Keep the frame, replace the surface

Deck Resurfacing in Cincinnati

If your deck frame is still sound but the boards are splintering, cupping or grey, you may not need a new deck. Resurfacing strips the walking surface and railing back to the structure and rebuilds it in composite, keeping the footings, posts and joists you already paid for.

It is the cheapest route to a deck that looks new, and it is only the right answer when the frame genuinely is sound. We tell you which it is before you commit to anything.

Free structural inspection before you decide
Frame repairs where they are needed
New composite surface, railing and steps
Considerably cheaper than a full rebuild

Get a Free Estimate (513) 515-1136

Prime Home Improvements crew fastening composite deck boards down onto an existing frame

We check the frame first, honestly

The inspection looks at the ledger and its flashing, the footings, the posts at ground contact, the joists and hangers, and the joist spacing. Rot shows up most often at the ledger and at the base of posts, and both are where failure actually matters.

If the frame will not carry a composite surface safely, we say so and quote a rebuild instead. Putting a twenty five year board on a frame with five years left in it is a waste of your money, and we will not do it.

Joist spacing decides what can go on top

Older decks were often framed at spacings that suit five quarter wood but are too wide for some composite boards, particularly when the boards run diagonally. Where that is the case the fix is usually sistering in extra joists rather than abandoning the project, and it is a modest addition to the work.

What a resurface includes

New composite walking surface, new fascia so the frame does not show, new railing, and stair treads and risers rebuilt to match. Lighting can be added at the same time, and this is the cheapest moment to do it: the boards are already up, so running the wire costs almost nothing extra in labour.

Work we have finished

Every photograph on this page is a Prime Home Improvements project, taken after the work was done.

Grey brown composite deck with white posts and black balusters

Low composite deck with wide cascading steps down to the lawn

Detail of a composite deck landing and the steps leading off it

Composite entry steps with white posts at the front of a home

See more of the work

Build Your Dream Backyard. Pay Over Time.

Flexible financing options available through Hearth. Spread the cost of your deck or outdoor space over monthly payments instead of paying for the whole project up front.

Check Financing Options

Common questions

How do I know if my deck can be resurfaced?

The frame has to be structurally sound and spaced correctly for the boards going on it. Soft wood at the base of posts, movement underfoot, rusted hangers or a ledger with no flashing are the signs that point to a rebuild. We inspect it for free and tell you either way.

How much cheaper is resurfacing than a new deck?

It varies with how much of the frame is reused and whether joists need sistering, but you are not paying for footings, posts or structural framing, which is a large share of a new deck. We price both options where both are viable so you can compare them directly.

Can you resurface just the boards and keep my railing?

Yes, if the railing meets current requirements and is in good condition. Most older wood railing is the part homeowners are gladdest to see replaced, but it is your call.

Do I need a permit to resurface a deck?

Replacing a surface on an unchanged structure is treated differently from building new, and it varies by jurisdiction. We confirm what is needed for your address and handle it.