Replacing vs Restoring Wooden Decks - The Complete Guide

If your wood deck has seen better days -- severely weathered, cracked, or splintered -- and you think replacing it is your only option, there are some new products that just might offer an alternative to the high cost of replacement. Deck restoration vs replacement has become a trending concept.

To maximize the life of a wood deck, it is recommended that it be cleaned once a year to remove built-up dirt, algae, mold and mildew. In addition, a full-fledged deck refinishing should be done every 2-5 years depending on the type of stain/finish that was previously applied to it.  However, very few of them are being cared-for as well as they should be.

If you've let your wood deck go or have recently moved into a home where someone else has let it go, this article will help you to determine if restoring your deck with a resurfacing product is a viable solution. Resurfacing is more time-consuming and will typically cost more than a standard deck staining but is definitely less-expensive than replacement.

What is Deck Restoration?

Deck restoration involves a series of processes designed to bring a wooden deck back to its former glory without completely rebuilding it. Restoration can range from basic cleaning and maintenance to more intensive repairs and refinishing. The goal is to extend the life of the deck, improve its appearance, and maintain its safety.

Key components of deck restoration include:

• Cleaning: Removing dirt, mildew, and old stains.
• Repairing: Fixing or replacing damaged boards and hardware.
• Staining/Sealing: Applying protective deck restoration coatings to preserve the wood and enhance its appearance.

Deck Restoration and resurfacing products have become quite popular today, and for good reason. Over two million new or replacement decks are built every year in the United States, with each one of them requiring regular care and maintenance. But the fact is that many of them are either not maintained as regularly as necessary, or are just plain neglected. By addressing these elements, homeowners can prevent further damage and ensure their deck remains functional and aesthetically pleasing for years to come.

Understanding What Is Possible with a Deck Restoration

What A Re-Surfacer Won't Do

It's important to understand that deck restoration coatings cannot work miracles on a surface where the wood has reached a certain point of deterioration.  A close inspection will uncover any rotten areas that are too far gone to be salvaged.  

Any spongy spots that you can feel as you walk across the boards is usually a good indication that either the decking boards themselves or the framing below them are in-need of replacement.  Often times you can use a screwdriver as a probing device to better pinpoint the affected areas.  As you're probing the decking boards and the framing, if any of the wood feels soft then some degree of replacement of the boards or the structure may be necessary to ensure the safety of the structure.  But always make sure that your local building codes are being followed when making any structural repairs.

Again, keep in mind that re-surfacing products are not a substitute for wood replacement where it's needed.  But even if there are sections of the decking boards that need to be replaced, that doesn't necessarily mean that the entire deck does.

If you're uncomfortable making the determination on your own then a reputable contractor who is experienced in deck restoration should be brought in to help you with the assessment.

Also bear in mind before you commit to using a deck re-surfacing product, it will permanently change the look of your deck by concealing the grain of the wood, giving you a look more akin to some composite decking products.

What A Re-Surfacer Will Do

We talked about how to decide if your deck is not a good candidate for a restoration, but what exactly will a re-surfacing coating do?  The characteristics will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer but in general these products:

• Fill cracks up to 1/4" wide (wider cracks can sometimes be filled with the proper caulking prior to re-surfacing)

• Encapsulate wood splinters

• Create a textured, non-slip surface that covers the grain of the wood

• Create a coating with an elasticity that will expand and contract with the changes in the weather

• Prevent most cracks from coming back

• Can be tinted to a large range of colors

• Can be used on wood or composite decking

• Can last several years if properly maintained
  
  

What is Deck Replacement?

Deck replacement is the process of completely removing the existing deck structure and building a new one from the ground up. This involves several stages, including demolition of the old deck, disposal of materials, and construction of the new deck using either the same or different materials. Deck replacement is a more extensive and labor-intensive project compared to restoration but is sometimes necessary for safety and longevity.

Steps involved in deck replacement:

1. Demolition
2. Site Preparation
3. Construction
4. Finishing Touches

When to Consider Deck Replacement

1. Extensive Damage or Rot:
   • If the deck has widespread damage or rot affecting multiple areas, replacement may be more cost-effective than repairing each issue individually. Extensive rot can compromise the structural integrity, making the deck unsafe​.
2. End of Lifespan:
   • Wooden decks typically last around 10-15 years, while composite decks can last longer. If your deck is nearing or past its expected lifespan, replacement might be the best option to ensure safety and longevity​.
3. Frequent Repairs Needed:
   • If your deck requires frequent repairs, the ongoing costs and effort can add up. A new deck might be a more economical long-term solution​.
4. Outdated or Unsafe Design:
   • Older decks may not meet current safety standards. Replacing the deck allows for updating to modern safety codes and improving the design for better functionality and aesthetics​.

