As the old saying goes, time is money. But is that true? It depends on the situation. For example, when you’re racking up a big bill at a nice restaurant, but you’re having a nice time, is it worth the money? This is more of a subjective question.
But what about something like building a new deck, or deck resurfacing? What is your time worth? For example, it takes time to find the best deck builder in your area. It may not take much time, but some research will be required. Once you’ve partnered with a reputable pro, you should see both your time and your money maximized. The deck comes together quickly, built to your specifications. The builder may even suggest features or options you may not have considered – but their main goal will always be to work within your timeframe and budget to deliver the best result possible, and leave you happy.
On the other hand, you could resurface a deck yourself. How hard can it be? You’ve read about it, maybe even watched instructional content on YouTube. You tallied up your costs, and have come up with a good estimate of how much money it will cost to procure all the necessary materials.
But a more important question (something you should always ask first) is: Can my deck be safely resurfaced? The single most important thing about starting any deck resurfacing project is ascertaining the safety of the underlying frame and structure o the deck. If you put a fresh surface and fresh railings on a dilapidated, rotting, or otherwise structurally unsound frame, what’s going to happen? At best, your deck will need to be demolished soon. At worse, it will present a safety hazard to your family and friends.
The decking material you choose will also have an impact on the lifespan of your resurfaced deck. Composite materials used in outdoor decking are only becoming more refined and more effective as the years go by, and natural wood can no longer compete with the low maintenance and sheer longevity of composite. That said, many people still prefer natural wood for aesthetic reasons.
Who to call for deck resurfacing
Not every deck builder is also a deck resurfacing specialist, although many contractors do offer both services. In fact, many of the most skilled deck resurfacing professionals are also deck builders – this gives them a deeper understanding of all the different facets of building and resurfacing decks.
You may not be able to tell at a glance whether your deck is a good candidate for resurfacing. Things might look and feel sturdy, but unless you really know what to look for, you could be missing out on important details. A seasoned professional can help with this. By conducting a detailed safety inspection of your deck, they can give you a solid and dependable idea of whether or not deck resurfacing will work. If the deck can be resurfaced, congratulations! You now have an opportunity for a deck that looks and feels brand new, at a fraction of the cost.