06/24/2026
This deck was headed for a full replacement, but after a closer inspection, the boards told a different story.
The homeowner was ready to replace everything, but the structure was still solid. The real problem was the failing paint, not the wood itself. After checking the condition of the boards, we decided to restore the original deck instead of replacing it, saving a significant amount of money while keeping the deck’s original character.
DIY tip: If you’re unsure whether an old deck needs replacement, don’t judge it by appearance alone. In many cases, drilling a small test hole in a questionable board can tell you more than the surface ever will. If the wood is still dense and solid inside, restoration may be a much better option than replacement.