How much does it cost to repair a porch?

Reviewed by Adam Graham remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

Porches are found in many homes and come in a range of sizes and styles. There are small and simple porches where visitors and family members can remove coats and shoes and much larger wraparound porches that provide shelter and extra space for meals, events, or day-to-day relaxation. However, the elements can take their toll on porches, leading to holes, cracks, rot, and other damages that require repairs.

The national average cost for porch repairs is between $250 and $1,500, with most homeowners spending about $850 to mudjack an uneven or sinking 250 sq.ft. front porch. This project’s low cost is $150 to repair screen damage on a screened 250 sq.ft. front porch. The high cost is $2,000 to replace the ceiling in a 250 sq.ft. enclosed front porch.

Porch Repair Cost

Porch Repair Cost per Square Foot

The average cost for porch repair ranges from $3 to $50 per sq.ft. The price mostly depends on the type of work. For example, sealing a porch costs $3 to $5 per sq.ft., while replacing parts of your wooden porch may cost closer to $15 to $50 per sq.ft. This wide range is because different wood types and varying repair methods can be used. Sanding or staining inexpensive wood costs much less than replacing large sections of rotted expensive wood. Naturally, the larger the area, the higher the costs because bigger areas require more work, time, and materials. However, most repairmen do not charge per square foot. They typically do this when large sections of the walls, floors, or ceiling need fixing. Instead, they usually look at the job size and scale and consider how long it may take to complete and the material costs to calculate an estimated price.

Average Cost of Porch Repair by Type

There are various porch types, from classic enclosed porches to rain, sun, and sleeping porches. The type impacts the cost of porch repairs because certain porches may be easier to work with. The table below shows common types and the average repair costs based on an average porch of 250 sq.ft.

Front Porch Repair

Expect to pay between $250 and $1,500 for front porch repairs. There is a wide price range because there are different front porch sizes and styles, and the larger and more elaborate styles usually cost more to repair. For example, portico repair costs are higher than simple front stoop repair costs. Various problems may affect your front porch, from holes to railing damage and crumbling sections.

Back Porch Repair

The average cost to repair a back porch is between $250 and $1,500. There are many back porch types, leading to varying levels of cost for these repairs. The price depends on factors like the materials and back porch style. Some of the most common problems include cracks, rot damage, and crumbling or sagging sections.

Enclosed Porch Repair

The average cost for enclosed porch repairs is between $350 and $1,500. It is enclosed with walls, windows, or screens. Since there are many components in enclosed porches, various problems can arise like damaged screens, rotting frames, and roof/ceiling damage.

Lanai Repair

Homeowners spend between $350 and $1,500 on lanai repairs. A lanai is like a sun porch, often found in homes in warm climates. They can have screens or glass walls, which may get damaged and require repair or replacement. Roof, wall, and floor damage is also possible with lanais, and repair costs vary depending on the problem.

Veranda Repair

For veranda repairs, expect to pay between $400 and $2,000. A veranda is a wraparound porch, which may be elevated or situated at ground level and wraps around at least two sides of the structure. Verandas are decorative, so they need to be repaired with care, leading to higher-than-average costs.

Porch Repair Cost by Material

Porches may also be made from various materials, such as concrete for the base and steps, brick for the walls, wood for the frames around the windows and doors, and other materials. Some materials are less expensive to work with and repair than others and the table below provides examples of materials and costs to fix each based on a porch of 250 sq.ft.

Repair a Vinyl Porch

Expect to pay between $250 and $1,250 to repair a vinyl porch. Vinyl is one of the least expensive porch materials. It may be used to make porch railings and skirts and around windows and doors. It is also one of the weakest materials, liable to holes, cracks, peeling, and wear. Damaged vinyl sections may need to be patched or replaced.

Brick Porch Repair

Homeowners spend between $250 and $1,500 on brick porch repairs. Brick is a strong and resistant material that can build walls and skirts. It may be decorative, leading to higher costs. Some of the most common issues with brick porches include crumbling sections and mortar gaps.

Stone Porch Repair

The average cost to repair a stone porch ranges from $250 to $1,500. Stone can be used as a strong and resistant option for porch skirts and steps. It can last for years, but stone may damage or suffer from wear. Holes and cracks in stone sections must be patched, and crumbling sections of stone usually require replacement.

Concrete Porch Repair

The average cost of concrete porch repairs is between $250 and $1,500. Concrete is a solid material often used for steps, posts, and floors. Common issues with concrete include cracks and holes. The price depends on the level of damage done. For example, the cost to repair the corner of a concrete porch may be less than replacing an entire concrete step.

