For people with wood decks, deck maintenance is never fun. However, because wood rots, warps and fades, it requires a lot of attention. You need to sand and restain every couple of years, and you can expect to replace wood deck boards every 7-10 years.
An existing deck that is structurally sound is worth its weight in gold, in both your personal enjoyment and ROI. Still, it often means a great deal of work and tedious maintenance to keep it structurally sound. Most of the tasks related to deck maintenance fall under two categories – deck resurfacing and deck restoration. Here’s a quick guide to what they are, what the difference is and when you should consider one over the other.
Deck Restoration – When you Google “deck restoration,” you’re likely to come across a bunch of products for sale. These products are used to restore your deck’s finish temporarily but should not be confused with a proper deck restoration.
Deck restoration refers to the heavy lifting involved in keeping your deck structurally sound. It could mean replacing the framing, warped or rotted boards sanding & staining or other tedious tasks. At this point, you may ask yourself whether it’s better to continue fixing your deck or to build something new. If this is something on your mind, consider the modern options available these days, like metal decking materials designed to last a lifetime, meaning this will be the last time you need to rebuild your deck.
Deck Resurfacing – A deck resurfacing project involves replacing the deck boards, railings, and/or stairs of an existing deck frame and foundation. This process can be undertaken for various reasons, such as when the deck isn’t that old. Yet, the surface boards have become worn due to lack of proper maintenance or when the deck surface itself is still sound, but the railings and/or stairs need to be fixed or are otherwise deemed unsafe. Additionally, if you recently bought a home with a deck that you don’t care for, you may want to consider resurfacing it with different materials.
There are some great reasons to consider resurfacing your deck or patio, but there are some things to consider before making the final decision.
- The Age of the Deck – Typically, the framing of a wood deck should last about 20 or 25 years. If your deck is getting older, putting new boards on an aging deck frame may not make sense.
- Your Existing Deck’s Condition – Regardless of age, a deck that has been poorly maintained or has suffered damage from insects or the elements may not be in ideal condition for resurfacing. It is essential that the deck’s framing and foundation be in good condition. Resurfacing a decaying deck is simply not a good investment, and it may be a better idea to replace the entire structure.
Resurfacing your deck is now easier than ever, thanks to a variety of innovative products available. You can resurface your deck with longer-lasting, more durable materials like IPE wood tiles or consider porcelain pavers for a more upscale look. Installing your new deck surface with the help of a pedestal system amps up the convenience factor while making installation a breeze.
Resurfacing your deck can be an effective and affordable way to refresh your outdoor area. Consider resurfacing that weathered, grey deck and rejuvenating your outdoor living space while adding to your home’s value. Stonedeck Innovations offers a variety of durable, innovative deck resurfacing materials to help you get the most from your outdoor living spaces.