Before
After
Repair vs. Replace: The Hard Truth
"We are often asked to 'just resurface' an old wood deck with new composite boards. As consultative builders, we have to be honest about why this is often a bad financial decision.
The Problem: Modern composite decking has a lifespan of 30–50 years. If we install that premium product onto a pressure-treated wood frame that is already 15 years old, the frame will rot long before the decking wears out. You would be forced to rip up perfectly good, expensive decking just to fix the rot underneath.
The Inspection Checklist: Before you decide to resurface, check your deck for these 5 Signs of Structural Failure:
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The 'Bounce' Test: Walk across the center of the deck. Does it feel spongy or bouncy? This usually indicates that the joists underneath are rotting or undersized.
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Ledger Pull-Away: Look where the deck meets your house. Is there a gap? Are the bolts rusting? This is the most dangerous failure point and requires immediate replacement.
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Soft Posts: Take a screwdriver and gently press it into the wood posts where they meet the ground or concrete. If the wood is soft or spongy, the structural integrity is gone.
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Rusted Fasteners: Look underneath. Are the hangers and nails corroded? Modern pressure-treated wood eats standard steel fasteners.
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Wavy Surface: Look down the length of the deck. Do the boards rise and fall like ocean waves? This means the joists have warped significantly and will never be flat again.
The Lenzi Standard: We inspect your structure thoroughly. If we find these issues, we recommend a Full Frame Replacement with Steel. We build for the 50-year timeline, ensuring your foundation lasts just as long as your finish."