Wooden Porch Repair

Expect to pay $300 to $1,750 to repair a wooden porch part. Wood is a common material used in many porches, especially larger wraparound porches like verandas. It is used for decking, posts, and frames. Common issues with wood porches include rotting sections and water damage.

Average Cost of Porch Repair by Type of Repair

Various components make up your porch, from the foundation to the columns, railings, ceiling, and roof. These parts can get damaged or may wear and need to be repaired. Some are less expensive and simpler to repair than others. The table below shows a range of porch repairs and average costs, including parts and labor for a 250 sq.ft. porch.

Front Step Repair

Expect to pay between $15 and $40 per step to repair your front stairs. The front steps are important and often used regularly. The heavy foot traffic can take a toll over the years, leading to cracks, scuffs, scratches, and stains on the steps or damage to the corners. The steps may need to be cleaned, patched, or resurfaced.

Porch Railing Repair

Homeowners spend between $25 and $100 per linear foot on porch railing repairs. The railings run around the outside of large porches, offering protection and stability for the porch and its people. Railings can get damaged in various ways, such as rot, water damage, and cracks, so they may need repairs and replacement parts.

Screen Porch Repair

Expect to pay between $150 and $750 on screen repairs for porches. Many porches have screens around the outside or in front of doors and windows to provide privacy and keep mosquitoes and other bugs away. However, screens can get torn or damaged due to storms or wear. They might need to be patched, reattached to the frames, or replaced.

Porch Roof Repair

The average cost of porch roof repairs is between $150 and $800. Issues on your porch roof may include damaged shingles, holes, gutter problems, snow and ice buildups, and hail damage. Prices for roof repairs vary greatly, depending on your issues.

Porch Column Repair

For porch column or porch column base repairs, expect to pay between $150 and $1,000. Columns are found on many porches, adding decoration, holding the roof, and forming a frame for the structure. Columns may crack or bend and sag under the roof’s weight, so they could require patching, reinforcement, or replacement.

Porch Floor Repair

The average cost of porch floor repairs is between $250 and $1,250. Floors may get damaged from repeated foot traffic or accidents if heavy items are dropped on the floor. This can lead to holes, cracks, and other weaknesses, including crumbling sections. The floor may need patching, buffing, resurfacing, or reinforcement.

Porch Ceiling Repair

Repairing a porch ceiling costs between $250 and $1,500. The ceiling may get damaged in different ways, usually connected with roof damage. For example, excess weight on the roof could cause the ceiling to sag, or water damage might seep through and cause problems to the ceiling, so it might need cleaning or patching.

Porch Foundation Repair

The average cost of porch foundation repairs is between $300 and $1,500. The foundation is one of the most important parts because it holds up the structure. It is usually made from concrete, which can crumble, sag, or become uneven. It may need resurfacing, patching, mudjacking, or other repairs.

Porch Repair Cost by Type of Replacement

The damage to your porch may be too large or severe for a repair in some situations, and the damaged section or component must be replaced with a new one. This can be significantly more expensive because it requires more time and greater material costs to replace damaged components rather than fixing them. The table below shows average costs based on a 250 sq.ft. porch.

​​Porch Step Replacement

To replace porch steps, expect to spend between $20 and $50 per step. The price depends on how many steps need to be replaced and what materials they are made from. Steps may get damaged from repeated use and exposure. Concrete steps can get worn, chipped, and cracked, while wooden steps may be damaged by moisture, rot, or termites.

Porch Railing Replacement

Homeowners spend between $50 and $200 per linear foot on porch railing replacements. The cost of this job depends on multiple factors, such as the railing size, material, and how decorative they are. Replacing fancy and elegant railings costs more than replacing much simpler and less expensive ones.

Replacing Porch Boards

Expect to pay between $150 and $1,000 to replace porch boards. Individual boards may need to be replaced if they have been damaged by rot, moisture, cracks, or holes. The correct materials must be selected to allow the new boards to blend with the rest of the porch. They may need to be stained, sealed, or painted.

Replace Columns on a Porch

To replace porch columns, you should expect to spend $200 to $400 on average per column. Columns can be affected by issues like cracks, rot, and crumbling sections. The columns must be carefully replaced without damaging the structure if the damage is too severe for repair.

Porch Beam Replacement

Homeowners spend between $250 and $500 per beam on porch beam replacements. Beams form a key part of the structure, holding the roof and providing a strong frame for the entire porch. However, they may sag or weaken and must be replaced if they are too badly damaged to be repaired or reinforced.

