Dan's Decks

Serving Front Royal, Winchester and the Shenandoah Valley for 31 Years

  • Home
  • About
    • Services
  • Portfolio
  • When to Plan?
  • The Dan’s Decks Difference
  • Contact Us
  • Helpful Links
  • Compare Deck Materials
  • Compare Trex Flooring
  • Renovating versus replacing your deck

Renovating versus replacing your deck

Renovating your existing deck

In many cases renovating an existing deck can be a very practical and cost efficient alternative to replacing it. Often the area of the deck that is exposed to the sun will appear very damaged while the structural frame that is shaded below will be in perfectly acceptable condition.

Replacing the flooring and rail along with “tightening up” the framing will often give you essentially a brand new deck.

The biggest questions are:

1 – Was the existing deck built to code and with a reasonable amount of acceptable workmanship?

2 – Is there extensive structural damage?

Some of the things to look for as far as the code, deterioration and workmanship issues are:

Are the posts that support the deck set in or on concrete (the concrete may be under ground level where you cannot see it)?

Is the main “beam” that the posts support a “double” or a “single” (single = very bad)?

What is the spacing between the floor joists? (Most common flooring requires not more than 16” spacing).

Is there any obvious sagging or sinking of any part of the deck frame –support system? (Rails will be completely replaced so they are not of concern).

If you can sight down the bottom or top edge of the deck floor (perhaps on a stepladder) it might help determine if the deck structure has failed. (Look for a noticeable sag).

Is there any significant decay in the frame of the deck – usually this would show at the top of the joists where the flooring touches (most often where the floor above is rotted) or at the ends of the framing members. (“Poke” the wood with a sharp pointed knife to see if it penetrates at questionable areas).

An extremely important place to do the “Poke” test is where the vertical support posts meet the ground and an inch or so below that. This is the danger zone where air and water create the perfect environment for decay. 

Stairs:

The typical stair design that I see 90 percent of the time is what I consider an outdated and inferior design that does not hold up to the stresses of regular use. The cut stringers (diagonal supports) are greatly weakened by the removal of the majority of their structure and the remaining material is very prone to failure due to splitting, warping and breaking. When removing the existing stair treads for replacement, the supporting “stringers”  usually crumble – rendering them worthless.

In addition, rarely are the center supports spaced close enough for adequate support. (Composite treads require 12” or less between supports on stair treads).

Most of the time, the stairs need to be completely replaced on a renovation project.

UPDATE 11/2022

Just this last summer I received a call from a client with a deck that I had installed a new Trex floor on over an existing frame about four years ago. The client was concerned because their appeared to be some “soft spots” in his deck floor.

When I went by his house to see what the problem was it was very clear that several of the old joists of the deck had severe rot.

When I installed the new Trex flooring over those existing joists four years prior, they appeared to be in perfectly acceptable condition.

What this tells me is that there is no way to know for sure what the “life expectancy” of your existing deck frame will be. Different pressure treatment process and chemicals used by different suppliers over the years has had different results.

 While I’ve seen deck frames that are over 25 years old that have had several different new floors installed on them and are still in great shape, there is no guarantee.

One issue that may have an effect on the longevity of the existing frame is the existence of all of the old nail holes where the old decking was fastened down to the joists. Those holes (facing up) are vulnerable to decay as they can trap water. This is a weak spot that can be addressed.

Recently, I’ve started suggesting the option of installing butyl rubber tape over the tops of those existing joists to help protect them and resist water infiltration into the old nail holes. This option is no guarantee but I feel it is certainly an affordable step to help deter further decay. I don’t like doing it – it’s time consuming and then I have to be more careful to not damage it when installing the decking but I think it’s the right thing to do.

Currently, on a typical 12’ X 16’ deck it adds roughly $300 to the cost.

Dan’s Decks Delivers!

If you're looking for an affordable way to add extra outdoor space to your home, contact the professionals at Dan's Decks. As the area's expert in custom designed decks, Dan's devotion to detail and commitment to quality assures a stunning and functional outdoor living space for family comfort as well as increased property value.

Dan is a TrexPro Contractor

A TrexPro is a professional committed to building quality decks using the Trex® family of products. A TrexPro adheres to our installation requirements and program guidelines and adds value to their territory while representing Trex as the customer's best option. Dan's Decks is proud to be a TrexPro Contractor.

Renovating your Existing Deck

In many cases renovating an existing deck can be a very practical and cost efficient alternative to replacing it. Often the area of the deck that is exposed to the sun will appear very damaged while the structural frame that is shaded below will be in perfectly acceptable condition. Replacing the flooring and rail along with “tightening up” the framing will often give you essentially a brand new deck.

