Deck Replacement
Tear-out of a worn deck and a rebuild to today's code.
Get a free quote
Tell us what you want built and which town you're in. We'll call to set up a free on-site quote.
Old decks usually fail at two places: where the posts meet the ground, and where the deck meets the house. Rot and termites work up from the soil. A ledger nailed on without flashing lets water into the house framing. Rusted hangers lose their grip. Sometimes the frame is sound and only the boards and railings need replacing. Sometimes the whole deck has to come out. A rebuilt deck goes up to today's code, which can mean flashing, bolts, clips, and railings the old deck never had.
What's included
- A look at posts, beams, joists, ledger, and hardware at the quote
- A written quote for full replacement, or new boards on the existing frame if it's sound
- Demolition and haul-off
- A check of the house's band board once the old ledger comes off
- Ledger bolted and flashed to current code, or a freestanding deck where the house can't carry one
- New footings and framing as needed
- New decking, railings, and stairs, with permit and inspections
The process
- Inspect and quote. We check the structure and tell you what can stay and what has to go. You get a written quote.
- Permit. We submit drawings for the rebuild.
- Tear-out. We remove the old deck and haul it away, then check the house wall behind the ledger.
- Rebuild the frame. New footings where needed, inspected before concrete, then posts, beams, ledger, and joists.
- Deck and final. Boards, railings, stairs, and the final inspection.
What affects the price
- Removal. National guides put demolition and haul-off at about $5 to $15 per square foot.
- What can be reused. A sound frame with new boards costs far less than a full rebuild.
- Hidden damage. Rot or termite damage to the house's band board adds work.
- Materials. Wood or composite for the new deck.
- Size and height. Same as any new deck.
Questions homeowners ask
- Can you just replace the boards?
- Sometimes. If the posts, beams, joists, ledger, and hardware are sound, new boards and railings on the old frame cost far less than a rebuild. We check each of those before we quote it that way.
- How do I know my deck needs replacing?
- Soft spots, sunken boards, wood shavings, and hollow-sounding boards point to rot or pests. Rusted hangers and a wobbly railing are warning signs too. If any of those show up, have the frame checked soon.
- My deck is attached to brick. Is that a problem?
- Under the City of Charleston's deck details, a ledger can't be fastened to brick or stone veneer. A deck at that wall has to stand on its own posts instead. We check how your house wall is built at the quote and plan for it.
- Will the new deck have to meet current code?
- Yes. A permitted rebuild is inspected to today's rules. That can mean a flashed and bolted ledger, lateral ties, hurricane clips, and railings that are taller or tighter than the old ones.
Is your deck past saving? Call (854) 777-0103 or send the form for a free quote.