Composite Deck Replacement

Most wood decks have a lifespan of 10–20 years depending on the quality of the original build, the maintenance history, and how harsh the Wisconsin winters have been. When a deck reaches that point, homeowners face a decision: patch what's there, re-board the surface, or do a full replacement. The right answer usually comes down to what's in the framing.

Step One: Assess the Bones

Before we ever talk about decking material or color, we pull up enough boards to look at the rim joist, the inner joists, and the ledger connection at the house. If those are solid — no rot, no significant deterioration — a re-board with composite is a strong option. If the framing is compromised, the board work is wasted money. In those cases, a full demo and rebuild is the right call and actually saves the homeowner in the long run.

On this project, we found the existing framing to be in mixed condition: the rim joist and one inner joist had soft spots from moisture exposure, but the posts, beams, and ledger were solid. We replaced what was compromised and used the rest as the foundation for the new build.

Why Composite for the Replacement

The homeowners' previous wood deck had required annual sealing, periodic board replacement, and still never looked great past year five. They were done with that cycle. Composite was an easy decision — lower maintenance over the long run, and the look stays consistent for the life of the board without staining or painting.

We used a Fiberon composite board for this project — one of two composite lines we're certified to install. The hidden fastener system leaves a clean face with no visible screws, and the end caps give the fascia boards a finished edge.

The Full Scope of Work

• Full demolition of existing deck boards, railing, and damaged framing members
• Replacement of compromised rim joist and inner joist
• Fiberon composite decking with hidden fasteners and edge caps
• New aluminum railing system with powder coat to match the home
• New composite stair treads on existing stringers
• Updated deck lighting at the post caps

Is Your Deck Due for Replacement?

If your deck is showing signs of soft spots, rotting boards, wobbly railings, or a surface that looks worn no matter how much you clean it — it might be time for a real assessment. We're happy to take a look and give you an honest evaluation of what it will take to get things right.

We serve homeowners throughout south-central Wisconsin. Reach out for a free consultation — no pressure, just an honest conversation about what your project needs.