How to Compare Deck Repair Quotes
One contractor prices six new boards. Another prices a new surface across the whole deck. Ask what each estimate would replace and what it assumes can stay.
Updated
Free to post. No obligation to accept a bid. Responses depend on provider interest and availability in your area.
The short answer
Ask each contractor to separate the boards, railings or stairs, any work on the framing, and removal and disposal. If an estimate assumes the existing frame can stay, ask what the contractor has checked, what they can only see after removal, and how they will price any additional work.
Are the contractors pricing the same deck work?
Ask each contractor to describe what they recommend and why. A quote for selected boards prices a different job from replacing the whole surface or rebuilding the structure. Dupont Decks, for example, describes checking the existing framing and footings when deciding whether a deck is a candidate for resurfacing.
Selected boards
Ask which boards would be replaced and what material and finish the estimate includes.
Whole surface
Ask what area the new boards cover, what would be reused, and whether stairs, railings or trim are included.
Framing or supports
Ask which parts the contractor has looked at, what they recommend doing, and which work is priced separately.
What if the contractor finds damage under the boards?
Ask what the contractor has assessed and what remains unknown before they price the job. Get the proposed process for explaining, pricing and approving additional work in writing.
This comparison sheet does not determine whether a deck is safe or suitable for repair. Have a qualified contractor assess the project and confirm any applicable requirements with the local building department.
Put both deck estimates on the same scope
A six-board repair and a full resurfacing are different recommendations, not simply competing prices for one job. Ask each contractor to explain the proposed scope before trying to make the totals match.
In this example, A proposes replacing six boards; B proposes replacing the entire surface plus stair treads. Do not assume the smaller repair is suitable. If both recommend the same work after assessment, request revised written quotes for that scope.
Illustrative scope only. This is not a real inspection or a recommendation to replace particular components.
| Part of the job | Quote A | Quote B |
|---|---|---|
| Surface boards | Six specified boards | Entire measured surface |
| Stairs and rails | Not stated | Stair treads included; rails not stated |
| Framing or supports | Assessment and assumptions need clarification | Assessment and assumptions need clarification |
| Old material | Left on site | Haul-away included |
| Can the totals be compared yet? | No: confirm the suitable scope and missing items | No: explain the wider recommendation and missing items |
Copy or print this table and fill it from the written quotes. Mark missing details as “not stated”; an empty space does not mean included or free.
| What to compare | Quote A | Quote B |
|---|---|---|
| Recommended work and reason | ________ | ________ |
| Boards: quantity, area, material and finish | ________ | ________ |
| Stairs, rails, trim and exclusions | ________ | ________ |
| What has been assessed; what remains unknown | ________ | ________ |
| Removal, haul-away and disposal | ________ | ________ |
| Who confirms applicable project requirements | ________ | ________ |
| How newly discovered work is priced and approved | ________ | ________ |
| Total for the agreed scope | ________ | ________ |
Copy this into a deck repair request
My deck is about [size, if known]. I noticed [what you can see from a safe spot]. Please tell me what you need to look at before pricing, what you would keep or replace, and whether the estimate includes stairs, railings and haul-away. If you find more work after removing boards, how would you price it and get my approval?
Keep your exact address and contact details out of a public description. Add photos only if you can take them safely and without showing identifying details.
Before you choose
- Each estimate lists what stays and what gets replaced.
- The quote describes what the contractor has assessed and what is still unknown.
- You know whether stairs, railings, removal and disposal are included.
- The contractor explains how they will document and price added work.
Sources
- Deck resurfacing and re-decking · Dupont Decks. Example of a Twin Cities provider distinguishing surface replacement from framing assessment and rebuilding. Checked November 4, 2026.
- How BidGreat works for homeowners · BidGreat. Explains public job details and what to keep out of descriptions and photos.
Your hiring decision
BidGreat does not vet providers or guarantee their work. Independently check relevant credentials and references.
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