Comparing the Costs: Deck Restoration vs Deck Replacement

Restoring a wooden deck typically costs between $700 and $2,500, depending on the extent of damage and the size of the deck. This includes cleaning, minor repairs, and applying new stain or sealant​​. 

On the other hand, replacing a deck is significantly more expensive, ranging from $4,000 to $10,000 or more, based on the deck's size, the materials chosen and labor costs​​. While restoration is more cost-effective upfront, replacement offers a longer-term solution, potentially reducing future maintenance expenses and increasing the home's resale value​​.

How to Restore a Deck

Step 1: Preparing the Deck for Resurfacing

If you believe that your old deck still has some life left in it, then there are a few tasks that need to be performed to get the surface ready for the restoration.

Cleaning - Cleaning the deck is vitally important to removing the layers of dirt and mildew, but there's some debate when it comes to the best way to clean a deck.

Pressure washing the wood surface is certainly a quicker and easier way to get through the labor-intensive step of cleaning.  However, an inexperienced operator of a pressure washer can can actually do more harm than good when trying to clean a bare wood surface.  Things like using the wrong nozzle, holding the wand too close to the surface, washing at an incorrect angle, or concentrating the water in one area for too long can cause significant damage to the wood fibers and lead to expensive repairs.  

Excessive or incorrect water infusion into wood is often the culprit behind chipping, splintering, warping, cupping, and splitting that are so frequently seen on prematurely aged wooden decking boards.  No matter how well-intentioned, we always recommend that homeowners err on the side of caution and leave deck pressure washing to the trained professionals.

The good news is that you can still effectively clean and restore your deck without having to break out the heavy equipment.

• Mix a concentrated deck cleaner/restorer with water per the manufacturer's instructions.
• Thoroughly wet all of the surfaces to be cleaned with a garden hose.
• Liberally apply the cleaner with a pressurized (pump-up) sprayer.
• Allow the cleaner to sit on the surface for a few minutes and then scrub the boards, spindles, and handrail with a stiff bristled, long handle deck brush; working in the direction of the wood grain.
• Using your garden hose, thoroughly rinse the surfaces to wash away the dirt and cleaner residue.
• Allow the wood to completely dry for approximately 2-3 days before proceeding to the next step.

Setting Nails/Screws - Over time the fasteners that secure your decking boards to the frame tend to work their way loose.  It's a good idea to scour the surface and recess any protruding nail heads or screws just slightly below the surface with a hammer.

Fill Wide Gaps - Use a premium paintable caulking that will adhere to bare wood and is made to withstand foot traffic, such as a polyurethane sealant, to fill gaps wider than 1/4".  Be sure to observe the amount of time that the sealant needs to cure prior to applying your coating, as some polyurethanes require several days to dry before they can be topcoated.

Step 2: Coating the Deck with a Quality Deck Restoration Coating

Vertical Surfaces - If your verticals (i.e. spindles, posts, fascia boards, step stringers) are in relatively good shape compared to the decking boards you can apply a standard solid-color deck stain to them in a matching or coordinating color, as it will save you time and money.

Horizontal Surfaces - As I mentioned earlier, the characteristics of these coatings will vary from product to product but in general they are designed to be applied up-to 10x heavier than normal paint.

You'll want to work in a small enough area at a time that will allow you to maintain a wet edge to avoid any lap marks. Start by using a brush to apply the re-surfacer between the decking boards and where the horizontal surfaces meet the verticals, just as you would if you were cutting-in along a ceiling when you paint a wall.  Then take your brush and work the material into all of the cracks on the surface of the boards.  Don't be afraid to lay the material on heavily.  The last area of brush work that needs to be hit are the end grain, or the ends of each of the boards.

Slowly apply a heavy coat of the re-surfacer with either the specially-designed foam roller cover or a 1/2" roller cover -- whichever the product recommends.  Make your first pass perpendicular to the boards to thoroughly work the product into the cracks and the surface of any decking boards that are cupped or bowed.  Immediately follow your perpendicular pass up with a finish pass that's parallel to the boards, using light and even pressure.