Average Cost to Rescreen a Patio

Rescreening a standard 250 sq.ft. porch usually costs between $250 and $1,000. The total cost depends on the porch size and how many screens need fitting. Homeowners may need to rescreen part or all the porch area if the screens have been damaged after a storm or if they are old and torn.

Replacing Porch Windows

Homeowners spend between $300 and $1,200 per window to replace porch windows. This is the price for standard single and double-pane windows. More elaborate windows, such as triple-pane and low-E windows, may cost more. Costs can be high for large sun-porch-style windows, while smaller windows are relatively inexpensive. The final cost depends on the number of windows, window size, and frame material. Windows on porches may need to be replaced if they are smashed or cracked in accidents. It might be possible to replace the glass, or you may have to replace the entire frame.

Replace a Porch Floor

The average cost to replace a porch floor is between $500 and $2,000. The total price depends on how large the floor is and how much needs replacing. Often, only a section of the porch floor needs to be replaced, and most of the floor can be salvaged and kept intact. Floor sections may need to be replaced if they are crumbling or affected by rot.

Porch Ceiling Replacement

The average cost to replace a 250 sq.ft. porch ceiling is between $750 and $2,000. It is rare for these ceilings to need replacing, but this may be necessary if your porch’s ceiling has been severely damaged with large cracks and holes or major water damage. You may also need to replace certain roof parts, leading to additional costs.

Porch Repair Cost by Problem

Many problems can arise with your porch, from relatively minor issues that are inexpensive and easy to fix to more serious problems that require extensive work and money to resolve. Minor problems include light cracks and holes that need patching, while major problems include sinking sections and crumbling parts of the foundation. The table below shows average repair costs for common issues for a standard 250 sq.ft. porch.

Concrete Porch Crack Repair

Homeowners spend between $150 and $500 for porch crack repairs. The total cost of your crack repair depends on the materials and the crack’s length and depth. Small and shallow cracks can be filled easily and inexpensively, but deeper cracks may require more extensive repairs and possibly new concrete. Cracks may appear in concrete, vinyl, and wooden sections.

Animal Under a Porch

Expect to pay between $250 and $1,500 to deal with animals under your porch. This is the cost to remove animals and repair the damages they caused. Homeowners may find many pests and animals under the porch, such as skunks, snakes, raccoons, and rats. These animals can be dangerous, spread diseases, and cause messes by interfering with garbage or household waste. They can also pose a threat to pets or children on the property. A professional exterminator or animal control operative can deal with this issue.

Repair a Rotted Porch

Expect to spend from $250 to $3,000 to deal with porch rot problems. Rot can set in around the various wooden parts of the porch like decking, railings, posts, and pillars. Rot can spread if not treated early, doing more damage. The rotted sections must be removed and replaced, and the porch may need to be sealed, stained, or painted.

Fix Concrete Porch Crumbling

The average cost to fix a crumbling part of your concrete porch is between $500 and $1,250, but costs may be much higher if the crumbling section is large or difficult to access. Often, foundations and concrete steps or floors may crumble. The weak and crumbled parts must usually be removed and new concrete must be poured to fix this.

​​Concrete Front Porch Sinking

If your concrete front porch is sinking, expect to spend between $500 and $1,500 to repair it. The most common repair method for sinking or sagging concrete porches is mudjacking. This is when mud is pumped under the porch to push up the foundations. This can be an expensive procedure, but it is the best way to lift your porch and make it even.

Repairing a Settling ​​Concrete Porch

The average cost to repair settling concrete porches is between $500 and $1,500. Settling concrete may be caused by improper installation or serious weather situations like floods that wash away the soil under the concrete. Mudjacking or slabjacking, in which mud or grout is pumped under the structure, can resolve this issue and lift your porch.

Sagging Concrete Porch

Fixing a sagging concrete porch averages $500 to $1,500. If you notice your concrete porch sagging or sinking, it may be due to movements underground or improper installation. The most common way to deal with this is through mudjacking, which helps lift the sagging sections of concrete and even the porch.

Average Cost of Porch Repair by Solution

Various repair methods may be used to fix a porch, depending on the problem. Patching is a common repair method for holes and cracks, while resurfacing may be needed to refresh an old and worn-out porch. The table below shows a range of solutions and repair methods and the average costs of each for a 250 sq.ft. front porch.

Pressure Wash a Porch

Homeowners spend between $75 and $400 on professional power washing services for their porches, but the price depends on the size, with larger porches requiring more time and energy to wash. Power washing can effectively clean moss, algae, stains, and marks on older porches.

