Deck Restoration vs. Replacement
Making the Right Choice for Your PNW Home

Resurfacing (restoration) is typically 50-70% cheaper than full replacement, with costs around $5-$12 per square foot versus $35-$75 per square foot for replacement. Resurfacing saves on structural labor since you're keeping the existing joists and framing. However, materials still represent a significant cost in both approaches. The long-term ROI favors replacement if your deck structure is compromised—investing in restoration when the foundation is rotting is throwing good money after bad.

Use the 'Screwdriver Test'—probe your deck joists with a screwdriver, especially near the house where the ledger board attaches. If the screwdriver penetrates easily more than 1/4 inch, you have rot. Other warning signs include soft spots when you walk near the house, visible fungal growth (white or brown masses), wobbly railings, or bouncy deck boards. In Washington's wet climate, check areas that don't get sun or air circulation—these are rot hotspots.

Yes, composite decks can be restored through professional cleaning to remove oxidation, mold, and organic growth. Expectations depend on the composite generation—older Trex-style boards may show permanent fading. We don't recommend painting composite decking as it voids warranties and doesn't adhere well. Instead, deep cleaning with specialized composite deck cleaners can dramatically improve appearance. If boards are cracked or warped, selective board replacement is more practical than full restoration.

Replace deck boards when you notice extensive cupping or warping that creates trip hazards, splintering that can't be sanded smooth (indicating deep wood degradation), or loose fasteners that won't hold when retightened. In Washington, boards exposed to constant moisture without adequate drainage should be replaced before they compromise the structure beneath. If more than 30% of your boards need replacement, it's often more cost-effective to replace the entire surface.

A professional deck restoration with quality stain typically lasts 3-5 years in Washington's climate before requiring another treatment. The UV exposure and heavy rainfall in Olympia accelerate stain breakdown. Maintenance is key—annual cleaning and semi-annual inspections extend restoration longevity. North-facing decks or those under tree cover may need more frequent attention due to moisture and organic debris accumulation.

There's a critical difference between cosmetic restoration and structural work. Cosmetic restoration includes sanding, cleaning, staining, and board replacement. Structural repairs involve reinforcing or replacing joists, posts, ledger boards, and beams. At D's Custom Woodworks, we practice 'Safe Restoration'—we won't restore a deck surface if the structure underneath isn't sound. We perform code compliance checks and address structural issues before cosmetic work begins.

Upfront, cedar deck replacement costs approximately $35-$50 per square foot versus $60-$75 for composite. However, the 20-year cost tells a different story. Cedar requires staining every 2-3 years ($3-$5 per sq ft each time), adding $30+ per square foot over two decades. Composite requires only cleaning—no staining. Factor in maintenance labor savings, and composite often costs less over its lifetime while offering superior durability in Washington's wet climate.

Wood rot can be surface rot or core rot—only core rot is structural. Surface rot affects the outer 1/4 inch and can be scraped away, revealing solid wood beneath. Core rot penetrates deep into the wood, compromising its load-bearing capacity. Core rot in structural members (joists, beams, posts, ledger boards) is a serious safety risk. Ignored rot spreads rapidly in our damp climate and can lead to deck collapse. If you discover rot, have it professionally assessed immediately—structural rot requires member replacement, not fillers or patches.