Ready to replace your aging wood deck? Are you thinking about design changes, or will you replace it with a new deck that looks just the same—but newer? Premier deck designer Archadeck of Columbus can help you consider the options when it comes to the design of your new deck. If you loved your old deck, let’s build another one just like it!
You may have read our recent article about a Dublin, OH, Deck Replacement project where the homeowners took the opportunity to make significant changes. They wanted a larger deck built with low-maintenance composites instead of wood, with updated railings and the addition of a pergola.
That’s one scenario. Plenty of homeowners like the size and shape of their old deck. They like the color, the railings, the stair placement, etc. If it wasn’t for the deterioration of the wood itself, they’d prefer to keep their old deck, thank you very much.
The bottom line is that it’s up to you. Archadeck of Columbus will not push you to make more changes than you want. We respect your experience with how you’ve used your old deck and how well it suited your needs. We’ll also respect your budget!
Your Biggest Decision: Another Wood Deck?
When it’s time to replace a wood deck that has reached the end of its useful life, your choice of decking material is your biggest decision. That’s especially true if you’ve already decided your new deck will be the same size and shape as your old one.
Every homeowner replacing an old deck is faced with the same question: wood or composite/synthetic decking boards? Many of our clients prefer wood for the new deck. The appeal of low-maintenance decking doesn’t speak to them. Others have been looking forward to the day they could make the switch and leave the chore of wood deck maintenance behind.
Gahanna, OH, Homeowners Choose Low-Maintenance Composite Deck Replacement
— Before deck replacement.
These clients in Gahanna, OH, chose to take up the low-maintenance lifestyle. They wanted to make a couple of other changes, as well—updated railings and the addition of under-deck storage space. The size and shape of their old deck had worked well for them. No need to change that.
— After deck replacement.
For their new deck, the homeowners selected this beautiful TimberTech Pro Terrain decking in the Brown Oak color with black aluminum railing. We also used the same TimberTech composite boards for the deck skirting and access door for storage underneath.
Another Decision: Deck Replacement or Redecking?
If you’ve heard about redecking and want to know if it’s an option for you, give us a call. At Archadeck, we offer a free, no-obligation design consultation. We can examine the support structure of your current deck and determine whether it’s sound enough to support a new deck. With a redecking project, we replace the deck’s surface boards—and usually the railing and stairs, too—while using the substructure already in place. Homeowners can save time and money with redecking because they pay for less labor and materials.
If your current deck is more than 10 years old, however, we usually don’t recommend redecking—especially if you choose composite or synthetic decking. Why? The lifespan of wood alternatives is longer than that of wood decks. You don’t want your deck surface to outlast the framing that supports it. Many composite decking brands offer 25 or 30-year warranties—or more. That’s an indication of how long they’re expected to hold up and look good. Maybe longer!
The deck we replaced here in Gahanna, OH, was 15-20 years old. Redecking was not a good option for these homeowners.
Is it time for a deck replacement at your home, or are you looking at building your first deck? There is no charge for our design consultation. Contact Archadeck of Columbus today to learn more about our custom-designed decks, screened porches, and more at (740) 265-3905.
