Some decks hold years of history – days spent outdoors lounging in the sun and nights with a cold drink and your loved ones.

Decks are an extension of your life. But when they’re a decade old or older, you might be thinking: is it time to rehabilitate, or completely replace?

Here are some things to consider:

Is Your Deck Structurally Sound?

If your existing deck is in good structural shape, then you shouldn’t have to start from scratch. Simply replacing the decking, railings and stairs is cheaper than a complete replacement, and can still give your deck a new life.

Check the deck footings: do they appear warped? Are they deep enough?

If you have a wooden deck, you should also check the wood condition. Treated lumber should last for decades, but if it appears to be rotting anywhere, you should probably start from scratch.

You can also bring in a drawing of your deck and the sizes of its joists and beams to the building department at your local city hall. An inspector can let you know if it looks structurally sound.

Is It Nearing the End of Its Lifespan?

Sure, replacing a few parts of a deck can save you money, but at a certain point, a deck framing has a finite lifespan. Replacement parts will extend the life of your deck for a few years. But if the deck is around 20 years old, for example, it’s likely it’s seen the end of its life.

In that case, you might get a better deal for your investment by rebuilding a completely new deck now rather than just replacing a few parts and ultimately having to rebuild the entire deck a few years down the road.

What Kind of Material is Your Deck Made of?

If you decide to go forward with a brand new deck, you can still cut costs depending on the size of deck you choose and the materials.

Traditional wood decking is often chosen for its aesthetic value, either with pressure-treated wood, which needs to be stained each year, or cedar wood, which can be a larger investment.

Some also choose PVC decking, which can be longer-lasting and lower maintenance than wood decking, with no painting, sealing or staining necessary.

Figuring out whether to rehabilitate or replace your deck can be a difficult decision. Fortunately, Minnesota Home Improvements can help you decide – with the experience and the expertise to build a deck, porch, or patio for your outdoor living space needs.

We’ll help you pick the best option for your situation. If you decide to rebuild, we offer design services to help your brand new deck look its best.

The post How Do You Know When To Rehabilitate or Replace Your Deck appeared first on MN Home Improvements.