If your deck is wood, you should consider hiring a carpenter to repair it. Wood is an excellent material for outdoor living, but it’s susceptible to wear and tear due to constant exposure to the weather. While staining and weather-proofing your deck can help it last for decades, you may want to consider replacing the entire deck if the boards are cracked or splintered. Luckily, a carpenter can often replace just a few damaged boards without tearing the entire deck down. Wood Decks Charleston SC can usually last for twenty to 25 years if they are treated properly.

Small cracks in wood boards are common, and if left untreated, they can lead to rot and splinters. Filling cracks with latex wood filler and a sealant can solve the problem. Larger cracks require prying off the affected boards and inspecting them for damage on the backside. If the underside is clean, it can be reattached with deck screws, but if it’s cracked, you should discard it and replace it with a new plank.
When selecting the material for your deck repair, consider the accelerated strength gain and curing times. A rapid repair material will achieve sufficient strength in two to four hours and can be back in service in six to eight. On the other hand, a slow-curing Class K concrete will require several days to reach sufficient strength. A long-term solution, however, will require a longer curing period. Depending on the type of damage, the accelerated curing time can cause problems with premature failure.
If your wood deck is slick, consider pressure-washing it. This process can help to remove algae and moisture that can deteriorate the wood. It is best done during the spring months before people begin using patio equipment. In the winter, pressure-washing is an option to keep your deck dry and free from debris. You may want to refinish the entire deck or just a part of it. There are various methods for achieving this, including DIY deck refinishing.
Some of the most common deck repairs are partial-depth and full-depth. Partial-depth repairs require no formwork and don’t require road closures under the bridge. However, in many cases, the damage progresses to the full-depth level, and if you’ve opted to repair just the surface of your deck, it’s best to hire a professional. And, the best part? They’ll save you time, money, and inconvenience!
The cost of deck repair varies. If the damage is weight-bearing, a professional will have to remove it by using lethal or humane traps. But if the problem isn’t weight-bearing, you can do it yourself for a fraction of the cost. However, if your stairs are wobbly, you’ll likely have to replace them altogether. Fortunately, there are several DIY deck repair methods that cost between $100 and $500. And, remember to compare prices among several contractors before hiring one.
Another method of repairing a damaged deck is to replace boards with new ones. You can use hydraulic jacks to lift up the deck framing. Make sure you’re on flat, level ground when using hydraulic jacks. Then, you can remove the boards and inspect the joist hangers. Afterward, hammer in a few nails of 1-1/2 or three inches into the joists. Once you’ve completed these steps, your deck will look brand new again.
Termites can cause damage to wood decks and may even become a liability if someone slips and falls. Therefore, termite damage should be treated immediately, and you should consider replacing the damaged wood. Also, consider the age and condition of the deck. If you’ve installed it several years ago, it may be time to replace it. However, before you decide to do any deck repair, make sure you consider the age of the wood.
It’s important to make sure that loose railings are fixed before it becomes dangerous. A loose railing is a potential hazard, and you don’t want to put your family at risk. In addition to loose railings, you need to look for signs of rotting in the wood. A flashlight is an excellent tool for checking the underside of the railing since rot spores usually begin to grow first where there’s no sunlight.