Get matched with top deck maintenance specialists in Gouverneur, NY

Learning how to repair rotted wood is something that you can do after stopping existing wood rot from spreading. After removing the wood rot, you can put new wood in place of the ruined wood or use wood putty to repair minor damage. However, because wood rot is difficult to eradicate without expert help, you may want a professional to do it. Do not attempt repairs in the area until you are certain that all the damaged wood and signs of wood rot are gone.

While building your deck, you might come across something called the four-inch sphere rule. Essentially, this railing requirement for a deck states that a four-inch ball should not be able to fit through any gap in the deck railings. The gap between spindles and between the decking and the bottom of the railing must be less than four inches to prevent small children or pets from squeezing through the gap.

Deck skirting shouldn’t touch the ground, especially if you have a wood deck, which is vulnerable to moisture. Ideally, you should leave at least 3/4 of an inch of space between the deck skirting and the ground for more ventilation. Pros also recommend that you incorporate about 1 square foot of space for ventilation for the underside of the deck to every 150 square feet of decking. Proper ventilation prevents mold growth and rot that can damage your deck.

In most cases, repairing a deck costs much less than replacing it. Deck repairs cost around $2,000 on average, while the cost of deck replacement is at least $7,900. Repairing involves fixing issues like loose boards or small cracks, which requires less material and labor. If the deck has extensive damage, though, the cost of repairs can add up quickly, and it may be more cost-effective to replace the deck entirely.