings typically cost $2 to $8 per linear foot to paint, while porch columns can cost an extra $20 to $100 per column. Complex designs with intricate details or additional features will likely increase labour costs due to the extra time and attention to detail required.
The type of paint used can also affect labour expenses. For instance, oil-based paints may be more expensive but can last longer, requiring less frequent re-painting. On the other hand, water-based paints are more affordable but may need to be reapplied more often, resulting in potential future labour costs.
Location plays a significant role in labour rates as well. Local exterior painter rates vary depending on the region, and climate conditions can influence the timing and availability of painters, affecting labour costs. For example, painters in colder regions may have a shorter window of opportunity to work on outdoor projects like deck painting, leading to increased demand and higher prices.
It's worth noting that labour costs can also be influenced by the current condition of the deck. If the deck requires extensive repairs or preparation before painting, such as stripping old paint, sanding, or replacing damaged boards, the labour costs will likely increase.
The Best Way to Texture, Wallpaper, and Paint
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$85.14 $130.99

Paint costs
The cost of paint for a deck varies depending on the type of paint, the brand, and the quality. Paint prices range from $20 to $70 per gallon, with higher-priced paints offering additional benefits such as UV resistance, anti-slip texturing, paint-primer blends, and sealant mixed in. Oil-based paints tend to be more expensive but also last longer, while water-based paints are more affordable. If you want to use a primer, you should budget for an additional $20 to $50 per gallon.
The amount of paint you need will depend on the size of your deck and the number of coats you plan to apply. The average deck is around 300 square feet, and one gallon of paint covers anywhere from 200 to 400 square feet. Most deck painting projects use between one and three gallons of paint. For a 16' x 20' (320 square feet) deck, you will need two gallons of paint for two coats, not including primer.
If you are painting over an existing coat of paint, you may be able to skip the primer if you use a 2-in-1 formula. However, if you are painting a new surface or using a different type of paint than the previous coat, it is recommended to use a primer to improve adhesion and the finish.
In terms of cost, staining a deck is a more affordable option than painting, with the average cost to stain a deck being around $850. Staining also requires less prep work, as you won't need to strip any existing paint. However, staining does not last as long as paint, and you will need to restain your deck every few years.
Create a Mountain Mural for Your Nursery: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Deck size
The average cost to paint a deck is $2 to $5 per square foot, which includes the cost of paint and labor. The cost per square foot can go up to $9 if extensive preparation or repainting of an old deck is required. Painting a floating, detached deck with no adornments will cost the least. If your deck has additional features such as railings, stairways, or a pergola, you will need to budget for extra paint and labor.
The average deck is around 300 square feet, but dimensions vary widely depending on the available space and layout. For example, a 15 x 15 foot deck has a surface area of 225 square feet, while a 16 x 16 foot deck has an area of 256 square feet. The cost to paint a deck will depend on its size, so knowing the square footage of your deck is essential for estimating the total cost.
The amount of paint required for your deck will depend on the surface area and the number of coats needed. One gallon of paint typically covers anywhere from 200 to 400 square feet and costs between $20 and $70. Most deck painting projects use between one and three gallons of paint. If you are painting over a darker color or applying multiple coats, you will need more paint, increasing the cost.
In addition to the paint costs, you may also need to budget for other materials such as brushes, rollers, and primer. Primer costs around $20 to $50 per gallon and can improve the effectiveness of the paint. Power washing and sanding may also be necessary before painting, which can cost around $100 to $200.
When determining the cost to paint your deck, consider the size of the deck, the amount of paint required, the cost of labor, and any additional materials or preparation needed.
Rust-Oleum Countertop Paint: Outdoor-Friendly?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Additional costs
There are several additional costs to consider when painting a deck, which can significantly impact the overall cost of the project.
Firstly, the cost of labour should be factored in. The labour cost to paint a deck is $1 to $4 per square foot, with painter hourly rates averaging $20 to $50. If a general contractor supervises the project, add 13% to 22% to the total cost. The cost of labour will also depend on the prep work required, the deck's size, material, layout, and local labour rates.
Secondly, the condition of the deck will affect the overall cost. If the deck requires repairs before painting, this will incur additional expenses. Simple deck repairs typically cost $100 to $750, but replacing entire boards can be necessary for decks in poor condition. Power washing or pressure washing the deck before painting is also recommended and costs $100 to $200.
Thirdly, the type of paint and number of coats will impact the cost. Paint prices range from $30 to $90 per gallon, depending on quality, brand, and type. Oil-based paints are more expensive but last longer, while water-based paints are more affordable. If you require a primer, this will cost $20 to $50 per gallon. The number of coats will depend on the paint colour and the surface being painted, with light colours over dark surfaces requiring extra coats.
Finally, other costs may include sales tax on materials and supplies, permit or inspection fees, and the cost of protective equipment for the workers.
It is important to obtain itemized quotes from contractors to understand the breakdown of costs and ensure that all necessary expenses are considered.
St. Giles Mass: A Catholic Masterpiece
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The average cost to paint a deck ranges from $2 to $8 per square foot, depending on the location, size, design, and material of the deck. The cost of paint varies from $20 to $75 per gallon, depending on the brand, quality, and type of paint.
The cost of painting a deck can be influenced by several factors, including the size of the deck, the complexity of the design, the type of paint used, and the amount of prep work required. Additional costs may also arise from repairs or modifications to the deck before painting.
Staining a deck is generally more cost-effective than painting, with staining costs averaging around $850. However, staining may need to be redone after a few years, while paint can last up to 10 years.
One gallon of paint typically covers 200 to 400 square feet of the deck, depending on the formula, deck material, and condition. For bare wood decks, you may need 250 to 300 square feet per gallon, along with up to two coats of primer.
Based on the estimates provided, the cost to paint a 15x15 foot deck can vary significantly. Some sources suggest that $1500 is a reasonable price for materials and labor, while others estimate the cost to be around $600 for two coats of paint and labor.










































