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Deck Restoration or Deck Replacement?

Is Deck Restoration Right for Me?

Springtime forces many homeowners to either to replace or substantially repair their deck. Unfortunately, many unscrupulous contractors will convince these homeowners that their deck needs total replacement, when a deck restoration might be more appropriate. In the following video and blog post, I’ll show you a recent, real-world example where simply replacing the deck boards and deck railing was all that was needed. Following this deck restoration, the deck looks and functions as good as new!

Video: Deck Restoration or Deck Replacement?

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Is Deck Restoration Right for Me?

Deck Restoration

Deck Restoration

So you would love to get out on your deck this year to entertain friends and family, or simply relax after a hard day’s work.  Unfortunately, however, the years haven’t been kind to your deck.  The overall grey, dirty appearance of your deck, coupled with cracked deck boards, loose railing, missing spindles, and a few shaky steps make it uninviting.  Aside from the embarrassment your deck presents to any house guests, you’re also concerned for the safety of its users.

The prospect of replacing the entire deck seems daunting.  You remember how expensive it was when you erected the deck and the cost of replacement, you calculate, will be substantially more.  Not to mention having your yard torn up from the process of demolishing the old deck structure, ripping out the support posts and concrete footers.  And unfortunately the wood rot, splinters and mold growth on parts of the deck make it a poor candidate for a simple deck clean and seal.

So… what are you going to do?

How Did My Deck Get so Bad, So Fast?

Embarrassed By Your Deck?

Embarrassed By Your Deck?

There are competing theories in the carpentry world that explains why deck wood might prematurely fail.  I won’t bore you with that discussion here, but many of the premature deck wood failures we see most often result from the deck installer’s lack of knowledge concerning the pros & cons of the various installation methods and theories, combined with lack of homeowner maintenance.

Many factors can influence the wear of your deck’s wood.  They include:

  • Type of Deck Wood: What type of tree the wood came from, the quality of the lumber itself, and the type of treatment (chemical and drying process) the wood received at the factory.
  • Cut of Wood: This refers to what part of the tree was used and how the wood was cut in relationship to the grain (heart, edge or flat grain).
  • Exposure to the Elements: Sun and rain, combined with inconsistent moisture exposure will radically effect the lifespan of deck wood.
  • Installation technique: Both the orientation and the type (and material) of fasteners used to secure the deck wood can equally affect performance and longevity.
  • Wear:  Traffic and load can induce more flexing in certain parts of the deck, accelerating their demise.
  • Maintenance: Was the deck kept clean?  Was stain or sealer applied regularly?  Remember, mold literally “eats” wood away, so combined with water exposure, deck boards can fail rapidly.

Deck Restoration Might Be For You

Here’s an idea that worked well for one of our clients recently: deck restoration.  Instead of demolishing the entire deck, we simply replaced the parts of the deck that couldn’t be saved.  You can see from the pictures and video that the deck structure looks fantastic.  There is no rot, settling or other wear that would present any problem for the foreseeable future.  At a fraction of the cost, our craftsmen were able to quickly tear off the old deck boards and install new boards and railing.  The deck looks and functions as if it were brand new!

Tips on Looking for Someone to Restore a Deck

Deck Restoration Tips

Deck Restoration Tips

Any contractor you invite to inspect your deck should be able to intelligently justify the need for a complete deck replacement or determine if a deck restoration is possible.  Arm yourself with a little bit of knowledge beforehand, by viewing several outstanding consumer resources hosted by the National Deck and Railing Association at www.nadra.org. Quiz the potential contractor on his or her understanding of how deck wood should be installed based upon the material, grain and application.  If they look at you like you have two heads—turn and run.  And finally, after your deck is installed, make sure to have it properly sealed and continue to properly maintain the deck every year.

Enjoy the video and please let us know if this was helpful, or if there is additional information about decks that you would like to see in upcoming videos or blogs.

Need Help with Deck Restoration?

ProMaster Home Repair & Handyman of Cincinnati is a great choice for those who don’t have the time or inclination to perform their own deck restoration. Whether you notice wood rot, mold growth, or simply need periodic deck maintenance, ProMaster has a skilled team of professionals who understand that attention to detail, artistry and precise craftsmanship are the keys to success in any deck restoration project.

