Services
Deck repair and resurfacing
Before you tear out an old deck, find out what's actually wrong with it. Often the frame has years left and only the surface, stairs or railing need attention.
Warning signs
When a deck needs a closer look
- Soft or spongy spots when you step or push a screwdriver into a board
- Bounce or sway when people walk across it or lean on the rail
- Loose or wobbly railing posts, especially at stair tops and corners
- Cracked, cupped or splintering boards that catch bare feet
- Rusty connectors and fasteners, or dark staining where the deck meets the house
- Stairs that shift, or treads that aren't level anymore
Any of these is worth an inspection. Railings and stairs in particular should not wait.
What we repair
From one board to the whole structure
Decking boards
Replace damaged boards individually, or strip the whole surface when most of it is worn out.
Joists & beams
Sister or replace rotted framing members and add blocking where the deck feels bouncy.
Ledger & flashing
Open up the house connection, correct missing flashing and fix water damage we find there.
Stairs
Rebuild stringers, reset landings and bring treads back to even, predictable steps.
Railings
Re-secure or replace posts, swap tired balusters, or upgrade to a new rail system.
Posts & footings
Deal with posts sitting in wet soil or on settling footings before they pull the frame out of level.
Resurfacing
New composite boards on an existing frame
If the structure is sound, resurfacing can deliver most of the look of a brand-new deck while keeping the frame you already paid for. We remove the old boards, inspect every joist while it's exposed, repair what needs it and add tape to protect the tops. Then we install new composite decking, fascia and often a new railing.
The catch: composite boards usually need joists closer together than many older wood decks were framed. Sometimes that means adding joists between the existing ones; sometimes it means choosing a board rated for wider spacing. We check before we quote.
The honest verdict
Repair or rebuild?
Usually makes sense when…
Damage is limited to boards, railings or stairs; framing is dry and solid; footings are stable; and the layout still works for you.
Usually the better value when…
Rot has spread through joists and beams, the ledger connection is compromised, footings have failed, or you'd like a different shape or height anyway.
Questions
Repair questions
Can you put composite boards on my existing deck frame?
Sometimes. The frame has to be solid and dry, and the joist spacing has to suit the boards. We inspect joists, beams and posts during the visit and tell you plainly whether resurfacing makes sense.
Do you repair decks you didn't build?
Yes. Most of our repair work is on decks built by someone else, often decades ago. We assess what's there on its own merits.
Is it worth fixing just the railing?
If the rest of the deck is solid, absolutely. A loose railing is a safety issue, and a new rail system also changes the look of a deck more than people expect.
Will repairs need a permit?
Simple board replacement usually doesn't, while structural work may. That comes down to the scope and your jurisdiction, and we'll help you confirm with SDCI or King County.
Related
Keep exploring
Ready to plan the next level of your yard?
Tell us what you have in mind. The on-site estimate is free and comes with a clear written scope.