Deck Repair and Restoration in Austin, TX
Board replacement, joist repair, fastener replacement, railing repair, and surface refinishing. Inspection-first approach with honest replace-vs-repair recommendations.
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What We Repair
Most deck repairs fall into a handful of categories. We handle all of them. Send us photos of the damage, and we’ll respond with a verbal first impression plus a site-visit timeline. Photos help us scope the inspection and bring the right tools and replacement materials.
Board replacement
Individual surface boards that have split, warped, cupped, or rotted. Most common cedar deck repair. Replacement boards matched to the existing material and weathered to blend with surrounding boards over time. For decks where matching is critical, we order from the original manufacturer when the brand and line are known.
Joist and beam repair
Structural framing that has rotted (most common at ground contact points and water-exposed connection points). Repair options range from sistering (adding a new joist alongside the damaged one) to full replacement of the affected section. Significant joist failure typically points to replacement rather than repair.
Fastener replacement
Failing screws, popped nails, corroded brackets. We replace with stainless or coated hardware sized appropriately for the joist and surface board. Galvanized hardware that has reached the end of life on coastal-corridor or pool-exposed decks is upgraded to stainless steel.
Railing and post repair
Loose railings, rotted posts at the base, and baluster failures. Railing repair often pulls code review into scope – older railings may have been built to code that has since been updated (height, baluster spacing). Where code gaps exist, we either bring the railing up to code or recommend full replacement.
Surface refinishing
Cedar decks need to be resealed. Ipe and tigerwood need oil refresh. Tigerwood and ipe refinishing is recommended on a 12-to-18-month cycle if maintaining the original color is the goal. Cedar refinishing on a two-to-three-year cycle for direct-sun decks.
Why We Inspect Before Bidding
We do not bid deck repairs sight-unseen. Even with photos, the underlying structural condition often differs from what’s visible on the surface. A deck with one rotted board may have framing damage extending well beyond that single board; a deck with cosmetic stain failure may have structurally sound framing throughout. The inspection determines the actual scope.
What we look at
Surface condition (boards, fasteners, stain or oil), structural framing (joists, beams, ledger board, posts), footings, railings (height, baluster spacing, stability), and ledger attachment to the home (water intrusion behind it is the most common hidden failure point).
Honest replace-vs-repair recommendation
If the deck is past repair, we say so. Structural framing failures, footing settlement, or significant code gaps usually point to full deck replacement rather than repair. We make the honest call even when it means a smaller (or no) repair scope for us.
Written estimate
Inspection produces a written estimate covering scope, material, labor, and timeline. For repairs that are not cost-effective compared to replacement, we present both options with the cost differential and let you decide.
Bringing the Surface Back
Refinishing is the most common restoration work we do. Cedar reseal, hardwood oil refresh, and composite cleaning extend the visual life of a sound deck without requiring board replacement. For wood species and recommended finish products, see the wood deck installation page for the species and product recommendations we use.
Refinishing scope: cleaning with a deck-safe cleaner, brightening cedar as needed, drying period, and applying stain or oil using proper brush-or-rag technique. Spray-on or roller application produces a less durable result, and we don’t use it on hardwoods. Refinishing is typically a one to two-day scope, depending on deck size.
For ongoing seasonal maintenance scopes that include refinishing as part of a recurring schedule, deck maintenance services are available on a contract or per-visit basis.
How a Repair Job Works
Step 1: Photos and inquiry
Send photos showing the damage from multiple angles, along with context from the broader deck. Photos help us understand the scope before the site visit and bring the right tools and materials when we come out.
Step 2: Site inspection
Free site visit, typically scheduled within five to seven business days of the inquiry. Inspection covers surface, structural, footings, railings, and ledger attachment. The visit ends with a verbal scope of work and a written estimate within two to three business days.
Step 3: Material order and scheduling
For repairs requiring specific materials (matched cedar grade, ipe boards, manufacturer-specific composite), we order materials and schedule the repair date once they arrive. Standard fastener and hardware repairs can typically be scheduled sooner.
Step 4: Repair execution
Repair work was performed per the estimated scope. For most residential repairs, one to two days on-site. Surface protection, debris cleanup, and final walkthrough are included in every repair scope.
Step 5: Walk-through and warranty
Final walkthrough with the homeowner to confirm scope completion. Workmanship warranty on repair work: 1 year. Material warranties pass through from the manufacturer where applicable.
Where We Do Repair Work
Repair work spans our standard residential service zones in the Hill Country corridor:
- West Lake Hills: Cedar deck repairs from earlier construction phases are the most common scope.
- Bee Cave: a mix of cedar refinishing and composite repair from the area’s varied deck stock.
- Lakeway: humidity-related repairs on wood decks, fastener corrosion repairs, and board replacement at water-exposed connection points.
- Westlake: railing and post repair on older established-neighborhood decks.
- Northwest Hills and River Place: tree-canopy-exposed decks with debris and moisture-driven repair needs.
Repair work also extends across Greater Austin. Service-call radius for repairs is typically limited to projects within 45 minutes of Austin to keep scheduling efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deck Repair
How quickly can you come out to inspect?
Typically five to seven business days from inquiry to site visit. Emergency repairs (safety concerns, fall hazards) are prioritized when possible. We send photos to confirm the inquiry before scheduling.
What's the minimum repair size you'll take on?
No minimum. Small repairs (a few boards, a loose railing post, a single rotted joist) are scoped at hourly labor plus materials. Larger repairs at the written estimate scope.
Can you match my existing deck material?
Usually yes. Cedar matching is straightforward when the grade is known. Composite matching requires knowing the manufacturer and line; we order replacement boards from the original manufacturer when possible. Ipe and tigerwood replacement matched by hand-selecting boards that closely match the existing color and figure.
Do you handle railing repair?
Yes. Loose railings, rotted posts, baluster replacement, and full railing reconstruction. Railing repair often pulls code review into scope, since older railings may be below current code height or baluster spacing requirements.
Can you refinish my composite deck?
Composite doesn’t need refinishing in the traditional sense – the capped polymer surface is the finish. What composite needs is cleaning, occasionally aggressive cleaning to remove deep stains or mildew. We use manufacturer-approved cleaning products for composite restoration.
What if you find more damage than expected during the inspection?
We document what we find and provide a revised scope. If the additional damage pushes the project into replacement territory rather than repair, we say so honestly, with the cost comparison. The homeowner makes the call from there.
Do you handle deck staining as a standalone service?
Yes, as part of the refinishing scope. Cedar staining typically takes one to two days for residential decks, plus a drying period. Stain product selection was discussed during the inspection.
What's your repair warranty?
One year of workmanship for the repair scope. Material warranties pass through from the manufacturer, where applicable (composite boards typically 25-50 years; hardwood is not a warrantable material in the same way, though we stand behind our installation work).
Schedule a Repair Inspection
Send photos of the damage. We respond within one business day with a verbal first impression and a site-visit timeline.
Or call (512) 650-276