Signs your deck needs attention
- Boards that feel soft or spongy when you walk on them
- Railings or posts that move when you lean on them
- Rot where the deck meets the house
- Rusted nails, screws or metal connectors
- Stairs that flex or bounce
- Boards that are cupping, splitting or popping up
Repair or replace?
If the frame and footings are sound, new boards and railings may be all you need, and that costs a lot less than starting over. If rot has reached the framing, or the deck is pulling away from the house, a rebuild is the safer choice and usually the better value. The owner checks it in person and gives you your options in writing, so you can decide.
Don't wait on railings and stairs
Railings and stairs are the parts of a deck that people lean on and carry things up and down. If something moves that shouldn't, have it looked at before someone gets hurt. If it's already broken or unsafe, see emergency deck repair.
Replacing? Upgrade while you're at it
A rebuild is the easiest time to change the size or shape of your deck, add stairs, or switch to low-maintenance composite boards.
Last updated
TV's Deck Co.
