Having a stylish deck in your house garden or the backyard is a great way to relax, entertain, and enjoy the fresh air. However, exposure to elements, foot traffic, and natural wear and tear can lead to damage to your deck. It may be high time to get them repaired or replaced by an experienced contractor. Many people find it difficult to decide whether to repair their decks or replace them entirely. If you find yourself in the same league, read this blog that will help you walk through the process to make an informed decision that serves your best interest.
Our experts have several years of experience in deck construction, maintenance, and renovation. Let our experts help you make the best choice that provides you a substantial value for money and offers you safety and aesthetic enhancements.
Before making any decisions, you need to conduct a thorough inspection. Grab a flashlight, a screwdriver, and maybe even a notebook to document what you find. Start by examining these critical areas:
The first thing you need to do is thoroughly evaluate your deck condition. Whether there are small or large cracks in your wooden decks or extensive splintering. Do the deck boards feel soft and spongy? A thorough inspection will give you a fair idea whether the problem can be resolved with a professional repair or if you may need to replace the decks altogether.
You can check your premium deck for splintering, especially in high-traffic areas. While our experts can repair small splinters or minor cracks on boards, extensive splintering indicates rotting of wood. For composite decks, check for warping or mold growth between boards.
Structural components in a wooden deck, like foundation, support posts, joists, and beams, should be in a sound condition that is critical for its safety and stability. You must check these components with a screwdriver and decide whether they need a repair for localized damage or a replacement for extensive damage. You can easily identify extensive structural damage when you observe warping or sagging signs in ledger boards, footings, and beams.
At times, replacing your wooden deck can be the best solution to say goodbye to the safety hazards posed due to extensive structural damage in your deck. Go for a professional deck inspection that will help you determine the extent of damage and whether it requires cleaning, coating, intensive repair, or complete replacement.
Safety should always be your top priority when deciding on deck repair or replacement. You should test the strength and stability of your railing by applying firm pressure. Are the railings and stairs able to bear at least 200 pounds of force? Likewise, you need to look for any signs of weak stairs separating from the stringers.
Going for a professional deck repair is usually 30-50% cheaper than full replacement, but you can choose it only when the health of your deck’s core structure is sound. Here is a checklist of conditions where repairs are the smarter choice:
If your deck has cosmetic issues like faded stain, minor splintering, or a few cracked boards, repairs can restore your deck’s appearance and functionality. For wooden decks, sanding and staining or recoating can work wonders. Composite decks may just need a deep cleaning and replacement of a few damaged boards.
Sometimes your deck may have problems limited to specific areas. You may find a rotten corner or a few joists sagging that may need reinforcement. In these cases, you can hire experts for targeted repairs to extend your deck’s life significantly. Our experts have helped many homeowners save their time and money by resolving the affected areas and enjoy their use for many years.
Decks built with high-quality composite materials like blended materials from wood fibers and recycled plastic material last for 25-30 years with proper care. If you have a new deck that shows signs of wear and tear, repairing it is the best option. Experts can easily replace a few extensively damaged composite boards.
There comes a point when repairs become throwing good money after bad. Here are the clear signs it’s time for a full replacement:
When multiple joists show rot, when footings have shifted significantly, or when the ledger board attachment is compromised, repairs often can’t restore structural integrity. Our experts have seen decks where temporary fixes created dangerous situations – it’s simply not worth the risk.
Each deck, whether made of pressure-treated lumber, wood, or composite material, comes with a lifespan that may range from 15-40 years. The lifespan depends upon the material and the deck’s upkeep over time. If your deck has surpassed the timeline, it would be best to replace the deck rather than getting continued repairs.
Building codes have evolved significantly in recent years. Older decks often
A replacement lets you upgrade to modern safety standards while improving functionality.
Budget is an important concern when deciding between repair and replacement of your deck. When your deck requires surface-level work, repair can help you save a considerable amount. However, when your deck shows signs of extensive damage and safety issues, a full replacement can be the best choice, which would be more cost-effective than consistent repair. For this, you need to weigh all the pros and cons of repair and replacement and decide for yourself, or let our experts assist you in the same.
If your deck is causing more concern than comfort, it may be time to consider a full replacement. While repairs can sometimes buy you a few more seasons, there’s a point where continued fixes just aren’t cost-effective—or safe. Prioritizing safety and long-term value is always the smart call.
Still on the fence? Reach out to a professional for an inspection. Most reputable contractors will offer a free assessment, and their expertise can reveal problems you might overlook. Ultimately, investing in your deck isn’t just about appearances; it’s about enhancing your home’s outdoor space and protecting your property’s value.