Are you wondering what to do with your old deck? When it comes to deck repair vs. rebuild, the answer is not always clear-cut. There are two options for repairing or rebuilding, and it all depends on what you want your deck to do for you and how much time and money you are willing to spend on this project.
As a homeowner, you may have to make the tough decision of whether to repair your deck or tear it down and start over. This is an essential question because replacing the deck will naturally be more expensive than repairing the deck for most homeowners.
1) Repairing a Deck
Repairing decks involves replacing boards that are damaged with new decking boards. It is crucial to understand deck materials to know what type of deck repair you need on your home deck. If the damage seems minimal, simply replacing a few deck boards may be enough for your deck needs.
Average Deck Repair Costs
The cost of a simple deck repair done by the homeowner is around $100 if the deck’s structural integrity is still intact overall. In most situations, a homeowner may anticipate paying around $1,500 for a more serious problem—including railing or board replacement. Plan to add an additional $300-$500 for labor if you are not planning to do the work yourself.
The average cost of a primary restoration job is about $2,500, and with labor it will total around $3500. Make sure you consider any supplies and tools you may need for deck repair and weigh out your options on doing the work independently or hiring out. You’ll also need to consider roughly how much time deck repairs will require to complete the job successfully.
2) Rebuilding a Deck
If too many damaged boards to count or the support beams underneath the deck have rotted, deck repair will not cut it. In this case, you’ll need to consider deck replacement as the best option for your home. It is more expensive than deck repair but sometimes necessary to prevent further damage and potential injuries on a dilapidated deck that may collapse at any minute. If you’ve noticed holes in the deck or any parts appear rotten or flimsy, deck replacement is your best option.
Average Deck Rebuild/ Installation Costs
The typical homeowner spends $3,200 to create a 10x10 foot deck, $7,160 to construct a 14x20 deck and $9,800 to construct a 20x20 deck. The cost of constructing a deck out of pressure-treated wood, hardwood, or composite is approximately $25-$35 per square foot for both installation and materials. Note this is all over the place with Covid and we cannot guarantee the cost of materials past 14 days. Always ask for the most recent material cost or a free estimate. The cost is determined by the materials used, size, the level it’s built on, and any other options such as built-in seats or stairs.
3) Signs It’s Time to Repair or Rebuild Your Deck
Rotting Beams and Posts: If you have noticed a few of the boards on your deck are rotting or damaged, it is vital to take action. You need to understand what type of damage has been done and how much time you have before the rest of the deck falls apart. If there is a small amount of rot present, then it may be best to opt for repair instead of a rebuild, as it will save you money in the long run.
Rust or Missing Parts: The material, hardware, and fittings will primarily be on the underside of your deck. Take the time to inspect your deck’s foundation to ensure that none of the fittings are loose, missing entirely, or encrusted with rust and decay. The older your deck, the more likely this will happen. However, decks of all ages may suffer this damage without appropriate maintenance or material installation.
Cracks or Splintered Boards: Even if your wood has been stained and weatherproofed, constant exposure to sunshine, rain, wind, changing temperatures, and humidity contribute to deterioration over time—even if the boards have cracks or splinters. Splits or fissures in planks are usually not a big worry. A few board replacements should not be too tricky for most contractors or carpenters. However, if you detect cracks and deterioration across the whole deck, you may be looking at a more substantial repair.
Aging Deck: Although no homebuilding material lasts forever, exterior materials are particularly susceptible to deterioration. The need for a deck replacement will always be dependent on age. Wood decks can last anywhere from 15 to 40 years. It will vary between the kind of materials used and the degree of upkeep given. If your deck is more than 20 years old and showing signs of wear, you should consider replacing it.
4) Deck Maintenance
It’s necessary to be aware of deck maintenance costs after having your deck repaired or rebuilt. It means considering supplies and tools needed as well as any decking board materials you may need.
Decks will deteriorate faster if not maintained regularly. Dirt, stains from moss and mildew, weather, and frequent use can all take their toll on outdoor living spaces. To keep decks in excellent shape, you may do the following:
• Proper sealing and applying fresh deck stain.
• Give the area a deep clean by using a pressure washer.
• Sanding stripping paint and replacing with a fresh coat.
• Checking stairs, railings, boards, beams, and planks for signs of wear.
• Regularly move outdoor plants and pieces of furniture to dry out moisture.
5) Hiring a Professional
If you need help determining if deck repair is suitable for your home or not, then contact a professional deck repair in Nashville. Our team of licensed professionals is here to assist you with any concerns or indications of damage, allowing you to rest easy while we resolve the situation.
We can examine your current deck to see if it requires a rebuild or repair. Get a free estimate for your deck requirements by contacting us at -> 615-750-2865