Why should I re-deck my deck.

 If your existing deck is old, shabby and a maintenance nightmare, you don’t have to tear it all down and start over. Chances are that the structural parts are still in good shape. If so, you can simply remodel it with new decking, rails and stairs, and save tons of money over the cost of a complete rebuild.

If you see any one of these, it's time to do some re-decking or repairing: 

Erosion around the Post, over time, the movement of water around the base of the deck can wear away the earth around each post. 

Extensive Deck Surface Damage: When any kind of damage affects most of the surface, the deck likely needs to be replaced.

Gaps between the Deck and House: When the ledger boards become damaged, gravity and the deck’s weight may make the entire structure lean away from the building.

Rotten Posts: Look for structural damage to the posts themselves.

Unstable Railings. Instability can affect the top of a deck just as much as the support framework. Railings that lean outward or that wobble when touched pose a safety hazard.

Widespread Discoloration and Stains: Some spilled substances, such as harsh cleaning chemicals, automotive fluids, and cooking grease can corrode the deck’s finish and material over time.

Once you see these, and decide on re-decking the No. 1 thing to check before deciding to reuse the deck framework is whether the deck footings, posts and joists are structurally sound. Have a professional check your deck to determine if its structure is sound and code compliant. They should inspect for rot, leakage near the house, proper sizing of framing members and proper number of posts, among other things.

We at City Porches can help you decide on a wood or synthetic decking material. Synthetic materials such as composites, capstock and solid PVC are composed of elements that stabilize and protect them from UV damage. These materials also have several advantages over most species of wood. The synthetic material is much less likely to crack or chip, and are impervious to insects such as termites. An added benefit of choosing synthetic is that it will never have to be treated or stained — that means you focus on enjoying your backyard rather than maintaining it!

And finally, don't trust any ''deck saver'' paints. I’ve seen an alarming number of “deck saver” type paints actually accelerate rot in old decks—that’s a whole other story. What needs to be done is removing and replacing the existing deck boards and railing. It’s a cost-effective way to extend what we building dweebs call the deck’s “service life.”