As a resident of Tacoma, if your deck is in rough shape, the vernacular choice you will be facing is deck resurfacing versus a full repair. Your deck is a crucial part of your home that adds beauty and provides a perfect place to relax, entertain guests, and enjoy the outdoors. Tacoma’s wet climate, seasonal weather changes, and heavy foot traffic can lead to wear and tear over time which makes it imperative to maintain or restore it.
When thinking of improving your deck, it is important to know what the difference between resurfacing and repairing the deck is first. If you talked to local deck builders in Tacoma, they probably told you that deck resurfacing involves replacing the surface boards while retaining the frame of the deck. Repair seeks to fix structural and safety problems of the deck which is deemed broken and requires both surface-level and internal restorative measures. Both options can enhance aesthetic appeal as well as functionality of your outdoor area, but they are not interchangeable. Deck resurfacing or a full repair approach will be determined by your deck’s state, budget, and the longevity you seek from the deck.
This illustrates how understanding the difference between resurfacing and repair allows one to make the right commonly incorrect assumption in construction: choice. This article intends to analyze both strategies so you can pick the one best suited for your deck.
What is Deck Resurfacing?
Deck resurfacing is the process of replacing the surface boards of the deck while leaving the deck frame as is. This is the best option to choose when the foundation of your deck is sound, but the boards are worn out, faded, or splintered. Resurfacing usually entails:
- Tearing out deck boards
- Securing the sub-structure
- Installing wood or composite decking material
- New railings or features on the deck as required
Benefits of Deck Resurfacing:
- Cheaper than replacing the entire deck construction
- Improvements to the deck can be done with minimal construction
- Upgrading is primarily done to add modern aesthetics.
- Improves the appearance without strapping too much work structurally.
What is Deck Repair?
Focusing on attending to various structural and aesthetic problems on the deck to make it safe and usable is termed as deck repair. If supports posts or beams on your deck are rotting out, or if the railings are coming loose, then these will need to be taken care of before resurfacing. Common deck repairs encompass:
- Rotted out joists or support beams are replaced
- Loose or breaking railings are fixed
- Mold, rot, and termite damage are handled
- Weak points are fixed for better strength stability.
Benefits of Deck Repair:
- Guaranteeing safety and preventing further harm.
- Addressing specific areas without full replacement available helps.
- Less expensive than constructing a new deck.
- Fulfilling the local building regulations.
How to Decide Between Resurfacing and Repair
- Evaluate the Condition: If the frame of your deck is whole and only the boards require replacement, then resurfacing is probably the right option. If the foundation is broken, then repairs have to be done before any resurfacing work is undertaken.
- Think About Your Wallet: Resurfacing normally costs less than a full deck replacement, but the cost can increase with surface level repairs due to extensive damage.
- Consider Life Span: If you intend to retain the deck for many more years, investing in any necessary repairs and resurfacing can prove beneficial in prolonging its durability.
- Material Selection: Replacing worn boards with composite decking during resurfacing will result in significantly lower maintenance costs in the future.
Get Professional Help in Tacoma
Contacting a deck specialist like Decks Restore LLC makes everything clear, as they can help with both deck resurfacing and repairs. A licensed contractor will evaluate the state of your deck, suggest the most effective answer, and perform all the work while observing safety regulations.
If your deck requires cosmetic changes, or repairs that are more than just superficial, now is the time to act. Your deck can improve your outdoor living space, along with your home’s value, which means you should consider restoring your deck. Making the right choice today can save you money on expensive replacements in the future, while ensuring your deck is a safe, gorgeous part of your home for years to come. You will have peace of mind working with industry experts that provide resurfacing or repair solutions, as they deliver timeless results. Tacoma deck contractors are ready to improve the elegance and safety of your deck. Contact them today for a quote!
