Guides
When to Replace vs Repair Your Deck
Updated 3 min read
The short answer
Repair is right when the structure is sound and only the surface or railing needs attention. Replacement is necessary when the ledger board, posts, joists, or footings show rot or structural damage. The decision point is the structure — if the bones are good, repair; if the bones are compromised, replace. A deck that is structurally unsafe cannot be made safe by replacing boards.
Repair vs replace decision matrix
| Condition | Action | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Surface boards grey or splintering | Refinish or replace boards | Cosmetic — structure unaffected |
| One or two boards rotting | Replace individual boards | Localised — not structural |
| Railing loose or wobbly | Repair or replace railing | Usually a fastener or post issue |
| Joists showing surface rot | Repair — sister new joists | Structural but salvageable |
| Joists rotting through | Replace | Structural failure — unsafe |
| Ledger board rotting | Replace immediately | Safety critical — highest failure risk |
| Posts rotting at base | Replace — possibly entire post | Structural — depends on extent |
| Footings heaving or cracked | Replace footings | Foundation issue — affects everything |
| Deck pulling away from house | Replace — emergency | Ledger failure — do not use |
Annual deck inspection checklist
- Probe the ledger board with a screwdriver — any soft wood is rot
- Check post bases for rot, rust, or separation from footings
- Inspect every joist hanger — look for rust, missing fasteners, or sagging
- Look under the deck for daylight where there should be none
- Check that the deck is level and not pulling away from the house
- Inspect railing posts for looseness at the base
- Look for mushrooming or swelling at fastener points
- Check that stairs are secure and treads are not rotting
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The cost comparison
- Surface refinishing
- Cleaning and re-staining a 200 sq ft deck: $200–$500 DIY, $500–$1,200 professionally. Extends surface life by 2–3 years.
- Board replacement
- Replacing 10–20% of deck boards: $800–$2,500. Only worth doing if the structure and fasteners are sound.
- Railing replacement
- New railing system on an existing deck: $2,000–$6,000. Delivers the most visible improvement for the cost.
- Full replacement
- New deck on existing footings: $6,000–$15,000. New deck with new footings: $10,000–$25,000. Often more cost-effective than extensive repairs on an old structure.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
- How do I know if my deck ledger is rotting?
- Look at the board where the deck meets the house, from below and from the side. Probe with a screwdriver or awl — any soft, spongy wood is rot. Check for gaps between the ledger and the house wall, which indicate the connection is failing. If the ledger is compromised, stop using the deck and call a professional immediately.
- Can I repair a deck myself?
- Surface refinishing, board replacement, and railing repair are within most homeowners' skills. Structural repairs — joist sistering, post replacement, ledger work — require knowledge of load paths and proper fastening. When in doubt, hire a professional for structural work.
- What is the average lifespan of a Calgary deck?
- Pressure-treated: 15–20 years with maintenance, 10–15 without. Cedar: 20–25 years with maintenance. Composite: 25–30+ years. The wide range reflects how much maintenance the deck receives — a well-maintained deck lasts nearly twice as long as a neglected one.
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