ArcaMax

A small job upgrade like painting the deck of a porch makes a surprisingly noticeable upgrade, because a fresh coat of paint gives new life to foot-worn and weather-beaten wooden planks. Considering the small investment in the paint, it’s a project worth doing. The most time-consuming part is removing the furniture and preparing the surface before applying primer and paint.

To prepare, prime and paint a 450-square-foot porch floor using a good quality exterior floor and paint primer, a painting contractor will charge $850, which includes labor and material. A first-time DIYer can do the job for $75, the cost of primer and paint and save 91%. That’s assuming no carpentry work is needed to repair or replace any planks. If that’s needed, the job will cost more and require carpentry tools and skills.

To do the job you’ll need a wood scraper, power sander, bristle paintbrush and heavy nap roller. Invest in a pair of kneepads, if you don’t have them, because most of the job requires working on your knees and the pads will make it more comfortable and save your shins.

Begin by removing everything from the porch and cleaning the surface so it’s free of dirt and mildew. When the surface is dry, scrape and remove any loose or chipped paint, and sand it smooth. Apply the primer and let it dry, and finish by applying a topcoat of paint. Follow the paint manufacturer’s direction about drying time required.

Pro Cost: $850 — DIY Cost: $75 — Pro time: 13.0 DIY Time: 15.0 — DIY Savings: $775 — Percent Saved: 91%

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To find more DIY project costs and to post comments and questions, visit www.diyornot.com and m.diyornot.com on smartphones.

©2025 Gene and Katie Hamilton. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.