Our Master Craftsmen are professionals who have honed their carpentry skills by experience and a quest for perfection. Keep in mind that these craftsmen aren’t just carpenters; they are skilled at other home repair tasks like carpentry, concrete & masonry, drywall & paint, electrical, flooring & tile, plumbing and roofing. Our multi-skilled craftsmen represent a distinct advantage over other repair contractors due to their ability to perform numerous tasks associated with a deck repair project.

Call (513) 724-0539

or Click here for ProMaster Home Repair & Handyman

Comments

  1. If your deck has gone bad and you are thinking of a replacement, make sure you pick out the best kind of materials. Or maybe you would want to have a patio instead? Why? http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/de

  2. home improvement says

    Home improvements will usually require professional help. Planning to hire contractors for your deck restoration project? Beware. http://www.mastercraftnewengland.com/blog/free-re

  3. green decks says

    You can green your deck, which is a lot better in the long run. http://blog.practicallygreen.com/2010/09/eco-stru

  4. deck designs says

    Planning to replace your decks? Or make new designs on it? Then you might some suggestions. http://www.metrocrete.com/2008/06/13/swimming-poo

  5. Thank you for sharing your insights on deck restoration. It would be a shame to just allow your wooden deck or porch deteriorate. After all, you have one built as a home addition so that you will be able to spend time outdoors with family or friends. The reasons for having a deck or a porch may vary depending on the home owner's lifestyle and preference but the important thing is that to maintain its functionality. Another thing to consider would be making use of 'green ' building materials. This is why we need to establish a good relationship with our contractors and vice versa so that the final product will be a stunning and functional deck to be used for many years to come. http://www.eckhoffconstruction.com

  6. You can do many things to maximize that space and spend some time outside your home for a change. Plants can be planted in the yard and you could cover your deck, place chairs and a table where you can read a book. That's what I'll do if given the chance to own a wide property.

  7. hvacservicesia says

    Spring and summer months make it ideal for homeowners to do home repairs or home remodeling. Another thing you can take care of are your household appliances and alarm systems. Checking to see if they are working properly and seeing to their maintenance is useful. http://www.budgetheatingandcoolingservices.com/

  8. Master_Tiler says

    If your are not certain if you can still restore your deck or have the materials replaced, asking your contractor is a good idea so that you do not make mistakes and spend more money that you probably should. Outdoor features such as porches, decks and patios need to be maintained for they are constantly battered by extreme weather conditions. There are home builders, flooring services Lenexa KS providers, handyman and other related companies that are affordable – all we have to do is take the time to check various businesses and read helpful blogs such as this.

  9. Dr. Drywall Co. says

    If you do not have the experience or the time to do the repairs or replacement for your deck, asking the experts would be your next best choice. Nowadays, the number of local contractors that provide assistance for customized home addition or improvement projects in increasing as more owners realize that doing things by themselves without professional supervision tends to make them spend more money than what they probably should.

  10. Joseph_Prestia says

    Learning more the various home remodeling or repairs that you need to have done for your hosuehold is important to avoid high expenditures in the future and to be given the guarantee that you and your loved ones are safe staying there. As others opt for home additions, others focus on repairs or replacement that they can have accomplished during days with fair weather conditions. An expert
    general contractor Brooklyn NY
    company as well as similar companies in ither states can provide with the right solution to your home project dilemma.

  11. This is a very helpful read. Many homeowners may have been experiencing the dilemma whether to have their decks replaced or repaired. With the information provided, it can now get easier to make a decision. It is just important to note that whatever decision it is, it is of great significance that a credible contractor should be employed and that proper maintenance of the deck should be practiced upon completion of the project.

  12. This is a very helpful read. It important for the consumer to be educated by experienced professionals and you’ve done a great job explaining it.

  13. very good, I learned a lot about replacing a deck.

  14. Jaswinder says

    Very useful information. I am going to use your information on my deck very soon.
    Thanks for the information. I like the theme of your website.

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