When to Repair vs. Replace Your Deck in Nashville

According to the Department of Geosciences of East Tennessee State University, Tennessee has a temperate climate, with warm summers and mild winters. The moderate temperatures make it ideal for outdoor activities and living—summers are moderately hot, and winters are not too cold. The balance of pleasant temperatures and seasonal changes makes enjoyment possible even on your home’s deck in Nashville, Tennessee. Your deck offers a perfect space for relaxing and outdoor entertaining, whether chilling alone or getting together with friends.

It is essential to keep your deck beautiful throughout the years to ensure a positive experience in the comforts of your own deck. With regular inspection and maintenance, you can pay attention to any sign of possible damage before it’s too late, as their conditions degrade over time from exposure and usage. But how do we know when to repair or replace your deck? Let’s explore your home’s deck more.

Signs of Repairable Damage on Your Deck

Every home deck experiences wear and tear due to constant exposure to weather. Here are the common signs to look for on your deck that need repair:

1. Cracks

Suppose your deck is an old wooden deck. The wood planks will eventually crack due to continual exposure to the elements, insect or termite damage, or consistent pressure over the years. Wood cracks naturally come with age, but one wood board or plank may crack earlier than the others. In this case, there’s no need to replace your deck boards. A minimal crack on your wooden deck board is an easy fix by using a wood filler or exterior-grade epoxy to fill in the crack, ensuring it matches the deck's color.

2. Faded stain

A faded deck stain indicates that your protective layer has weakened. Your deck stain fades over time due to constant exposure to weather, foot traffic, and the natural wear and tear of age. Re-staining is necessary to restore your deck beautifully. Apply a new coat of stain under the right conditions to restore its color and protect it against damaging elements such as UV rays, moisture, and heavy foot traffic.

3. Minor rot

Wooden deck rots due to constant exposure to moisture. It is essential to assess how extensive the rot is to determine whether the deck needs simple repair of its rotted parts or full replacement of the deck boards. Minor wood rot on a deck can be repaired by carefully removing the rotted part and treating the wood with hardener or epoxy. Applying a water-resistant sealant or stain will significantly help protect your deck from moisture and prevent future rot.

When to Replace Your Deck?

Careful assessment of your deck is key to knowing if it’s time for a new deck. The decision ultimately comes down to factors such as structural integrity, aesthetics, and safety. Here are the signs that you need to replace your existing deck:

1. Severe structural damage

It is essential to examine if the existing damages, such as rot and crack, have weakened the supporting structure of your deck. Rot can significantly weaken wood, and cracks can be an early sign of severe structural damage. While it is best to hire a professional to properly assess the structural integrity of your deck and address the structural damage, replacing your deck with a new one is a safer and more convenient option for homeowners. A newly replaced deck will give you peace of mind that your deck is not just looking good, but most importantly, it is structurally safe and sound.

2. Outdated design

Your deck design can be outdated not only due to its age but also if your home has undergone major layout or design changes. It is aesthetically important that your deck should match your façade and overall home style. If your deck design no longer meets your needs or aesthetic preferences, it is time to replace it. If you want to upgrade your deck with modern materials and designs that suit your personal style, replacing it can be a good investment to boost your home’s value.

3. Safety hazards

Loose railings, broken deck stairs, rotten deck boards, and slippery surfaces due to mold are common safety hazards of an aging deck. These hazards can lead to instability, collapse, and accidents. Ensure deck safety by replacing your deck with new materials to eliminate these hazards. Knowing that your deck is safe and secure, you can enjoy your outdoor space with peace of mind.

Material considerations: Wood vs. Composite Decking

The materials used for your deck are vital in its quality, aesthetic appeal, and longevity. Wood and composite decking are the most common material considerations when building a deck in Nashville, Tennessee.

Wooden Deck

Wood is an affordable deck material, making it the most common choice for homeowners. Wood decks offer a natural look, but they generally require more maintenance. Wooden decks require regular cleaning, staining, and sealing to maintain their appearance and longevity.

Composite Decking

While wood has been the most common deck material for years, composite decks have become popular in Nashville, Tennessee, as they offer a durable and low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood decking in various styles and colors. Composite decking needs minimal maintenance as it is highly resistant to common deck damage such as rot, crack, spalling, and warping. It does not require re-staining and resealing yet offers a longer lifespan than wooden decks.

Cost Comparison: Repairing vs. Building a New Deck

Generally, the deck repair or replacement cost depends on various factors, including the materials, type, and size. Before you decide on the next step for your deck, carefully assess your deck for a more informed and practical choice.

Deck Repair Cost

The size and type of deck significantly affect its average cost per area. Angi says deck repair ranges from $3 to $45 per square foot. The larger your deck area, the higher the material and labor costs for the repair. While DIY offers lesser cost, hiring a skilled professional for deck repair is a practical yet affordable solution. There is a higher chance that you will get the best out of every dollar you spend with your deck repair as your deck contractor will handle all aspects of your deck repair project.

New Deck Cost

While repairing your deck sounds practical and affordable, in some cases, replacing it with a new one is your best option. When your deck is already rotten, outdated, and structurally unsafe to use, building a new deck will save you money and time compared to frequent repairs and maintenance. According to Angi, building a new deck costs $30 to $60 per square foot. Like deck repair, your deck replacement cost will depend on how large your deck is and what specific material you will use for replacement.

Successful Deck Restorations and Replacements

Fig. 1. Replaced moldy deck boards in Nashville, Tennessee by Modern Handymen & Remodel

Fig. 2. Repaired structural supports of deck in Tennessee by Modern Handymen & Remodel

Fig. 3. Replaced structural supports of deck in Tennessee by Modern Handymen & Remodel

Fig. 4. New deck replacement in Tennessee by Modern Handymen & Remodel

Fig. 5. Removed and replaced old deck in Tennessee by Modern handymen & Remodel

Whether you need repair or a new deck building, Modern Handymen & Remodel offers reliable solutions tailored to your needs. Our team of skilled deck builders offers high-quality design and construction services in Nashville and Brentwood, Tennessee. We’ll work with you to create a more stunning and functional deck from inspection to finish. Ready to upgrade your deck? Call us at 615-200-8071, and let’s start your deck assessment today!