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Services · Deck repair & resurfacing

Deck repair and resurfacing

Not every tired deck needs replacing. Soft boards, a loose railing, a rotten post base or a grey, slippery surface can often be fixed for a fraction of the cost of a new deck. Describe what you're seeing and we'll send it to up to three builders who take on repair work.

  • Small repairs about $300–2,500
  • New boards about $20–50 per sq ft
  • Staining about $2.50–6 per sq ft
Price it firstGet a rough local range for your deck size, height and material.
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One request, up to 3 local builders.

We're a matching service, not a builder. Your agreement is directly with the builder you hire.

Warning signs

How serious is it?

Minor

Grey, slippery or mossy boards

A weathered finish, or moss and algae in shady spots. Usually fixed with a proper clean, a light sand and new stain or sealer in dry weather.

Moderate

Soft spots, split or cupped boards

A few boards flex underfoot or a screwdriver sinks in. Often fixed by replacing boards and checking the joists underneath.

Urgent

A railing that moves, or rot at posts or the ledger

If a guard wobbles or posts and the ledger are soft, stay off that part of the deck and get it checked. These parts hold the deck up.

Options

The main ways builders handle it

OptionWhat it isGood for
Board replacementSwapping out soft, split or cupped boardsA few damaged boards on a sound frame
Re-deckingNew boards across the whole deck on the existing frameWorn surfaces where the joists and posts are solid
Post and footing repairReplacing rotten post bases and resetting footingsRot at ground level, leaning posts
Clean and refinishWashing, sanding and new stain or sealerGrey, mossy or peeling wood that's still solid
Railing repairRe-securing posts, adding blocking, raising guardsLoose or low railings on older decks

Local conditions

Moss, rot and the wet months

Months of rain, shade from cedars and firs and a short drying season are hard on wood decks. Moss and algae make boards slippery, water sits in fastener holes and board ends, and rot starts where wood meets wood: post bases, ledger boards and the tops of joists.

Catching it early matters. Replacing a few boards and a post this year can add years to a deck, while leaving it can turn a repair into a rebuild. A railing that moves is a safety issue and worth fixing right away.

Check whether your town needs a deck permit →

What a good quote includes

  • What's being repaired and why
  • A check of the frame and ledger around the damage
  • Matching or replacement boards
  • Fastener type (coated or stainless)
  • Railing repairs to current guard height
  • Cleaning, sanding and stain product if refinishing
  • Number of coats and dry-weather timing
  • Disposal of old material
  • Warranty on the work
Watch for: Stain applied over moss, mildew or failing old stain without a proper clean. It peels within a season.

Costs

Typical deck repair & resurfacing prices

JobTypical rangeWhat moves the price
Replacing a few boards$300 – $800Matching boards, fasteners
Moderate repairs (5–15 boards, railing, a post)$800 – $2,500How much is hidden under the boards
Rotten post replacement$400 – $900 per postFooting condition, height
Ledger repair$1,500 – $4,000Siding and flashing work, often a permit
Clean and stain$2.50 – $6 / sq ftCondition, stripping old finish, railings

Budget ranges in CAD before GST. Your quotes are based on a site visit.

Questions

Deck repair & resurfacing questions

Is it worth repairing an old deck?

If the frame and ledger are sound and the damage is limited to boards, railings or a post or two, repairs are usually good value. Widespread rot in the frame usually tips it toward replacement.

When is the best time to stain a deck?

In a stretch of dry weather, usually late spring to early fall. The wood needs to be clean and dry, and the stain needs a couple of dry days to cure.

My railing is loose. Is that urgent?

Yes. A guard that moves can fail when someone leans on it. Keep people off that section and get it fixed before using the deck.

Often done together

Deck replacementTear out a tired or rotting deck and rebuild it, often on a new frame with low-maintenance boards.Railings & stairsAluminum, glass and wood railings, new stairs and handrails, built to current guard heights.Vinyl deckingWaterproof vinyl membrane decks and balconies, new or re-covered, for decks over living space.

Guides

Cedar vs Composite Decking in BC: Cost, Upkeep and LifespanCedar vs composite decking for wet BC weather: compare upfront price, 10- and 20-year costs, moss, lifespan and upkeep before you choose your boards.Repair or Replace Deck: Signs, Costs and How to DecideRepair or replace deck? Learn the warning signs, typical Lower Mainland costs for repairs, re-decking, vinyl re-covers and rebuilds, and when to replace.Vinyl Decking in BC: Cost, Lifespan, Care and Re-CoversVinyl deck guide for BC: what vinyl decking costs new and to re-cover, how long it lasts, signs of failure, and when it beats composite over living space.

Deck repair & resurfacing by town

Metro Vancouver

Fraser Valley

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