Great break down Wizard!!! Some people just don’t understand.

25 years ago, I got to know a carpenter who built decks in the condo group where I was washing and staining hundreds of decks on contract. I asked him what he charges to replace boards because the time required to pull the old boards, go to the nearby lumber yard and return with the right wood to match, and cut and install the new boards - could kill and entire morning, really slowing me down. He said he quotes $100 a board, just like you say. Inflation-adjusted, that $100 is now $205. The only way I can quote that is if I really don’t want to do it. Lol. So I just quote an hourly based on difficulty and add materials but people are still often surprised by the bill. Sometimes I just suggest they call me when the repairs are done and I’ll come back. That’s when they often say to just go ahead and do it. If it’s a fast easy fix, I’ll add, “Not to exceed” a reasonable number like $250. And disposing of the old boards? Included, of course. So I remove nails, cut and tape bundles of old boards to put on the curb. There’s lots not to like about replacing deck boards, for sure.

People have no idea

Tell it like it is!!!

Do I need to put a conditioner down before stain?