Deck restoration in Charleston, SC, made for salt air and sun
We clean, repair, sand and stain tired decks, porches and docks across Charleston and the communities within 10 miles, and build new ones when the old frame is done. Free inspection and a written estimate before any work starts.
- Free deck inspections
- Repairs and refinish in one visit
- Stains made for coastal sun
- Composite upgrades
Get a free deck estimate
Free inspection and written estimate. Or call (843) 350-6684.
Charleston deck restoration, in plain terms
Charleston Deck Restoration restores, repairs and replaces wood and composite decks, piazza floors and private docks in Charleston, South Carolina and within about 10 miles. A typical clean-and-stain on a 400 square foot deck takes two to three days and costs roughly $1,000 to $1,800. Call (843) 350-6684 for a free inspection.
Charleston is hard on decks. Summer sun bleaches stain in a season, humidity grows mildew in the shade, salt air rusts nails and joist hangers, and afternoon storms soak the boards again and again. That's why our deck restoration services start with repairs and a deep clean before any stain goes on, while our deck repair team fixes soft boards, loose railings and stairs and rebuilds decks that are past saving. See the communities we serve for local details.
Deck restoration services
Bring a gray, rough or peeling deck back to smooth, even wood. Start with the deck restoration services overview.
Deck Restoration Cost
2026 price ranges for cleaning, staining, refinishing, resurfacing and new decks.
Deck Refinishing
Full strip, sand and re-stain that takes a gray, splintered deck back to bare, even wood.
Deck Staining & Sealing
Penetrating stains and sealers matched to sun exposure, wood type and the look you want.
Deck Cleaning & Power Washing
Low-pressure washing that removes mildew, algae and gray fibers without tearing up the wood.
Deck Resurfacing
New boards and rails on your existing, sound frame in pine or composite for far less than a rebuild.
Piazza & Porch Floor Restoration
Tongue-and-groove porch and piazza floors repaired, sanded and painted for historic homes.
Dock & Pier Restoration
Private dock walkways, pier heads and floating dock decks re-boarded, re-fastened and sealed.
Deck repair and replacement
Boards, railings, stairs, framing and full rebuilds. See all Charleston deck repair services.
Deck Board Replacement
Rotted, split and cupped boards swapped one at a time or across the whole surface.
Railing & Stair Repair
Wobbly rails, loose balusters and split treads rebuilt to current code heights and spacing.
Deck Safety Inspection
Free inspection of boards, framing, ledger, fasteners and railings with a photo report.
Deck Replacement
Tear-out and rebuild when the frame is too far gone, in pressure-treated pine or composite.
New Deck Construction
New decks designed, permitted and built for coastal wind, salt air and flood zones.
Composite Deck Installation
Low-maintenance capped composite decking that will not rot, splinter or need staining.
Restore or replace your deck?
Restoration is usually the right call when the frame is solid and only the surface is worn. Replacement usually makes more sense when you see several of these:
- Joists or posts that are soft when you push a screwdriver in
- A ledger board with no flashing, or water stains on the house wall behind it
- Rusted or missing joist hangers and post bases
- Posts sitting in standing water or rotted at the ground
- A deck that sways or bounces when you walk across it
- More than a third of the boards cracked, cupped or soft
- Railings that move even after the posts are tightened
Not sure? A free deck inspection answers it with photos.
What deck restoration costs in Charleston
Prices below are planning ranges, not quotes. See the full deck restoration cost guide.
| Service | Typical cost | Typical 400 sq ft deck | How long it lasts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaning and brightening | $0.75 to $1.50 per sq ft | $300 to $600 | Repeat yearly |
| Staining and sealing (clean plus 1 to 2 coats) | $2.50 to $4.50 per sq ft | $1,000 to $1,800 | 2 to 3 years |
| Full refinishing (strip, sand and stain) | $3.50 to $7.00 per sq ft | $1,400 to $2,800 | 2 to 4 years per finish |
| Resurfacing in pressure-treated pine | $14 to $22 per sq ft | $5,600 to $8,800 | 15 to 20 years |
| Resurfacing in composite | $25 to $40 per sq ft | $10,000 to $16,000 | 25 to 30+ years |
| New deck, pressure-treated pine | $40 to $65 per sq ft | $16,000 to $26,000 | 15 to 20 years |
| New deck, composite | $60 to $95 per sq ft | $24,000 to $38,000 | 25 to 30+ years |
Planning ranges for the Charleston area as of October 2026, before board, railing or stair repairs. Your written estimate is based on your actual deck.
How a deck restoration works
- Free inspectionWe check boards, framing, ledger, railings and stairs and take photos.
- Written estimateA line-item price with finish and material options. No pressure.
- Repairs firstSoft boards, loose rails, popped fasteners and stairs fixed.
- Clean, sand and finishMildew and old stain removed, wood sanded, stain applied.
- Final walkthroughCure time, cleanup and a simple care plan for your deck.
