How to resurface your deck
The pros at Deck Guardian have over a decade of experience resurfacing old decks, and we’ll share all our deck resurfacing secrets with you!
Here is a typical scenario we find with our customers. You’ve got a great deck. You’ve had tons of parties, BBQs with friends and family, and many other memorable celebrations on this deck. Your deck has served you well, but (cue the emotional music) it’s starting to show its age, and it’s not looking so great anymore. The wood is worn out, and the surface is starting to look weathered, splintered, and a bit shabby.
You can’t just leave your deck as-is because it won’t last much longer. But what do you do? Do you rip the whole thing up and start over? That is an extremely expensive option, but most times, it isn’t necessary. A better and more affordable option is to resurface your deck.
Whether you have a big deck resurfacing project or just a little repair work here and there, if you’re looking for how to resurface your deck, we will show you how! You will get that memorable old deck looking like new again.
Deck Guardian
Best deck resurfacing ideas
When wondering how to resurface your deck, there are several factors you should consider. These include:
- The age of your existing deck
- The type of material your existing deck is made from
- Whether or not the foundation is still structurally sound
- The type of material you want to use for your new deck (composite, pressure-treated lumber, exotic hardwoods, etc.)
- Will your deck resurfacing be a DIY project or will you hire a professional deck contractor
Resurfacing a deck can be complicated, so if you decide to do it yourself, then make sure you read this article carefully.
If you hire a contractor, ensure they are licensed and insured and have experience with deck resurfacing. If not, they may not be able to give you an accurate estimate of how much it will cost or how long it will take for them to complete the project. If you want to know how to resurface your deck expertly, you have to find a contractor who is an expert- like Deck Guardian.
Tips for resurfacing your deck
Even though knowing how to resurface your deck is a generally straightforward process, it still requires a lot of time, effort, and hard work to renovate your deck properly.
If you are looking for the most professional results, hire a deck builder. Deck Guardian is a great choice if you live in New Jersey and want experienced contractors specializing in deck resurfacing projects. Let us do all of the dirty work for you!
A deck contractor knows all the appropriate steps to take to resurface a deck properly. Because you are dealing with old material, there could be structural issues that, if overlooked, could cause a lot of issues.
Resurfacing a deck is more than just giving it a facelift. The entire deck structure could be in trouble if foundational boards are rotten or compromised somehow.
Follow the next 3 steps for how to resurface your deck like a professional
Step 1
Plan and design
The great thing about learning how to resurface your deck is that you aren’t limited to the same old deck design. You can jazz it up by using a new material like composite or even change the shape or the position of the deck boards, adding an extra layer of detail to your outdoor space.
If you’re considering a new deck design for your old deck, keep in mind that the design should have these qualities:
- It must be safe and durable.
If you’re resurfacing your deck by yourself, make sure you consult a deck designer or get an engineer-approved plan before getting started. If you’ve hired a deck contractor, they will take care of all the structural details and will help guide you through this process. - It should add value to your home by improving curb appeal or functionality.
For example, if you have kids who play outside often (or pets), consider adding features like steps or handrails for safety. If space is tight and there isn’t a lot of room for entertaining guests, look into small improvements (like adding a bar-height table) that still bring value without sacrificing comfort or practicality.
Planning a new design when resurfacing old decks is one of the most fun yet important steps. It should not be left to amateurs. Make sure to consult with a deck designer before moving on to the next stage.
Step 2
Examine the condition of your deck
Once you have a plan and design, the next step to resurfacing your deck is to examine its condition from top to bottom. You want to check every board, joist, post, and beam for signs of rot, decay, insects or weather damage. The same goes for railings, stairs, and even stone steps leading up to it if you have any.
Don’t just do a visual inspection; actually write down what you find. It may be a good idea to draw out a plan of your deck, and indicate directly on that plan the issues that you find. That way you have an easy-to-see visual of things wrong with your deck.
If the issues are only superficial wear and tear, resurfacing your deck shouldn’t be too complicated. But if you notice damage or even questionable areas on the structural beams, it may be best to hire deck resurfacing professionals.
The last thing you want to experience is learning how to resurface your deck, giving it your best shot, then a few months later, having to fork out a bunch of money because you overlooked something.
Once you have an idea of what needs to be replaced, you can get started on resurfacing your deck. You can price out the materials you will need online or go directly to a supplier to see if you can get the best rates. Another benefit to hiring experienced deck resurfacing specialists is that they buy materials in bulk and can get you a better deal on material for your deck.
If you’re thinking about resurfacing your deck, there are many options out there for you to consider. For example, wood composite decking provides a seamless look that will last for years without any maintenance needed.
Additionally, if you’re looking for something more natural like cedar or redwood lumber, those could also be great options. One of the best deck resurfacing ideas is to use composite wood. This wood is weatherproof, does not rot, and keeps insects at bay. Composite is a great choice to improve the longevity of your new resurfaced deck.
Material and equipment you will need to resurface your deck:
- A circular saw.
Used to cut most of the wood or composite boards (ensure you have appropriate safety equipment like mask and goggles). - A hand saw.
There are times when a simple hand saw will suffice. - Chalk line.
So you can make sure every cut is straight - Tape measure.
So all cuts are done with precision. - Carpenter’s level.
Guarantee that everything is level. - Power drill.
For use with deck screws. When learning how to resurface your deck you will find that screwing down a deck will make for a stronger and sturdier structure than using nails. - The correct hardware.
This will depend on the type of material you use and the style of your deck. - The correct amount of material.
Wood and composite material are the most popular to use whenresurfacing old decks.
Once you have all the necessary equipment and materials, you need to remove any old or cracked boards. You’ll also want to remove any nails or screws sticking up above the surface of the board and clean off any dirt or debris from around your deck. It’s important that your deck and surrounding area be completely clean before beginning the process.
When your deck is clean and free from any old boards, and you’ve ensured the foundation of your deck is strong, you can move on to the next step.
Step 3
Hire a professional deck builder to resurface your deck
If you’re looking for the best deck resurfacing ideas, hire a professional deck builder. Only they can provide the kind of attention and expertise needed to do the job right.
A good place to start is by asking friends and family members if they know of any good local deck builders they’ve worked with. At Deck Guardian, many of our customers come to us through word of mouth.
If you really want quality deck resurfacing, Deck Guardian is happy to take on your deck resurfacing project. Not only do we offer premium deck resurfacing services, we will also come out and thoroughly assess your existing deck.
You may be able to salvage more of your old deck than you think. A deck contractor can help you save money by finding creative ways to use parts of the existing deck when resurfacing old decks.
Why call the pros to resurface your deck?
A professionally resurfaced deck will be like having a brand new one for less cost. Depending on the original condition of your existing deck, it could be a very affordable option.
It’s a great time to consider resurfacing your deck if you are considering selling your home or would like to increase its value with an upgrade that will not break the bank. Some of the best deck resurfacing ideas is to pick long-lasting materials (like composite) and will bring value to your home and property for decades. A new composite deck is a great selling feature when listing your home.
If after reading this post you realize that a full rebuild of your deck is needed then check out our post How To Build A Simple Deck – 11 Steps DIY Guide
Deck Guardian- the deck resurfacing experts
If you have an old deck in desperate need of repair or a middle-aged deck that is starting to creak and show signs of aging, check out Deck Guardian for some of our best deck resurfacing ideas.
We have over a decade of experience and know exactly how to resurface your deck quickly and professionally. If you want to learn more about our deck resurfacing options, call Deck Guardian today to get a FREE quote.