Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Resurfacing | Full Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| What happens | Remove old boards + railings, keep frame, install composite | Demolish everything, pour new footings, build from scratch |
| Cost (300 sqft) | $10,000–$20,000 | $25,000–$45,000 |
| Cost (500 sqft) | $16,000–$25,000 | $35,000–$55,000 |
| Savings | 40–60% less than replacement | — |
| Build time | 1–2 weeks | 2–4 weeks |
| Requires | Solid frame (joists, posts, footings) | Nothing — all new |
| Result | Looks 100% new on surface | New structure + surface |
| Permit | Often required (new decking material) | Always required |
| Warranty | 5-yr workmanship + 25-yr material | 5-yr workmanship + 25-yr material |
| When to choose | Frame is solid, only boards are worn/ugly | Structural issues, unsafe, or want new layout |
How We Determine: Resurface or Replace?
We offer free deck inspections. During the inspection, we check every structural component:
RESURFACE ✓ (frame passes)
- Joists: firm, no sag, poke test solid
- Posts: straight, bases not rotting
- Footings: stable, not shifting/heaving
- Ledger: secure, flashing intact
- Beams: no cracks, no sag
Cost: $10k–$25k | Time: 1–2 weeks
REPLACE ✗ (frame fails)
- Joists: soft, saggy, rotting
- Posts: leaning, base rot
- Footings: shifted, cracked, heaved
- Ledger: pulling away from house
- Deck: bounces when walked on
Cost: $20k–$50k | Time: 2–4 weeks
Real Examples from Our Projects
280 sqft deck, 12 years old. Frame solid after inspection. Removed PT boards, installed Trex Enhance + aluminum railings + stair lights. Saved $14,000 vs full rebuild. 1-week build.
300 sqft, 10 years old. Frame inspected OK. Trex Transcend + Trex Select railings. HOA approved. 1.5-week build.
480 sqft. 18-year-old deck with rotting joists and shifting footings. Full demolition + new footings + new framing + Trex Transcend + Signature railings + lighting. 3-week build.
320 sqft. Posts rotting at base, deck bounced when walked on. Unsafe — replaced everything. Trex Transcend + aluminum railings. 2.5-week build.
FAQ
What is deck resurfacing?
Remove old boards/railings, keep the frame, install new composite. Looks 100% new. Saves 40-60% vs full rebuild.
When to resurface vs replace?
Resurface: frame is solid (joists, posts, footings OK). Replace: structural issues (rot, lean, bounce, shifting).
Cost difference?
Resurface: $10k-$25k. Replace: $20k-$50k. Same size deck — the difference is whether the frame stays.
How long?
Resurface: 1-2 weeks. Replace: 2-4 weeks. Permit timeline is the same for both.