Restyle an Aged Deck Surface

If your deck has seen better days, a makeover may be in order. Weathering, splintering boards, cracks, stains, and other signs of wear can make a deck look drab and worn. Fortunately, there are several options to restore and restyle an aged deck surface to give it fresh new life.

A deck resurfacing has the dual benefits of improving aesthetics and protecting the underlying structure. The right materials and technique can upgrade a deck's function and appearance without the need for full demolition and rebuilding.

Reasons to Restyle an Aged Deck Surface

An old, weathered deck with damaged boards, splinters, and faded color can make a home look unkempt and dated. Aside from cosmetic upgrades, resurfacing an aged deck offers other advantages:

• Protects the substructure from further water damage
• Reduces splinters and improves safety underfoot
• Adds decades more useful life to the existing framing
• Saves money compared to full deck replacement

Seeking out low maintenance, durable decking materials can also reduce yearly upkeep demands over traditional wood decking.

Prepping the Old Deck Before Resurfacing

Proper prep work is crucial prior to installing new deck tiles, composite boards, or other coverings. Thorough cleaning, structural repairs, and creating a smooth surface ensure proper adhesion and aesthetics for the new surface.

Cleaning and Removing Debris

A pressure washer is invaluable for removing years of dirt, mildew, and degraded wood fibers from the surface. Pay special attention to corners, under railings, and around fasteners where gunk tends to accumulate. Let the deck fully dry afterward.

Checking for Rot and Structural Damage

Inspect for soft, punky deck boards, splitting joists, and compromised rafters. Make all structural repairs prior to resurfacing. Replace rotten timbers with pressure-treated lumber of the same dimensions. Secure wobbly railings and stairs as well.

Sanding the Current Surface

For the new surface layer to adhere properly, the deck should be as smooth as possible. A random orbital sander with 60-80 grit paper helps flatten old nails/screw heads, smooth worn planks, and roughen the surface for bonding.

Material Options for Resurfacing Decks

Today's deck covering products offer solutions for virtually any budget, project scope, skill level and desired aesthetic. Considerations include durability, water resistance, traction, and ease of installation.

Composite Decking

Composite deck boards fused from wood fibers and plastic polymers require no staining, sealing or refinishing to maintain their color and resist moisture. Composites like Trex are an easy DIY installation. They snap into place using hidden fasteners to eliminate splintering.

PVC Deck Boards

PVC decking offers heightened durability and moisture resistance at a lower cost than composites. Brands like AZEK feature embedded minerals to provide traction underfoot. PVC colors integrate throughout so scratches are less visible.

Wood-Plastic Composites

These blend recycled wood fibers and plastic to create solid, eco-friendly boards that install much like lumber. While cheaper than PVC and composites, they require more maintenance like occasional sealing/staining.

Pressure-Treated Lumber

The most budget-friendly resurfacing option is new pressure-treated deck boards. Their longevity has improved greatly with standard .40 ACQ retention levels. Topside sealing is still required every 1-2 years to maintain color and water resistance.

Choosing the Right Materials

Selecting new decking materials involves weighing factors like usage, climate, desired maintenance, and costs. Fortunately, specialized products exist for virtually any deck style.

Durability Considerations

Decks enduring full sun and heavy foot traffic need highly resilient deck tiles or decking boards. Composites and AZEK PVC boards stand up to years of UV exposure and abrasion from shoes, furniture legs etc. Their dense polymer composition resists moisture absorption compared to natural woods.

Cost Comparisons

PVC and composite decking run $8-12 per square foot of coverage compared to $3-5 per square foot for pressure-treated boards. However, synthetic decking lasts exponentially longer with zero maintenance costs. Cedar, redwood and tropical hardwoods offer beauty but require frequent sealing and can warp over time.

Matching Existing Railings and Steps

For resurfacing projects leaving stair risers and railings in place, new decking must match their height and geometry. Composite and PVC products are produced in sizes that replicate traditional 5/4" lumber dimensions to seamlessly interface with existing structures.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

Some homeowners have the tools, time and expertise to tackle deck resurfacing solo. But complicated demolition, structural repairs, access challenges and specialty fastening systems may warrant hiring a certified professional installer.

Complexity of the Project

Removing and disposing multiple layers of old decking is physically demanding. Hauling heavy composite and PVC boards up several stories can also be challenging. Structural damage may require engineering design skills beyond simple board replacement.

Tools and Skill Level Required

Proper safety gear like masks, goggles and heavy work gloves are a must when tearing up old decking with reciprocating saws and pry bars. Power sanders and miter saws to cut new decking take experience to operate safely. Finally, precise layout and gaps are needed for proper drainage and airflow between deck boards.

Maintaining the New Surface

While composite, PVC and decking tiles require little routine maintenance themselves, the underlying frame should be monitored and cared for. Address minor issues before they mushroom into costly structural repairs down the road.

Cleaning and Sealing

Use composite/PVC deck cleaner for periodic washing, paying special attention to high traffic zones. Spot power wash stubborn dirt and mildew buildup. Seal side cuts on composite decking and inspect for fastener popping yearly. Re-tighten as needed.

Improper joist spans, inadequate deck footings and poor seasonal soil moisture can cause safety issues long-term. Have a certified Residential Deck & Dock Inspector evaluate the frame every 2-4 years for added peace of mind.