After the first coat has dried apply your second coat in the exact same manner as the first.

Deck Restoration Products and Coatings

Choosing the right products for deck restoration is crucial to achieving the best results. Here are some common products used in the restoration process:

1. Deck Cleaners: Essential for removing dirt, mildew, and old stains. Look for biodegradable and non-toxic options to minimize environmental impact.
2. Deck Strippers: Used to remove old finishes, paints, or stains. Effective stripping is key to preparing the wood for new coatings.
3. Stains and Sealers: Stains add color and highlight the natural beauty of the wood, while sealers provide a protective layer against moisture and UV damage. Options range from transparent sealers to semi-transparent and solid color stains, depending on the desired look and level of protection needed.
4. Wood Fillers and Epoxy: Used to fill cracks, holes, and other imperfections in the wood. They help to restore the smooth surface of the deck and prepare it for staining or sealing.
5. Deck Restoration Coatings: Specialized coatings that provide a thick, protective layer over the deck surface. These are particularly useful for older decks with significant wear and tear.

By carefully selecting and applying these products, homeowners can significantly improve the appearance and longevity of their wooden decks.

DIY Deck Restoration vs Hiring a Pro

A word of caution for any DIY'ers, deck resurfacing products are a completely different animal to work with than traditional paints or stains; some of them can even be downright difficult to manage. So, if you're adamant about getting an extraordinary finish on your project you may want to consider handing it over to the pro's, but if you follow the suggestions here and take your time you can end up with a very attractive, slip-resistant deck finish for a fraction of the cost of replacement in as little as a weekend. Just take the time to read the label on your can for more product-specific instructions before you begin.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can Old Decking Be Restored?

Yes, old decking can often be restored, provided that the structural integrity is still sound. Restoration involves cleaning, repairing damaged boards, and applying new stain or sealant. If the deck has extensive rot or structural damage, replacement might be necessary. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs can prolong the life of an older deck​.

Is It Better to Repair or Replace a Deck?

Whether to repair or replace a deck depends on several factors:

• Extent of Damage: Minor issues like surface wear or isolated board damage can be repaired. However, widespread rot or structural issues might warrant replacement​.
• Cost: If repair costs exceed 50% of the replacement cost, it may be more economical to replace the deck.
• Deck's Age: Decks typically last 10-15 years for wood and longer for composite. An older deck nearing the end of its lifespan may be better off replaced​.

Is Replacing a Deck a Good Investment?

Replacing a deck can be a good investment, particularly if you plan to sell your home. A new deck enhances curb appeal and provides additional usable space, which can attract buyers. Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value report often shows a high return on investment (ROI) for deck additions and replacements, typically recouping a significant portion of the cost upon sale​.

When Should Deck Boards Be Replaced?

Deck boards should be replaced when they show signs of significant damage such as:

• Rotting: Wood that is soft, spongy, or crumbles easily.
• Splintering: Boards that are split or have deep cracks.
• Warping: Boards that are bent or twisted out of shape.

Structural Integrity: Boards that compromise the safety and usability of the deck.

How to Repair Splintered Wood Deck

To repair splintered wood deck boards:

1. Sand Down Splinters: Use a coarse grit sandpaper to smooth out splintered areas.
2. Apply Wood Filler: Fill any deep cracks or holes with an exterior wood filler and let it dry completely.
3. Sand Again: Lightly sand the area again to ensure a smooth surface.
4. Stain/Seal: Apply a wood stain or sealant to protect the wood and match the rest of the deck​.

How to Remove Deck Screws Filled with Paint

To remove deck screws filled with paint:

1. Clear the Paint: Use a small tool like a screwdriver or an awl to scrape paint out of the screw head.
2. Use Penetrating Oil: Apply oil to help loosen the screw.
3. Use the Correct Screwdriver: Ensure you are using the correct type and size of screwdriver or bit for the screw head.
4. Apply Pressure: Press down firmly while turning to avoid stripping the screw head​.
   
   

Deck Restoration Services in the Pittsburgh Area

If you're in the Greater Pittsburgh or Western Pennsylvania areas and you'd like to have a professional assessment of your deck's condition along with a free consultation and quote on having the work done for you please feel free to contact us at 724-546-5859 or 412-219-5467.  

You can also visit our Contact Us page or click on the button below to have us contact you.