Deck Rebuilding

A rebuild is also an opportunity. If your old deck had the wrong footprint, the wrong material, inadequate stairs, or railings that never felt secure, a rebuild lets you fix everything at once. We treat every rebuild as a new-build project — proper footings, proper framing, proper permit — not just a demolition job with a shortcut structure assembled on top. The result is a deck with a legal permit history, clean structural documentation, and a workmanship guarantee.

Before demolition begins, we assess the existing structure to understand what failed and why. If the ledger was never flashed, we note it so the new ledger gets proper waterproofing. If footings are heaved or undersized, we know what we're replacing before we start digging. Once tear-down is complete, we remove all material — decking, framing, hardware, concrete debris if footings need to go — and leave a clean work site before building begins.

Demolition takes typically one to two days for a standard residential deck. We separate material for disposal or recycling and coordinate haul-away as part of the project scope. You don't need to arrange a bin. The site visit and estimate process covers everything from demo cost through final material and labour, so you're not managing two separate contractors or two separate invoices for the same project.

Rebuild framing starts with footings installed to frost depth — 1.2 metres minimum in most of Southwestern Ontario. Tube forms are poured level, posts set with steel saddle hardware, beams and joists hung with rated hangers and correct hardware schedules. We use pressure-treated lumber rated for ground-contact on any member within 150 mm of grade, and above-ground-rated PT for joists and beams. Every lumber stamp is correct for its application — not a detail most homeowners notice, but one every competent inspector does.

Ledger-to-house connections are done with through-bolts at correct spacing, proper flashing with a drip edge behind the ledger, and a drainage gap that keeps the house rim joist dry. This single detail is the most common cause of deck ledger failure and house water damage in Ontario. We flash it correctly every time. The Ontario Building Code permit closes on inspection, giving you a legal structure and a clean record for insurance and resale purposes.

A full rebuild is the right time to address anything about the original deck that didn't work — inadequate size, awkward stair placement, no built-in seating, materials you're tired of maintaining. We fold design changes into the rebuild plan at the estimate stage, so there's no change-order friction once work begins. If you want to switch from pressure-treated to composite, add a lower platform or grade-level lounging area, or integrate a pergola structure, it all gets priced and scoped upfront.

Railing upgrades are especially popular during rebuilds. Many older decks were built with 2×4 balusters and minimal railing profiles. Modern cable, aluminum, or glass-panel systems dramatically change how a deck reads from inside the house and from the yard. We bring samples and can help you visualize the difference. The rebuild is also the moment to rough in conduit for lighting or a future hot tub circuit if you think you might want that flexibility.