Decks are a great addition to any home as they provide a perfect place to relax and entertain. However, over time, decks can become worn out and start to show wear and tear due to age. If you are in this situation, you may be wondering whether to resurface or rebuild your deck. In this blog post, we will look at the difference between resurfacing a deck and rebuilding a deck to help you make an informed decision.

Resurfacing a Deck

Resurfacing a deck involves replacing the deck boards and railings while leaving the underlying framing and foundation intact. This is a cost-effective option for homeowners who want to give their deck a facelift without having to make a huge investment. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of resurfacing a deck.

Advantages of Resurfacing a Deck

  1. Cost-effective: Resurfacing a deck is cheaper than rebuilding a deck as it involves replacing only the deck boards and railings.

  2. Faster: Resurfacing a deck is quicker than rebuilding a new deck, as the underlying structure does not need to be rebuilt.

  3. Eco-Friendly: Resurfacing a deck is a more eco-friendly option, as it reduces the amount of waste generated.

Disadvantages of Resurfacing a Deck

  1. Limited design options: Resurfacing a deck limits the design options as the underlying structure cannot be changed. If you were imagining a larger deck or a different design, this option would not be available with resurfacing a deck.

  2. Limited lifespan: Resurfacing a deck does not address underlying issues with the foundation, so the deck may not last as long as a rebuilt deck.

Rebuilding a Deck

Rebuilding a deck involves tearing down the entire deck and building a new one from the ground up. Although this is a more expensive option, it can provide more design options and a longer lifespan. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of rebuilding a deck.

Advantages of Rebuilding a Deck

  1. Unlimited design options: Rebuilding a deck allows you to customize the design and layout of your deck the way you might have always imagined. Plus, there are deck-designing programs that allow you to visualize new designs and colors.

  2. Longer lifespan: Rebuilding a deck addresses underlying issues with the foundation and structure, resulting in a longer-lasting deck.

Disadvantages of Rebuilding a Deck

  1. Cost: Rebuilding a deck is more expensive than resurfacing a deck as it involves tearing down the entire deck and building a new one from the ground up.

  2. Time-consuming: Rebuilding a deck takes longer than resurfacing a deck as the entire deck needs to be torn down and rebuilt.

  3. Waste: Rebuilding a deck generates more waste than resurfacing a deck.


Whether you decide to resurface or rebuild your deck depends on your budget, design preferences, and the condition of your existing deck. If your deck is structurally sound, and you are happy with its current layout, resurfacing may be the best option. However, if you want to customize the design of your deck, address any underlying structural issues, and increase the lifespan of your deck, rebuilding may be the better option. Ultimately, the decision is yours, but with this information, you can make an informed choice. When you're ready to do one or the other, we're here for you.