Porch Pest Control

If you have a pest problem around your porch, expect to spend between $100 and $1,000 on porch pest control. This wide price range is that some pests are much cheaper and easier to deal with than others. For example, you can install bug repellent systems to keep bugs at bay inexpensively. Or, you might need to have your entire yard sprayed or looked at by an exterminator to deal with more severe pest problems caused by rats and raccoons.

Patching a Concrete Porch

Homeowners pay between $150 and $500 to patch a porch. Patching is the primary repair method used when porches suffer from damages like holes and cracks. The damaged sections are filled, patched, and then sanded, sealed, buffed, or painted to blend with the porch.

Paint a Porch

If you need to paint your porch, expect to spend between $250 and $500. Painting can be a useful method to breathe new life into old porches, and it may be necessary on those that have worn or faded. Paint can also protect your porch against water damage, so it is a protective and aesthetic measure.

Resurfacing a Concrete Porch and Steps

The average cost of resurfacing a porch and steps is between $500 and $1,000. It is usually done for concrete and is a useful repair method for old porches with cosmetic or superficial damages like scratches, marks, and small holes. This solution involves cleaning away surface marks and stains, patching small damages, and buffing the steps or other parts of the porch to make it look new again.

Porch Leveling

The average cost to level a porch ranges from $500 to $1,500. Leveling is a repair method for sagging porches and uneven sections of porches. It is a complex procedure that typically involves mudjacking or pumping material under the porch to lift it. The price depends on how large the sagging sections are and how accessible the area is.

Porch Sealing

If you need to seal your porch, expect to pay between $750 and $1,250. Sealing is important for porches at risk of water damage or rot. Special sealing treatments may be applied to stone and concrete sections to create a barrier that protects against water damage, which can help your porch last longer.

Labor Cost to Repair a Porch

The average labor cost for porch repairs is between $50 and $100 per hour. Many contractors charge by the hour for these repairs, but some may have set fees for certain jobs or could have different ways of calculating costs. Speak with your contractor or handyman to find out more before hiring them.

You may need to pay additional labor costs if your porch is difficult to access or the job requires more specialized attention. Additional fees might also be needed if you live in a remote location because the workers must travel long distances to reach your home and carry out the repairs. Many contractors also charge a call-out fee of around $50 to $75 to look at your porch, but this fee is usually waived if you hire them for the repairs.

Additional costs may also be required if you need emergency repairs. For example, if your porch roof is sagging and at risk of falling or the porch is flooded and needs urgent repairs, you may pay extra for a contractor or repair company to provide emergency same-day services.

Maintenance

Homeowners can take steps to look after their porches to reduce the risk of problems and help their porches last longer. One of the best ways to look after your porch is to inspect it for signs of damage. Look at the various elements of the structure like the steps, railings, decking, walls, and roof. If you notice damages or something that does not look right, contact a professional. It is much less expensive and simpler to fix small problems rather than letting small issues develop into large ones.

Another step you can take is to keep your porch clean. To avoid unnecessary damages, you can sweep away dirt, debris, leaves, and other messes from the porch. You can also wash certain parts like vinyl frames to remove surface marks and stains. It is also recommended to stain, seal, or paint it to add protection against water damage.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Stain a Porch

Homeowners spend between $250 and $500 on porch staining services. Staining is usually done on wooden sections of your porch like the decking, railings, posts, and pillars. It can be useful for helping the wooden parts of the porch look more beautiful, but stains may need to be reapplied every few years. Staining can also be useful for revitalizing old and tired-looking parts of the porch.

Porch Drainage Solutions

The cost of installing porch drainage solutions ranges from $300 to $800. You may need to install new drainage systems around your porch if you live in an area with heavy rain and feel your porch could be at risk of flooding or water damage. Gutters, pipes, drains, and sloped sections may need fitting to your porch to help water drain and prevent flooding or standing water.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Warranty. New porch installations often come with a warranty, so you could be covered for certain damages to your porch. Check the details of your warranty policy to learn more.
• Licensed contractor. Work with licensed contractors for porch and other home repairs. Check the licensing status of workers you hire and avoid working with unlicensed individuals.
• Lifespan. A porch can last for several decades, depending on the material. Some last for 40 years or more, but others wear sooner, like simple wooden porches.
• Home value. An attractive and well-maintained porch can add value to your home, so inspect and repair your porch before selling the property.
• Permit. Depending on the rules and regulations in your area, certain porch repairs or renovations may require a permit. Contact local authorities to find out more.
• DIY. You can do basic porch repairs, such as screen replacements or patching superficial damages, but most jobs are best left to a professional.