Why Charleston decks wear out so fast
A deck in the Lowcountry ages faster than the same deck almost anywhere inland. Four things do most of the damage, and every restoration we do is planned around them.
Sun and UV
Charleston gets long, intense summers, and UV breaks down the surface fibers of wood within months. That is the gray, fuzzy layer you see on an unprotected deck. Stain without enough pigment fades in a single season, which is why we use finishes with strong UV blockers on decks in full sun.
Humidity and mildew
Shaded decks under live oaks and pines rarely dry out completely between summer storms. Mildew and algae grow on the boards, make them slippery and hold moisture against the wood. A proper cleaning kills the growth at the root, and a stain with mildewcide slows it from coming back.
Salt air
Near the harbor, the marsh and the beaches, salt in the air corrodes nails, screws, joist hangers and post bases. Rusted hardware loosens boards and weakens the frame long before the wood itself fails. We replace corroded fasteners with coated or stainless steel and check the hardware under the deck on every job.
Storms and standing water
Hurricane season brings wind-driven rain from June through November, and heavy afternoon storms soak decks again and again. Water that sits at board ends, against the house and around posts is what causes rot. Good drainage gaps, sealed end grain and a flashed ledger keep the structure dry.
Choosing the right stain for a Charleston deck
The finish you pick decides how your deck looks and how often it needs attention. For most pressure-treated pine decks in Charleston, we recommend a penetrating semi-transparent oil or hybrid stain. It soaks into the wood instead of forming a film on top, so it wears away gradually rather than peeling, and the next maintenance coat goes on without stripping.
Semi-solid stains are a good choice when a deck has a mix of new and old boards, because they even out the color while still showing some texture. Solid stains hide the most but behave more like paint on a horizontal surface, so we use them carefully and mostly on railings and vertical parts. Clear sealers show the most grain but need re-coating about once a year in full sun. We bring samples to your deck and test them in your light before you choose, and we can match HOA-approved colors in Mount Pleasant, Daniel Island and other planned communities.
Keeping your deck looking good between restorations
A little care each year can add years to a finish and push back the next full restoration.
- Sweep off leaves and pine straw, especially in corners and between boards
- Move planters, rugs and furniture now and then so water and shade don't sit in one spot
- Keep gutters and downspouts from draining onto the deck
- Wash the deck once a year with a deck cleaner and low pressure, never a high-pressure tip
- Check railings, stairs and loose fasteners every spring
- Plan a maintenance coat of stain every two to three years, before the finish wears through
If the deck already looks gray and rough, a full refinish will bring it back, and a yearly cleaning afterward keeps it that way.
Why Charleston homeowners call us
We focus on decks, porches and docks and nothing else, so we know which products hold up in this climate and which ones peel by the second summer. Every job starts with a free inspection above and below the deck and a written, line-item estimate, so you know exactly what you are paying for. Repairs are made before any stain goes on, the same crew handles repair and refinishing, and we protect your plants, siding and windows while we work. When a deck is past restoring, we tell you plainly and price resurfacing or replacement side by side, so you can make the decision that fits your home and budget.
Deck restoration across the Charleston area
We serve Charleston and the communities within about 10 miles of downtown. Browse the full list of service areas or choose your neighborhood for local permits and the decks we see most.
Frequently asked questions
How much does deck restoration cost in Charleston, SC?
Most restorations on a 400 square foot deck cost about $1,000 to $1,800 for cleaning and staining, and about $1,400 to $2,800 for a full strip, sand and refinish, before any board or railing repairs. Every estimate is written and free.
How long does a deck restoration take?
Most decks take two to four days, including drying time between cleaning and staining. Humidity and rain can add a day or two.
How often should a deck be stained in Charleston?
Every two to three years for most decks with semi-transparent stain. Decks in full sun or near the ocean may need a maintenance coat sooner.
Do I need a permit to restore my deck?
Cleaning, repairs in kind, staining and refinishing generally do not need a permit. Replacing or enlarging a deck does, and historic districts and HOAs may require design approval. We handle permits when they apply.
What areas do you serve?
Charleston and communities within about 10 miles: Downtown Charleston, West Ashley, James Island, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, Daniel Island, Johns Island, Folly Beach, Sullivan's Island, Isle of Palms and Hanahan.
Should I restore or replace my deck?
If the frame, ledger and posts are sound, restoration or resurfacing almost always costs less and looks great. If joists or posts are soft or the ledger was never flashed, replacement is the safer choice. A free inspection answers it with photos.
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. Deck inspections and written estimates are free, with no obligation.
What is the best stain for a Charleston deck?
For most pine decks, a penetrating oil or hybrid semi-transparent stain with strong UV protection and mildewcide. It soaks in instead of peeling and can be re-coated without stripping.
Serving Charleston, SC
Based in Charleston and working across the peninsula, the islands and the communities within about 10 miles. Call (843) 350-6684 to schedule a free deck inspection.