Redecking vs. a Total Deck Replacement: Which Should I Choose?
Due to climate and other factors, most wood decks in Massachusetts last about 20 years. But just because your deck’s stairs, rails, and planking are in bad shape doesn’t necessarily mean the entire structure has to be torn down and replaced. On the other hand, you don’t want to gamble with the safety of those who’ll be enjoying your deck, including family members and friends.
So, how do you choose between a less-expensive redecking project or total deck replacement? What follows are some factors to consider before making your final decision.
Is My Deck a Redecking Candidate?
If you call a reputable deck builder like Seal-a-Deck to evaluate the condition of your old deck, they’ll follow strict guidelines to determine the condition of the structure, including whether it’s safe to do a redecking project rather than replacing the whole deck. During that evaluation process, a pro will look for these classic signs that the entire structure needs replacing:
• Posts aren’t pressure-treated pine, but rather a softer wood like cedar
• Termite infestations that have caused significant damage
• Railing posts are weak or loose
• Deck feels “spongy” when walked on
• Nails and screws will not hold when inserted into frame components
• Wood rot is visible along the outer edges of the frame
• Posts have started to rot where they contact the footing or ground
• Deck’s supporting structure is non-compliant with current local building codes and ordinances
Once a determination has been made that your deck’s posts and framework are structurally sound enough to support a redecking project over a total replacement, you’ll then need to decide which type of project makes the most financial sense to you as the homeowner.
Determining the Overall Value
For illustration purposes, let’s say that you’re considering either a professional redecking project or total deck replacement using the same wood materials and design. In addition, you’re planning on staying in your current home for at least 10 years. With those factors being equal, the price difference between replacing just the decking, steps and rails, versus rebuilding the entire structure from the ground up, will probably be quite significant.
Using a 12’ by 15’ wood deck as an example, a professional redecking project will run you about $3,000 to $4,000. On the other hand, tearing the whole structure down and rebuilding new could easily cost between $10,000 and $15,000, or even more when a hardwood product like Ipe or Mahogany is used. At that point, you will need to estimate which project outcome will deliver the best value for the remaining time that you’ll be living in your home.
Does Redecking Give Me Design Flexibility?
If you’ve lived in your home for a while, there might be some features that you’ve always wanted to update on your old deck but were under the impression those could only be done with a total replacement. On the contrary, these are some of the design features of an existing deck that can easily be improved using a redecking project:
• Refresh the esthetics to match your home’s newly remodeled exterior or yard
• Replace the decking, railings, and stairs with low-maintenance, long-lasting materials like hardwood, PVC or composite
• Add additional design elements like privacy walls, decorative post caps or deck lighting
• Change the style of your stairs, railings, and posts any way you like
When completed by deck building professionals like those at Seal-a-Deck, a redecking project will result in a brand-new deck that you can enjoy for many years at a fraction of what a total replacement would have cost you!
Redecking Services & Total Deck Replacements in Massachusetts
When your home’s deck has seen better days, let the pros at Seal-a-Deck have a look. We specialize in expert deck check-ups, repairs, redecking services and new deck constructions for homeowners in Massachusetts.
And, we’re an eco-friendly company that’s strongly committed to reducing waste and saving money for our valued clients. To schedule your deck check-up today, call Seal-a-Deck at 978-538-7325, or visit our website now at www.sealadeck.com!
