Deck flooring being repaired.

Few things in life are more relaxing than sitting outside on your deck on a beautiful day, but few things are more frustrating than that beautiful day passing by while your deck is in disrepair. 

Fortunately, deck repair doesn’t have to be difficult and can be a great first step when updating your backyard. 

In this article, we’ll explain what’s involved in restoring a deck and answer some FAQs about the process:

What to Consider When Repairing an Outdoor Deck

As with any repair project, you should analyze before buying materials to start the job. Here are a few things that will influence how you approach your deck repair:

  • Deck material – The material used on your deck impacts how you can repair it. For example, wood may be more expensive than plastic, but plastic requires replacement rather than repair. The material also determines what supplies you need to purchase.
  • Severity of damage – The level of damage your deck has sustained affects the cost of deck repairs. It also influences whether the deck is safe to use in the meantime. A single broken bit of railing support isn’t safe but can be easily avoided. However, several broken boards resulting from a fallen tree will render the deck unusable.
  • Type of damage – The type of damage determines how urgently the deck needs to be repaired. For instance, if the deck has sustained paint damage, it should be easy to repair when it’s convenient. However, if any of the supports are broken, then repairs will be more complex and urgent.
  • Cost of tools – Before you decide to take on repairs by yourself, consider the cost. If you don’t have specific tools, hiring someone to repair the deck for you might be cheaper.
  • Current skill level – While there are plenty of tutorials and online guides on how to repair decks, you may want to assess your abilities before attempting the repairs. Depending on the task, doing it wrong could lead to structural integrity issues and other problems.

Deck Restoration FAQs

Is it cheaper to repair or replace a deck?

It is generally cheaper to repair a deck than to replace one. Unless the deck is totally destroyed, you can usually have the broken components replaced for a fraction of the cost of teardown and reinstallation.

How much should it cost to rebuild a deck?

How much it costs to rebuild a deck depends on a variety of factors. The size of the deck, the materials used, and its location all play a role in the cost.

Is it worth repairing a deck?

Yes! It’s absolutely worth it to repair your deck. A functioning deck serves as the centerpiece of your backyard and can even improve your property values.

How do you restore an old weathered deck?

To restore an old, weathered deck, you need to determine the severity of the weathering. In some cases, a coat of paint and sealant may be enough to get the job done. However, if the weathering has started to damage the wood itself, the whole deck may need to be replaced.

Need Help with Your Deck Plans? Call Neighborly to Find and Schedule with a Local Service Provider

Do you have a damaged deck and need it repaired before the weather is perfect? Neighborly can help. Our nationwide network of local service providers includes Mr. Handyman®, professionals who can help you with deck and patio repair services. Mr. Handyman service professionals can even help you determine the right materials for your deck if you plan on installing one.

Don’t wait until the warm weather has passed you by! Call (855) 217-8437 to schedule a service.