What is the life expectancy of a wood deck?

What is the life expectancy of a wood deck?

According to a survey by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), a wood deck should have a life expectancy of about 20 years. For wood decks located in dry areas, the lifetime of the wood deck may extend up to 25 years.

How many years should a deck last?

Wood decks can last up to 15 years with the proper maintenance, making them a solid option, but by far the least durable of the decking material options.

Should I tear down my deck?

A wooden deck made of cedar can last up to 40 years, but if it hasn't been well-maintained, it's lifespan can be cut down to 15 years or less. Over time, wood can rot and warp, so if you notice that some of your boards look splintered or bowing, it might be time to knock it down.

How often does a wood deck need to be replaced?

Softwood decks can last a long time, depending on how well they're built, but it's not uncommon for decks of cedar, pine, or redwood to hold up for 10 to 20 years, at which point they begin to disintegrate in ways that range from unsightly and inconvenient to downright dangerous.

How often should I seal my deck?

For most decks, sealing once each year is a good rule of thumb. Depending on the condition of your deck this can be adjusted, but keep in mind that you should never go beyond three years maximum before re-sealing and staining.

Will a deck add value to my home?

value of home improvement projects. In the NAR/NALP study, a new wood deck will recover 106 percent of its value when the house is sold. Estimated construction cost estimated was $9,450, and the estimated value that a new deck adds to the house value at the sale was $10,000.

How much does a deck inspection cost?

A professional deck inspection cost typically ranges from as low as $25 for a 30-minute inspection to as high as $199 for a one-hour inspection, including a structural check, safety check and common building code violations check.

Can I just replace deck boards?

Deck owners can sometimes only afford repairs, which typically means replacing the deck boards and railings. The last thing they want to hear is that they have to replace everything. But sometimes there's no choice. Failing siding or windows may look bad or leak, but a failing deck can collapse.

What is the average lifespan of a deck?

The life expectancy of a wood deck is 10 to 15 years, perhaps up to 20 years or longer, with maintenance and coating with a weatherproofing sealer every few years.

Does a deck add value to a house?

Homeowners who installed a 16-by-20-foot pressure-treated wooden deck onto their house recouped an average of 85.4 percent of the cost of the project. On average, a deck which cost $10,347 to build added $8,835 to the value of the home when it was sold [source: Remodeling].

Do I need to pull a permit to build a deck?

As a simple rule, you need a permit for any deck that is higher than 30 inches off the ground. This rule applies to most decks. Anything lower than 30” is often considered a patio or “porch deck,” and no permit is required.

How do you estimate a deck?

Add an extra 15 percent for diagonal decking. For larger decks, you can calculate the total square footage of decking you need by multiplying the length of the deck surface times the width. Allow for overhangs. Then buy enough lineal feet of decking to make up the deck area plus the waste allowance.

How do I know if my deck needs replacing?

If you have deck boards that are soft or starting to warp or curl as a result of water damage or rot, then these are signs that the board is no longer structurally sound. In other cases, wood deck boards can dry, splinter, and crack without regular extensive maintenance.

Can you cover an existing deck?

Can You Install New Decking Over Old Deck Boards? No; this is not a recommended practice. In many decking replacement jobs, joists end up being replaced, repaired or capped. This is due to the common discovery of decay beneath the decking, usually where the fastener penetrated the joist.

Can you deck over an existing deck?

Should I repair or replace my deck?

When the cost of repairs starts to get close to the cost of replacing the entire deck, you should consider replacing the whole thing. Even decking materials that are structurally sound are still old, and you may have to replace them anyway in just a few years.

How do you price a deck?

A contractor will determine their labor cost based on a per square foot average of $30-$35 per square foot. Labor for a 320 square foot deck costs $9,600-$11,200. The total amount to complete a 16' by 20' deck with materials and labor averages $12,100-$20,200.

How much does it cost for a 20×20 deck?

The average homeowner spends $2,200 to build a 10×10 foot deck, $6,160 to build a 14×20 deck, and $8,800 to build a 20×20 deck. The cost to build a deck with pressure-treated wood, hardwood, or composite is about $25 per square foot, for both materials and installation.

Should you flip deck boards?

You bet you can flip them. There's no harm in doing so. While you're at it, be sure to clean off any debris from the top of the support joists and check for rot at those locations. When reinstalling the decking, keep at least 1/4-inch spacing for ventilation and easy cleaning in the future.

Should I stain or seal my deck?

Surfaces such as decks, wood siding, fences, and so on need a protective coating to keep from weathering so fast. A deck sealer is typically a clear or transparent finish that either penetrates into the wood or forms a clear film on top. A deck stain has the same water-resistant qualities that a deck sealer does.

Can you flip over deck boards?

Normally you install deck boards so the grain curves downwards towards the edges. This means if the board warps a little it will come up in the center. If you flip them, then when they get wet the edges will tend to warp up.

How much does it cost to remove and replace deck boards?

$511 – $2,572. The average cost for deck repair is $100 to $500 for simple repairs with most homeowners spending around $500 – $2,500 for extensive deck repairs. The price can vary greatly by region (and even by zip code). Get free estimates from pros near you.