Signs Your Deck Needs Restoration
Spot these warning signs early to save money and avoid costly full replacements.
Soft or Spongy Boards
Wood that gives when pressed indicates rot — a safety hazard that worsens over time.
Faded or Gray Color
UV damage strips away the protective layer, leaving wood vulnerable to moisture.
Loose or Popping Nails
Fasteners working loose signal wood shrinkage and potential structural issues.
Splintering Surface
Splinters make the deck unsafe for bare feet and indicate aging wood.
Wobbly Railings
Unstable railings are a serious safety concern, especially for elevated decks.
Mold or Mildew Growth
Green or black patches indicate trapped moisture that accelerates decay.
Our Restoration Services
From cosmetic touch-ups to full structural overhauls.
Sanding & Refinishing
$3-$6/sq ft
Remove old finish, sand smooth, and apply fresh stain or sealer. Brings old wood back to life.
Board Replacement
$8-$15/sq ft
Replace damaged, rotted, or warped deck boards while keeping the existing structure.
Structural Repair
$500-$5,000+
Fix or replace joists, beams, posts, and ledger boards. Restore structural integrity.
Wood-to-Composite Conversion
$15-$35/sq ft
Replace old wood decking with low-maintenance composite boards on existing framing.
Restore vs. Replace
Not sure which option is right? Here's how they compare.
| Factor | Restore | Replace |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 40-60% of replacement cost | Full investment ($15,000-$50,000+) |
| Timeline | 2-7 days | 2-4 weeks |
| Best When | Framing is sound, cosmetic issues only | Framing is rotted, deck is 20+ years old |
| Result | Like-new appearance on existing structure | Completely new deck with modern features |
| Permits | Usually not required | Required in most municipalities |
Not Sure? Get a Free Inspection
We'll inspect your deck's structure, assess the condition of framing and decking, and give you an honest recommendation. If restoration makes sense, we'll save you thousands. If replacement is the better call, we'll explain why.
Our Restoration Process
1
Free Inspection
We assess your deck's structure, surface, and safety to determine the best approach.
2
Detailed Quote
You receive an itemized quote with restoration options ranging from basic to comprehensive.
3
Restoration
Our crew performs all repairs, sanding, staining, and replacements on schedule.
4
Final Walkthrough
We walk through the finished deck with you and provide care instructions.
Deck Restoration FAQs
How much does deck restoration cost?
Deck restoration costs typically range from $1,500 to $15,000 depending on the scope of work. Basic refinishing (sand and stain) costs $3-$6 per square foot. Board replacement runs $8-$15 per square foot. Full structural restoration with new decking can cost $10,000-$15,000+. We provide free inspections and detailed estimates.
How long does deck restoration take?
Most deck restoration projects take 2-5 days depending on the scope. Simple sanding and staining takes 2-3 days. Projects involving board replacement or structural repair may take 3-7 days. Weather can affect timelines for staining and sealing.
Should I restore or replace my deck?
If the structural framing (joists, beams, posts) is sound, restoration is usually the better value — typically 40-60% the cost of a full replacement. If the framing is rotted, structurally compromised, or the deck is 20+ years old, replacement may be more cost-effective long-term.
Do I need a permit for deck restoration?
Generally, no permit is needed for cosmetic restoration like sanding, staining, or replacing decking boards if the structure isn't changed. However, structural repairs or changing the deck's footprint may require permits. We'll advise you during the free inspection.
Can you convert my wood deck to composite?
Yes! If the existing framing is structurally sound, we can remove the old wood decking and install composite boards. This is called deck resurfacing and costs significantly less than a full rebuild while giving you a low-maintenance composite deck. Joist spacing must be compatible (typically 16" on center or less).