Testimonials

Great attention to detail. A real artisan of the trade.
Dan is a true professional in every sense of the word. The quality of his work and his attention to detail cannot be overstated. We couldn't be more pleased with the Trex product and our decision to hire Dan's Decks for this project.
Very good work, professional and timely. reasonable cost and deck looks great.
Dan was a consummate professional throughout the entire deck building process. From planning our deck to its completion, Dan's technical expertise, and his expertise as a craftsman were fantastic. We're very happy customers.
Dans decks was our contractor and did an amazing job. He's extremely knowledgable, detail oriented and great with communication. My wife and I are beyond thrilled with our Trex deck and the quality of work completed by Dan.
We are so excited to have our Trex deck and we couldn't be more satisfied with our contractor, Dan's Decks.
Very satisfied with Dan's Decks. Great job, finished on time, would highly recommend him & Trex.
I will gladly refer anyone who is looking for a new deck, to contact Dan Weir, of Dan's Decks! He is genuinely committed to providing his customer with the absolute best! He is truly one of the good guys!!
Dan told us his procedures and he followed them exactly. We were totally pleased with the job he executed.
Dan did an awesome job!! We love our new deck and stairs.
We used Dan's Decks. Dan was very professional, listened closely to what we wanted, gave great suggestions, did a beautiful design and built a beautiful deck. We will highly recommend Dan to anyone looking to build or expand their outdoor space.
Project turned out better than I could have ever expected. Dan is fantastic at what he does! Will definitely recommend him to do any job large or small!
Dan is very experienced and extremely meticulous. He goes the extra mile to build a high-quality deck that will last. He helped us to navigate the county inspections and get the deck finished on time.
The job looks awesome! Dan took his time and paid attention to detail.I have received a lot of compliments about my deck.
We LOVE our new Trex deck! It was built on time as promised and looks stunning! Excellent craftsmanship!
Dan Weir is the best deck builder in our area. He built our original wooden deck, which was beautiful. His work in replacing the decking with Trex was highly professional. I would recommend Dan Weir to anyone hoping for a job well-done.
Extremely pleased with contractor and Trex materials. An excellent deck 're-do.' I will recommend both to my friends.
Dan was great to work with - very reliable and professional.
Dan explained the process and was efficient at every stage from permit to planning and completion. In addition, he also exhibited outstanding carpentry skills which enhance the overall look of the project.
Dan's Decks built us a deck beyond our imaginations! We could not be any happier than we are with Dan and his craftsmanship. It has become the center of our family activity. We love it!
Dan was great to work with from proposal to completion of deck. He was very professional yet personable, hard working, a perfectionist. He takes much pride in his work making the final result (deck)outstanding. We would highly recommend him!
Prompt, professional service.
Dan was an exceptional contractor who communicated very well, was on time/early on the job and a great listener. He is very customer service oriented and a great representative for Trex and it's products. He gets a A++++++++ from me!
ONLY TWO WORDS ARE NEEDED - THE BEST
We were extremely pleased with the installation of our Trex deck by Dan Weir, owner of Dan's Decks. He was very professional and detailed! He offered to do side work to improve the efficiency and looks of our new deck! I would definitely recommend him.
Dan was great, he did an expert job.
Dan did a great job. My porch looks fantastic. Will refer his work for sure.
Dan was a great craftsman and communicated well through the process.
Dan is extremely knowledgeable about Trex and its installations. We had several other bids on this deck but are so happy we chose Dan. His installation is meticulous, his communications with his client is concise, and finished result is marvelous!
Many referrals testament to the expertise and professionalism, was well informed on construction, product materials, necessary design changes, completion date, recs for upkeep, consummate professional, work ethic, conscientiousness, methodology excellent.
Dan is a first-class professional who takes pride in his work. Very easy person with whom to work.
Beautiful, beautiful work!
Best contractor we've ever dealt with
No hidden costs and no surprises...very professional
Dan's knowledge and experience put us at ease
It's been apparent from the start that you are a true craftsman and not "just another deck builder"  
We are really thankful for the peace of mind you gave us  
You did an excellent job!
I would gladly recommend Dan's Decks
Your work is outstanding! I would recommend you to anyone.
You did an outstanding job.
Very professional.
I honestly couldn’t be more pleased.
Your workmanship is superb.
We are extremely happy with the job.
The finished product greatly exceeded our expectations.
We just love it!
Your approach to business is so refreshing!
You are a true professional...we are thrilled with the deck.
You did a terrific job.
I couldn’t have asked for a better deck!
One goal of continual improvement is to "delight" the customer. You did it. The best job I've ever had done.
Use us as a glowing reference anytime!
We couldn’t imagine the deck turning out as good as it did, we love it!

© Copyright 2025. Dan's Decks. All Rights Reserved.

Phone: (540) 636-4825 | Email: dansdecks01@gmail.com