Does Your Timber Deck Need Restoring Or Replacing?

By Author: Altar Home Transformations
Total Articles: 18
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If you’re the proud owner of a deck at your Gold Coast home, you’ll understand the importance of keeping it looking good, all year round. With regular maintenance and restoration work carried out at the right time, there’s no reason why a professionally installed deck can’t last for many years to come, but sometimes it can be hard to know whether your deck has got to the point where it needs to be replaced, or whether repair work would be enough to restore it to its former glory.

Rain, wind, heat and cold will all have adverse effects on timber decking over time, and if your deck is suffering, here are some things to look out for to help you decide whether to have it professionally restored or replaced:

Firstly, take a good look at the deck posts to see if they’re rotting in any places. Hardwood decks are susceptible to rot if left untreated, and you’ll likely notice it first, in the posts. Water that settles around the base of the post can weaken it over time, and lead to rot. Rotten posts need to be replaced quickly, as they ...
... can break at any time.

Secondly, check for signs of rot underneath the deck. The joists holding the decking boards often begin to rot, and while this might not be such of an issue for a stringer, hardwood deck, if it does happen, it can spell disaster. Look for signs of mould, soft, splintering wood and water stains that are a different colour to the wood surrounding them.

Thirdly, the railing system of any deck is likely to begin rotting after years of prolonged exposure to the elements, and after being beaten relentlessly by wind and rain, then dried out in the harsh sun, the timber boards can begin to warp and crack. Once this happens, water can find its way inside and begin causing some serious, and sometimes dangerous, damage.

Lastly, examine the surface of the deck in detail; is it cracked, warped or twisted? Weathering may simply be a sign that the timber deck is aging, but over time, this can become a problem, and some boards may need to be replaced.

Restore or replace?
If you arrange to have your timber deck regularly inspected by professionals, and have any maintenance work that may be required, carried out swiftly, and undertake preventative measures such as applying a water sealant, you can help your deck last for a very long time without the need for a major replacement. However, if rotten wood is visible in multiple places – such as those mentioned above – you may need to replace your deck for both aesthetic and safety reasons.

For more detailed guidance about the condition of your timber deck, and whether having it restored will keep it looking good and performing well for a few more years, reach out to a local decking firm in the Gold Coast.