As of October 2026, most Charleston-area homeowners pay roughly $1,000 to $1,800 to clean and stain a 400 square foot deck, and roughly $1,400 to $2,800 for a full strip, sand and refinish. Resurfacing with new boards runs about $14 to $40 per square foot, and new decks about $40 to $95 per square foot.
This service is part of our deck restoration services in Charleston. Homeowners who need it often ask about a full strip, sand and refinish, deck staining and sealing or low-pressure deck cleaning at the same time, so we price and schedule them together.
Cost by service
| 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.
What changes the price
- Size and height: second-story decks need more setup and safety equipment
- Railings and stairs: balusters and treads take far longer to sand and stain than flat boards
- Old finish: peeling solid stain or paint needs heavy stripping
- Repairs: board, fastener, railing and stair repairs are priced separately
- Stain choice: premium oil and hybrid stains cost more but last longer
- Access: tight downtown lots, steep yards and docks add labor
Ways to lower the cost
Restore before the finish fails completely, because stripping is the most expensive step. Keep the deck clean each year with a low-pressure cleaning. Choose a penetrating stain that can be re-coated without stripping. When the boards are worn out, compare resurfacing to a full rebuild.
Deck cost questions
What is the average cost to restore a deck in Charleston, SC?
For a typical 400 square foot deck, most homeowners pay about $1,000 to $1,800 for cleaning and staining and about $1,400 to $2,800 for a full strip, sand and refinish, as of October 2026, before repairs.
Why do deck restoration prices vary so much?
Deck size, height, number of stairs and railings, the condition of the old finish, how many boards need replacing, the stain chosen and access to the deck all change the labor and materials involved.
Is it cheaper to restore or replace a deck?
Restoring a sound deck costs a fraction of replacing it. Resurfacing with new boards on the existing frame is the middle option, and full replacement only makes sense when the frame or ledger has failed.
Is composite worth the extra cost in Charleston?
If you plan to stay in the home for years, often yes. Composite costs more up front but removes the cost of staining every two to three years and will not rot or splinter.