What You Need to Know About Deck Restoration

If you’re a homeowner with a deck, you know how much care and maintenance they can require. There’s cleaning, staining, sealing, and more. When it comes to deck maintenance, it is important to know the difference between surface and structural maintenance. That’s where we come in. Let’s go over the differences between repair, restoration, and more.

The Difference Between Deck Restoration and Deck Repair

How do you know what your deck needs? If you’re unsure, no need to worry. Let’s first define deck repair and deck restoration:

• Deck restoration most commonly refers to a paint that fills cracks and improves appearance. These paints are thick enough to fill all cracks, knotholes and splinters , and provide a fresh surface that can last as long as 13 years.

• Deck repair refers to more serious, structural work on decks. This can be popped nails, sloping boards, or loose railings. Deck repair is less about aesthetic appearance and more about the structural integrity of your deck as a whole.

It’s generally pretty simple to tell what kind of work your deck needs. If your deck is only a few years old and just needs a fresh stain, restoration is the way to go. Restoration is also a good option if you’re just looking to change up your deck’s aesthetic appearance. Older decks tend to be the ones in need of more serious structural work. Not sure? No worries – contact our team for a free consultation.

FAQ’s About Deck Repair and Deck Restoration

If you’re still unsure about what kind of attention your deck needs, take a look at these frequently asked questions:

Which is a better option – deck restoration or deck repair?

• This isn’t necessarily a debate over which process is better as it is which service is most appropriate. Deck restoration is really just a surface treatment. If your deck has serious structural issues, repair or replacement is more appropriate.

Is deck repair more expensive?

• Depending on the extent of the repairs, it can be. However, depending on the size of your deck and the type of paint you purchase, a restoration surface treatment may also be pricey. Both repair and restoration should be seen as a long term investment in preserving your deck, so it’s best to go with sustainable options when choosing stains, surface treatments and other materials.

How long does a deck restoration last?

• Surface treatments generally last about 1-3 years. Weathering plays a big part in this, especially in the Midwest, where we see all kinds of weather. The material of your deck also plays a part in this. Natural materials like wood have a shorter life span than man-made materials like composite or vinyl decking.

Can I stain composite decking?

• Yes. However, you’ll need a specific composite decking stain as composite decking includes both natural and man-made materials.

What kind of decking lasts the longest?

• Generally speaking, all-wood decks don’t last as long as composite or vinyl decking, simply due to their natural material. If you’re building a deck or considering a replacement, composite decking is a popular choice due to its combination of wood and vinyl. You get the look of natural wood and the longevity and non-slip texture of vinyl.

How do I know when I need a full-deck replacement?

• A deck replacement is needed when your deck is no longer structurally sound. Telltale signs you’re in need of a replacement include: serious erosion, unstable railings, extensive surface damage, gaps between the deck and the house, etc. To get specific advice on whether or not you need a deck replacement, give us a call.

Still unsure about what kind of attention your deck needs? Not to worry. TrueSon Exteriors offers free consultations so you can get sound advice without having to commit to any services yet. We pride ourselves on our customer-first philosophy, meaning we don’t charge you unnecessarily. If you do choose us, we’ll work with you to provide a solution that works within your budget.