How do we fix up a deck?

Hi Madelyn, There's no getting around the fact that the materials will be a bit spendy, but labor costs can be easily mitigated! I would suggest you put the word out through family and friends, to search for a handy person that is retired or semi retired. I purchased my home about 5 years ago, and had a private home inspector do a run through for me. What he and I didn't notice was that my deck framing, though appeared stable (due to a fresh coat of paint) was built with regular framing lumber. Ummm, rotting throughout! Though I'm no carpenter, I am pretty handy. I, too, am on a fixed income, and didn't even consider calling for a bid. The outcome, though taking much longer than hiring out, was done to code and safety standards, and if I do say so myself, pretty darn good looking. Thanks to YouTube, I was able to get most of my in process questions answered. Good Luck!

Since you have to replace it, then make sure you treat all the adjacent areas for mold & termites, when it’s demo’d.

Treated lumber will be far cheaper than Trex or engineered lumber.

Untreated lumber won’t last long and I imagine you will sell that house or your heirs will, in some future years. Think about re-sale value.

You’ll need to go to the City and get their deck building hand-out and study it. Then lay out on graph paper,what framing lumber, what posts, post footings, decking & fasteners you need to buy.

If your deck layout exceeds the hand-outs span tables you’ll need to hire a pro design/architecture firm to draw & specify your construction documents. Let me know if you need pro help.

If the deck is >30” off the ground, you’ll need to abide by current handrail & guardrail requirements.

>40”, then there’s stair requirements, no fully open risers. Min width, max rise & run.

>60” this is a job for two people, not one.

HI Madelyn!

I am so sorry that things are so costly, I truly understand that because I too am faced with this. I hope these ideas will be helpful for you and cost efficient to do.

https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=Cheap%20deck%20ideas%20diy&rs=guide&add_refine=diy%7Cguide%7Cword%7C0

https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/outdoor-living/repair-a-deck/

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=How+do+we+fix+up+a+deck+on+a+low+budget&qpvt=How+do+we+fix+up+a+deck+on+a+low+budget&FORM=VDRE

There are actually a lot of resources you can ask for some assistance. Many local Catholic high schools require students to complete community service before graduation, if you need cheap labor, you may qualify if you talk to principal. Check in with your local VA if either of you are veterans - many companies donate time and materials for exactly these situations. Check with your local union hall as they may have apprentices needing to complete projects before they can become union members who can work at discounted rates. Does your town have a technical school? Reach out to the Boy Scouts - you'd be surprised what projects an Eagle Scout may do for minimal costs.

https://alifeunfolding.com/small-deck-refresh-reveal-day-is-here/