Decks

Deck Repair in Salem, Oregon

A wet Oregon winter is hard on decks. We find what is failing, fix it and make your deck safe to use again.

Weathered wooden deck with railing needing repair near Gervais, OR

A deck lives outside in the rain, shade and moss of the Willamette Valley, and the damage usually begins out of sight: water sitting on top of joists, around fasteners and where the deck connects to the house. Boards can look decent while the framing underneath has been softening for years.

Deck repair is a safety question first and a cosmetic one second. We check the ledger board that attaches the deck to the house, the posts and footings, the joists and beams, and the stair stringers and railings. Replacing a few worn deck boards is simple. Replacing a rotted joist or re-securing a loose ledger takes experience, and it is what keeps people safe on the deck.

Our approach is to save what is sound and replace what is not. If your deck needs only new boards, fasteners and a fresh coat of sealer, we say so. If the structure has failed, we explain what a rebuild involves so you can make a clear decision.

Signs your deck needs repair

Boards feel spongy, flex under your feet or a screwdriver sinks into the wood
The railing wobbles, balusters are loose or rail posts have movement
Stairs bounce or lean, or stringers show cracks or rot at the bottom
The deck pulls away from the house or there is a gap along the ledger
Rusted, popped or missing nails, screws and joist hangers

How we repair a deck

Safety inspectionWe probe boards, joists, posts and the ledger and mark everything that is soft, loose or undersized.
Remove what has failedRotted boards, railings or framing members are cut out without disturbing the sound structure around them.
Replace and reinforceNew lumber or composite, proper hangers and corrosion-resistant fasteners go in, and the ledger connection is corrected if needed.
Seal and finishCut ends are treated, boards are cleaned and sealer or stain is applied where appropriate.

What affects deck repair cost

A deck repair can be a half-day fix or a major structural job. Here is what shifts the price.

How much framing is damagedReplacing joists, beams or posts costs far more than swapping surface boards.

Railing and stair repairsBrings code-related details such as rail height and baluster spacing.

Material choicePressure-treated lumber, cedar and composite have different costs and look.

Deck height and accessRaised decks and tight crawl-space access take more time.

FinishingCleaning, sealing or staining adds labor but extends the life of the repair.

Why choose us for deck repair

We treat the structure and the ledger as the priority, not just the boards you walk on
Honest advice on whether to repair or rebuild, based on what we find
A general contractor's skills with carpentry, framing and finishes in one visit

We repair decks in Gervais, Salem and surrounding areas. See our full range of deck services.

Questions about deck repair

Can a deck with soft joists be saved?

Limited rot at the ends of a few joists can often be repaired by replacing or sistering those members. If rot is widespread in the beams, posts or ledger, rebuilding the structure is the safer choice.

Should I replace deck boards or the whole deck?

If the framing is sound, replacing worn boards makes sense and costs less. If the framing has failed or the deck is at the end of its life, a rebuild is the better investment.

How can I tell if my deck is safe?

Push a screwdriver into the boards and joists. If it sinks in easily, the wood is soft. Check that railings do not move when pushed and that the deck is firmly attached to the house. When in doubt, keep people off it.

How often should I seal or stain a deck?

In western Oregon, many wood decks benefit from a fresh sealer every one to three years, depending on sun exposure and traffic.

Why is the ledger board so important?

The ledger connects the deck to the house, and a failed or rotted ledger is one of the most dangerous deck problems. It must be fastened correctly and flashed to keep rain from rotting the wall behind it.