In the older parts of Canton we see decks well past the age where board replacement is the whole answer.
- Surface
- Boards and fasteners — replaceable
- Structure
- Posts, beams, joists — the deck itself
- Test
- Press near a fastener; sound wood resists
A deck built twenty-five years ago has had a long time for water to find its way into the places that matter — post bases sitting against soil, joist hangers holding damp, the ledger where the deck meets the house. Surface boards are consumable and cheap to replace. The frame underneath is the deck, and if that has gone then new boards are money spent on top of a problem.
We look underneath before quoting. If the structure is sound, repair and re-stain is straightforward and the deck has years left in it. If it is not, we will say so rather than coat over it.
What gets checked
Post bases where they meet the ground
The ledger board against the house
Joist ends and hangers for rust or rot
Board softness near fasteners and ends
Stair stringers and treads