Deck boards
Replacing cracked, cupped or rotting boards, re-fastening loose ones and correcting gaps that trap water.
Repair & resurfacing
Deck repair and resurfacing for tired Seattle decks
Soft boards, wobbly stairs, a railing that moves when you lean on it. We find out what's actually wrong, then explain whether a repair, a new surface or a rebuild makes the most sense.
What we repair
Common fixes on existing decks
Joists, beams & posts
Reinforcing or replacing damaged framing members and checking the connections that hold everything together.
Stairs
Rebuilt steps with fresh treads, stringers and handrails when the old ones feel soft, uneven or slick underfoot.
Railings
Tightening or replacing loose posts and swapping dated balusters for aluminum, cable or composite rail.
Resurfacing with composite
New boards on a frame that still has years left
If the structure underneath is solid, we can remove the old wood decking and install composite or PVC boards on top. You keep the deck's footprint and footings and get a surface that won't need staining again.
The catch: composite often needs joists closer together than an older wood deck was built with, and every joist has to be sound and level. We check spacing, add blocking or sister joists where needed, and protect the tops of the joists before new boards go down.
Repair or rebuild?
Signs that point one way or the other
We'll give you our honest read after looking underneath. These are the patterns we look for.
Repair or resurface usually works when…
- Problems are limited to boards, stairs or railing
- Posts and footings are solid and plumb
- The ledger connection to the house is dry and secure
- You're happy with the deck's size and shape
A rebuild is often smarter when…
- Rot has spread into many joists or beams
- The ledger shows water damage or poor attachment
- Posts sit directly in soil and have decayed
- You want a different layout or height anyway
Safety first. If a railing moves, a stair flexes or the deck bounces noticeably, stop using that part until it's checked.
The inspection
How we check a deck before recommending anything
We start underneath. With a flashlight and an awl, we probe posts, beams and joists for soft wood, look at how the ledger is fastened and flashed at the house, and check footings for settling. Then we move up to the stairs and railing, testing for movement, and finally the boards themselves.
You'll get a plain summary of what we found, which items are urgent and which can wait, and a written estimate for each option, so the decision stays yours.
FAQ
Deck repair questions
Can new composite boards go on my existing deck frame?
Sometimes. If the joists, beams and posts are sound and spaced correctly for the boards you choose, resurfacing can be a smart option. If the frame shows rot or movement, we'll tell you and explain what replacing it would involve.
Do you repair decks someone else built?
Yes. Most repair requests are for decks built years ago by someone else. We start with an inspection so we understand how it was put together.
Can you just replace the railing?
Yes, as long as the posts can be anchored securely. Railing upgrades are one of the quickest ways to change how a deck looks and feels.
Will I need a permit for a repair?
Small like-for-like repairs often don't, while structural work may. It depends on the scope and location, so we'll help you check with the city or county.
Keep reading
Not sure what your deck needs?
Book a free look and get a straight answer on repair versus rebuild.