Not every old deck needs a full rebuild — and some decks that look fine on top are unsafe underneath. We start every replacement with a structural look at the frame: ledger attachment and flashing, joist condition, footing movement, and stair geometry. Then you get a straight answer: keep the frame and re-deck it, or rebuild from the footings.
Re-decking a sound frame with new composite boards and a proper railing can transform a deck for a fraction of a rebuild. But if the ledger was never flashed, or the footings have heaved, new boards over a failing frame is money buried — we won't do it.
What's included
- Structural assessment of ledger, frame, footings, and stairs
- A written recommendation: re-deck, partial rebuild, or full rebuild
- Demolition and disposal of the old structure
- Upgrades to current code — guard heights, stair rise, footing depth
- New railing planned before the deck surface is finished
Common questions
How do I know if my deck frame is worth keeping?
The deciding points are the ledger (is it lagged and flashed correctly?), the footings (have they moved?), and the joists (probe for rot at the ends). We check all three in one visit and give you a written answer with photos.
Can you replace wood boards with composite?
Often yes, if the joist spacing meets the composite manufacturer's span table — usually 16 inches on centre or tighter. If your frame is at 24 inches, we add joists or sisters before the new boards go down.
My railing is loose — do I need a whole new deck?
Not necessarily. Loose guards are often a post-blocking problem, not a deck problem. If the frame is sound we can rebuild the guard properly — and when the rebuilt guard is aluminum or glass, we work with Deck Railing Toronto to install it as part of the same project.