Some homeowners let their decks deteriorate because they’re worried about the cost to get them restored, but spending a large amount isn’t necessary for deck repairs or upgrades. Here are some tips for affordable deck repair:
- Deck expansion – Smaller businesses often have lower prices than larger ones. You might be able to find a nearby company that reuses and recycles building materials that can be used to expand your deck. Usually, this will be much cheaper. Alternatively, you can look into larger businesses that offer products at a discounted price.
- Fresh Coat – Refinishing the wood on your deck will be a great improvement. It’s recommended to power wash your deck and then let it dry completely before staining it. A sealant or train can significantly update the look of your deck at a low cost.
- Add new seating – By replacing wooden benches with matching décor, a new look can be added to the deck. Ensure any new benches match the wood color and texture of the existing deck.
Additional Tips
- Identify the problem area – If the wood on a bench is decaying or warped, replacing the boards with new ones is best. To determine if your wood is deteriorating, you can use a screwdriver to see if wood rot has made it soft. If this is the case you need to replace the wood immediately. If only specific areas of the wood are damaged or rotted, you can repair or replace the wood with wood filler, but this will only be effective if any rotted wood is completely removed first.
- Obtain the necessary materials – Before heading to the hardware store, make sure you get all the measurements of any boards that need replacing. If possible, you should purchase boards with the same wood and stain as the rest of the deck to minimize the work needed to make it look good. To prevent wood decay from recurring quickly, use a quality sealant or stain when sealing your deck.
