Deck repair and deck board replacement
We replace rotted and broken deck boards, repair stairs, railings and trim, and fix individual sections of a deck. When a problem is structural, we say so instead of covering it up.
Illustrative photoWhat has failed?
Most decks in the Lower Mainland are wood, and our wet winters are hard on them. Boards soften where water sits, stairs loosen, and fasteners work free. Much of this can be repaired one section at a time.
The parts you walk on are not the only parts that matter. Before replacing surface boards, we check the framing underneath, because new boards on rotted joists are money wasted.
Common deck problems
- Soft, spongy or cracked deck boards
- Boards cupped, split or lifting at the ends
- Nails or screws backing out
- Wobbly or uneven stair treads
- Loose railings or posts
- Rot where boards sit on the joists, often where leaves and debris collect
- Damaged fascia boards or skirting around the deck
Is the rest of the deck sound?
Surface repairs cover deck boards, stair treads, trim, and railing parts on sound framing.
Structural work covers joists, beams, posts, footings and the ledger that attaches the deck to the house. It may need a building permit, and in some cases an engineer. We will tell you when your deck has crossed that line.
If a deck bounces, slopes noticeably, pulls away from the house, or has a loose guard over a drop, keep people off it until it has been looked at.
Repairs by part
Deck boards
Individual boards or whole sections, fastened to sound framing with appropriate gaps for drainage.
Stairs
Replacing treads and risers, and stringers where the damage allows a like-for-like repair.
Railings and guards
Re-securing or replacing wood railing parts. A guard that protects a drop is safety equipment, so we look at how it is anchored, not only at the visible wood.
Fascia and skirting
Replacing rotted or broken trim boards around the edge and base of the deck.
Fasteners
Replacing popped or corroded fasteners across a deck that is otherwise sound.
Isolated framing
A damaged joist or post in an otherwise sound frame can sometimes be replaced or reinforced, after we have seen the rest of the structure.
Can one section be replaced?
Yes, as long as the framing under that section is sound. New boards are cut in over joists so the joints are supported, and the layout of the old boards is kept.
Composite decking can only be patched with the same product line and colour. Many lines have been discontinued, so a close match is not always available.
Re-deck or rebuild?
- Repair boards when the damage is limited to a few boards or one area and the framing below is solid.
- Re-deck (new surface boards over the existing frame) when many boards are failing but the framing is in good condition.
- Rebuild when the framing, footings or ledger connection are rotted or undersized. That becomes a new deck build rather than a repair.
Photos and measurements that help
- Wide shots of the whole deck from the yard
- Close-ups of the damaged boards, stairs or railing
- Underneath: the joists, beams and especially where the deck meets the house
- The stairs from the side, showing the stringers
- Approximate size of the deck and its height above the ground
- What the decking is, if you know (cedar, pressure-treated or a composite brand)
What determines the estimate
We do not publish fixed prices because every job differs. These are the main factors:
- How many boards or sections are replaced
- Condition of the framing once boards are lifted
- Decking material, and whether a match is available
- Height of the deck and access underneath
- Stairs and railings included in the work
- Disposal of old material
When the job needs a specialist
- Structural repairs, rebuilds and changes to a deck's size or height may need a permit. Requirements vary by municipality.
- Upper-storey decks and balconies over living space involve waterproofing membranes. We refer these to the right specialist.
- Strata decks and balconies usually need strata approval before any work.
How a deck repair runs
Submit a quote request
Tell us what is worn or damaged: boards, stairs, railings or framing.
Check the structure
We look at joists, beams, posts and the connection to the house before quoting surface repairs.
Written estimate
Separates surface repairs from anything structural, so you can see what is needed and what is optional.
Repair and walkthrough
Damaged material is replaced and framing rechecked once exposed. We go over the finished work and anything that may need attention later.
Deck repair questions
Is a damaged wooden deck repairable?
Often, yes. If the damage is in the boards, stairs or trim and the framing underneath is solid, those parts can be replaced. If the joists, beams, posts or the ledger connection to the house are rotted, the deck needs structural work or a rebuild instead.
When should a deck board be replaced?
When it is soft when pressed with a screwdriver, cracked through, split at a fastener, badly cupped, or loose because the wood will no longer hold a screw. One bad board can be swapped on its own.
Do I need a permit to repair my deck?
Replacing boards like for like often does not, but structural work, rebuilding or changing the size or height of a deck can. Rules vary by municipality, so check with your city's building department. We will flag it when a job moves into that territory.
How can I tell if the rot is structural?
Look underneath. Probe the joists, beams and posts with a screwdriver, especially at the ends and where they meet the house. Soft wood, rusted hangers or a gap between the deck and the house are signs it needs a closer look.
Do you clean and stain decks?
Ask when you send photos. We can tell you whether a deck is worth refinishing or needs repairs first; staining on its own is not yet a standard service.
Related services
Where we offer this
Deck repair is available across our Metro Vancouver service area, including Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Surrey, Vancouver, Port Moody, Delta, Richmond, Langley and North Vancouver.
Get a free estimate for deck repair
New build or repair, send a short description and a few photos. We reply with next steps and, where photos are enough, a realistic price range.