How do I know if my deck is safe or needs repairs?

Look for obvious signs like loose railings, soft or spongy boards, visible rot, or boards that have cracked or splintered badly. Check underneath for sagging or damaged support beams. If your deck wobbles when you walk on it or if railings feel loose, call us for an inspection. We will tell you honestly whether you need repairs or if your deck is still safe.

Can you match my existing deck boards if you replace some?

We do our best to match your existing boards, but exact matches can be tricky, especially with older decks. Wood color changes as it ages, so new boards will look different at first. However, after a year or two of weathering, the difference becomes much less noticeable. If you are replacing many boards, we might recommend sanding and re-staining the entire surface so everything matches perfectly.

How long do deck repairs usually last?

Well-done repairs should last as long as the rest of your deck. If we replace rotted boards with new pressure-treated lumber and you maintain the deck properly, those boards will last 15 to 20 years. Structural repairs like reinforced beams or new posts should last even longer. The key is addressing problems early before they spread to other parts of your deck.

Deck Repair & Restoration

Bring your worn deck back to life with professional repairs and restoration that extend its lifespan by years.

Professional deck repair and restoration work in Eau Claire, WI

When Your Deck Needs Repair Instead of Replacement

Not every damaged deck needs to be torn down and rebuilt. Many decks just need targeted repairs to keep them safe and functional for years to come. If your deck has a solid frame and foundation, we can often fix problem areas for much less than the cost of replacement.

At ECD Eau Claire Deck Builder, we inspect every deck thoroughly before recommending repairs or replacement. We will be honest with you about what makes sense for your situation. Sometimes repairs buy you several more years. Other times, replacement is the smarter investment. We help you make the right decision.

Your deck faces constant stress from Wisconsin weather. Sun, rain, snow, and temperature swings all take their toll over time. Wood decks especially show wear after 10 to 15 years. But with the right repairs, you can add another 5 to 10 years of life to your existing deck.

Common Deck Problems We Fix

We have repaired hundreds of decks in Eau Claire and the surrounding areas. Here are the most common issues we see:

•Rotted or damaged boards: We replace individual boards that have rotted, cracked, or splintered while keeping the rest of your deck intact.
•Loose or wobbly railings: Railings take constant pressure from leaning and must stay secure. We tighten or replace loose railings and posts.
•Popped or corroded fasteners: Nails and screws back out over time. We replace them with proper deck screws that hold tight.
•Structural beam damage: If support beams or joists show rot, we sister in new lumber to restore strength.
•Settling or sagging sections: When posts sink or shift, your deck develops low spots. We re-level and stabilize the structure.
•Failed connections: Hardware and joinery can fail, especially where deck ledgers attach to the house. We reinforce these critical connection points.

Many homeowners wait too long to address small problems, which lets them turn into bigger issues. A few rotted boards can spread to the frame if you ignore them. The sooner you fix problems, the less expensive repairs will be.

Our Deck Restoration Process

Restoration goes beyond basic repairs. When we restore a deck, we are bringing it back to like-new condition. This makes sense when your deck's structure is still solid but the surface and finish have deteriorated.

Inspection and Assessment

We start by checking every part of your deck from top to bottom. We look at the decking boards, railings, stairs, and all the framing underneath. We probe for soft spots that indicate rot, check for insect damage, and test the stability of posts and beams. This tells us exactly what work your deck needs.

Structural Repairs

If we find structural issues, we fix those first. This might mean replacing damaged joists, reinforcing posts, or repairing the ledger board that connects your deck to your house. Safety comes first, so we make sure your deck's bones are solid before we move to cosmetic work.

Surface Preparation

For wood decks, proper preparation makes all the difference. We power wash to remove dirt, mildew, and old stain. Then we sand the surface to open up the wood grain so it accepts new stain properly. We also replace any boards that are too far gone to save.

This prep work takes time, but it is absolutely necessary. If you skip it and just slap on new stain, the finish will peel within a year. We do it right so your restoration lasts.

Finishing and Protection

Once your deck is clean and smooth, we apply professional-grade stain or sealant. We use products designed for Wisconsin weather that protect against moisture, UV damage, and temperature changes. Most homeowners choose a semi-transparent stain that shows the wood grain while adding color and protection.

If you are interested in upgrading other parts of your outdoor space during restoration, we also offer railing and stair upgrades that improve both safety and appearance.

Repair vs. Replacement: What Makes Sense?

This is the big question we help homeowners answer. Generally speaking, if less than 40 percent of your deck needs work, repair makes more financial sense. If more than 60 percent needs work, replacement is usually the better value.

The decision also depends on your deck's age and what material it is made from. A 20-year-old pressure-treated deck that needs major repairs might be better off replaced with composite decking that will not need repairs again. But a 10-year-old cedar deck with minor damage is worth repairing and restoring.

We walk you through the numbers and show you what each option costs. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that partial replacement costs almost as much as full replacement. That is because much of the expense is in labor, permits, and disposal, not just materials.

When replacement does make sense, we offer complete deck replacement services using modern materials that will outlast your old deck by decades.

Protecting Your Investment After Repairs

Once we repair or restore your deck, a little regular maintenance will keep it in great shape. Wood decks need the most attention. You should sweep them regularly to prevent debris buildup, which traps moisture and leads to rot. Clear leaves and dirt from between boards where they can cause problems.

Plan to re-stain or re-seal your wood deck every 2 to 3 years. This protects the wood from moisture and UV damage. If you stay on top of it, you can avoid major repairs down the road. We offer maintenance services if you would rather have professionals handle it.

Also check your deck's fasteners every year. Look for popped nails or loose screws and tighten or replace them. This takes just a few minutes and prevents bigger problems. And keep an eye on areas where wood meets metal, like joist hangers and post brackets. These spots are prone to moisture issues.

If you want to add protection from the elements, consider having us install a pergola or patio cover. Shade structures reduce direct sun and rain exposure, which extends your deck's life significantly.

Common Questions About Deck Repair

Need Deck Repairs? We Can Help

Get a free inspection and honest assessment of what your deck needs. We will give you options and help you make the right decision.

(534) 429-7461