As spring arrives and the weather starts to warm up, many of you will want to get out on the deck and enjoy it with friends and family. But if your deck looks less than attractive or needs minor repairs, you may be asking the question, “Can it be restored or should I just replace it?” If this is the case for you, read on to find ways to restore your deck to its original beauty just in time for spring.
You can potentially save thousands if you opt to restore your deck instead of replacing it entirely. If the underlying deck structure is still good, you may just need some new boards, railings, or steps, but it shouldn’t ruin the bench. Don’t be fooled by a contractor trying to convince you to replace an entire deck. Look for signs of damage first! When in doubt, get a second opinion and a thorough inspection. You may be surprised to find that you didn’t need a total replacement to get your deck looking and running as good as new! But first, check out these five signs of deck damage to make sure you know the condition of your deck from a safety standpoint.
Why do covers wear?
It’s a matter of exposure to the elements. Rain and sun damage wood decks over time. Was the cover sealed with chemicals? What bras were used? How much foot traffic is there? These are all things that can affect the longevity of your wooden deck.
The best thing to do is to inspect the underlying structure to see if it is still in good shape. Since deck boards provide some protection from the elements, you may be able to simply replace the boards and save a lot of money.
Deck Restoration: Installing New Deck Boards
It’s as simple as that. In cases where the underlying structure is fine, you can replace the platform tables and preferably treat them as well. Use a water repellent from your local hardware store to increase the life of your new boards. You’ll also have to replace all the railings at the same time, but it’s much cheaper than replacing the entire deck! Make sure your joists are level before adding the new deck boards.
I hope you found this information useful and inexpensive! Be sure to only choose a reputable local contractor because you don’t want to be billed for a full replacement when all he needs is a quick restoration.
