Deck refacing vs full replacement is a decision many Minnesota homeowners face when their aging wood deck needs attention. Refacing — also called resurfacing or re-decking — means removing old deck boards and railing while keeping the existing substructure, then installing new composite or PVC decking on top. Full replacement means tearing everything down and building a completely new deck from the ground up. At Weatherguard Construction, we help homeowners across Stillwater, Woodbury, Minneapolis, and the Twin Cities metro determine which approach makes the most sense for their specific situation.
What Is Deck Refacing?
Deck refacing involves removing the existing deck boards, railing, and stairs while preserving the underlying substructure — the posts, beams, joists, and ledger board. Once the old surface materials are removed, the substructure is thoroughly inspected and any damaged components are repaired or replaced. Then new composite or PVC deck boards, railing, and stairs are installed on the existing framework.
Think of it like keeping the bones of a house and replacing the skin. The result is a brand-new deck surface with modern, low-maintenance materials at a lower cost than starting from scratch.
What Is Full Deck Replacement?
Full deck replacement means demolishing the entire existing deck — boards, railing, stairs, joists, beams, posts, and footings — and building a completely new deck from the ground up. This gives you a blank slate to redesign your deck layout, size, shape, and features without being constrained by the old structure.
When Deck Refacing Makes Sense
Refacing is a smart choice when:
- The substructure is sound — Posts, beams, and joists are structurally solid with no significant rot, insect damage, or deterioration
- You are happy with the current layout — The size, shape, height, and configuration of your deck work well for your needs
- Budget is a priority — Refacing typically costs 40–60% less than full replacement
- You want a faster project — Refacing takes 3–7 days versus 1–3 weeks for full replacement
- Your deck is relatively new — If the substructure is only 10–15 years old and was properly built with quality materials, it likely has decades of life remaining
Refacing Cost Estimate
For a typical 300–400 square foot deck refacing with composite or PVC boards and new railing:
- Composite refacing: $8,000–$16,000
- PVC refacing: $12,000–$22,000
These estimates include removal of old boards, substructure inspection, new decking, new railing, and new stairs.
When Full Replacement Is Necessary
Full replacement is the right choice when:
- The substructure is compromised — Rotting posts, deteriorated beams, damaged joists, or corroded hardware mean the foundation is unsafe
- You want to change the design — Different size, shape, height, additional levels, or new configuration require a new substructure
- The deck is over 20 years old — Older substructures may not meet current building codes or may have hidden damage
- Foundation issues exist — Shifting footings, inadequate concrete piers, or improper connections to the house require new construction
- You are adding significant features — Screened-in porches, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, or major expansions typically require new structural engineering
Full Replacement Cost Estimate
For a typical 300–400 square foot full deck replacement with composite or PVC:
- Composite full replacement: $15,000–$25,000
- PVC full replacement: $20,000–$35,000
How We Evaluate Your Deck
When you contact Weatherguard Construction for a deck consultation, our team performs a thorough evaluation:
- Visual inspection — We examine all visible components for damage, rot, and deterioration
- Structural probing — We probe posts, beams, and joists with tools to detect hidden rot
- Connection assessment — We check ledger board attachment, joist hangers, post brackets, and all hardware for corrosion and integrity
- Foundation check — We evaluate footings and concrete piers for settling, shifting, and adequacy
- Code compliance review — We assess whether the existing structure meets current Minnesota building codes
Based on this evaluation, we provide an honest recommendation — refacing if the substructure is sound, or full replacement if structural concerns exist. We never recommend unnecessary work, and we never recommend refacing over an unsafe substructure.
The Refacing Process
If refacing is appropriate, here is what the process looks like:
- Remove old deck boards, railing, and stairs — All surface materials are stripped away
- Inspect and repair substructure — Any compromised joists or connections are repaired or sistered
- Add any needed blocking or bracing — We ensure the substructure is optimized for the new decking
- Install new composite or PVC boards — Using hidden fastener systems for a clean, screw-free surface
- Install new railing and stairs — Coordinated with the new decking for a cohesive look
- Final inspection — We verify all work meets code and our quality standards
Making the Right Decision
The decision between refacing and replacement comes down to substructure condition, design goals, and budget. Homeowners in St. Paul, Eden Prairie, and Maple Grove often find that refacing delivers a stunning transformation at a fraction of the cost of full replacement. Others discover that their aging substructure makes full replacement the safer and better long-term investment.
Either way, Weatherguard Construction ensures you get a beautiful, durable, low-maintenance deck built to last decades in Minnesota's demanding climate. Call us at (651) 439-4320 or book a free consultation. We also serve Schaumburg, IL and Centennial, CO.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my deck substructure is sound?
A professional inspection is the only reliable way to assess substructure condition. Surface appearance can be misleading — a deck that looks decent on top may have serious structural issues underneath. Weatherguard Construction provides free deck evaluations.
Can I reface a deck with composite if it currently has wood?
Yes, this is the most common refacing scenario. We remove old wood boards and install new composite or PVC decking on the existing pressure-treated substructure. The result is a dramatic transformation from high-maintenance wood to virtually maintenance-free composite.
How long does deck refacing take?
Most deck refacing projects take 3–7 working days depending on deck size and complexity. Full replacement typically takes 1–3 weeks. Both timelines can be affected by weather and permitting schedules.
Is refacing cheaper than building a new deck?
Yes, significantly. Refacing typically costs 40–60% less than full replacement because you eliminate the cost of new footings, posts, beams, joists, and the labor associated with demolition and new substructure construction.
