How do I choose between deck rebuilding or deck resurfacing
Whether to rebuild your deck or just resurface it comes down to condition, safety, code compliance, budget, and your long‑term goals. Below is a straightforward checklist to help you decide.
Structural safety and footings
Are the footings sound and up to current code? Footings that are cracked, settling, or too small for today’s requirements usually mean rebuild.
Are posts, beams, and joists free of rot, insect damage, or significant splitting? Surface repairs won’t fix compromised structural members.
Is the ledger connection to the house secure and flashed correctly? A failing ledger is a major safety risk.
Overall structural integrity
Load capacity: Has the deck been overloaded in the past or designed for lighter loads? If the framing can’t meet required loads without extensive reinforcement, rebuilding is often safer and more cost‑effective.
Movement or sagging: Significant sagging, bouncing, or separation indicates deeper framing issues rather than just surface wear.
Compliance with code
Are connections, fasteners, guardrail height, and stair dimensions up to current code? Updating to code can sometimes require replacing or reinforcing framing, which tips the scale toward rebuilding.
If you plan to sell soon, bringing the deck up to code may be required by inspectors.
Decking surface condition
Can the existing boards be sanded and refinished? Many pressure‑treated or cedar boards can be resurfaced if they are still structurally sound and have enough thickness left.
If boards are splintered, severely cupped, or have extensive rot, they’re likely past their useful life and should be replaced.
Railings and stairs
Are railings solid and securely attached? Loose or rotten railing posts are a safety hazard and may require post replacement—even if you resurface the decking.
Stair integrity and riser/tread conditions matter for safety and code; rebuilding stairs is common even when resurfacing the deck.
Material and budget considerations
Composite vs. wood: Composite decking has higher upfront cost but lower maintenance and longer lifespan. If framing is marginal, the extra cost of composite may be wasted unless you rebuild properly.
Partial updates: Sometimes you can replace decking boards and stairs and salvage railings if they’re structurally sound. That’s a middle ground that saves money but may limit lifespan and aesthetics.
Long‑term plans: If you want low maintenance and long life, rebuilding with composite and upgraded framing makes sense. If you’re on a tighter budget or plan to sell soon, resurfacing with wood may be acceptable.
Safety first
If there’s any doubt about structural members, rot, or footing failure, prioritize safety and rebuild. A safe deck starts with a sound structure, not just a fresh surface.
Recommended next steps
Inspect footings, posts, beams, joists, ledger, railings, and stairs — look for rot, movement, or corrosion.
Measure remaining thickness of decking boards to see if sanding/refinishing is viable.
Check local code requirements that apply to guardrails, stairs, and ledger attachments.
Get a professional assessment and written estimate comparing: full rebuild, partial rebuild (frame repairs + new surface), or resurfacing only.
Make the decision based on safety, code compliance, budget, and desired lifespan/maintenance level.
If you’d like, we can schedule an on‑site inspection to evaluate your deck’s footings, framing, and surface and provide a clear recommendation and estimate for resurfacing versus rebuilding.
