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Decks · Repair · Hamilton
Deck Repair & Resurfacing in Hamilton & Burlington
Resurfacing replaces boards and often railings while keeping a sound frame; repair corrects isolated structural defects; rebuilding is safer when decay, footings or the ledger have failed. New composite or PVC boards belong only on framing with suitable condition, spacing and ventilation.
How a deck is built, from footings to railing
Shown: Ground-level deck — Step 1 of 5 — Footings
- Footings or helical piles reach below the frost line so the deck can't heave in winter.
- Posts carry the load up from the footings.
- Beams and joists frame the structure under the boards.
- Decking boards and a picture-frame border finish the walking surface.
- A black metal safety railing (guard) goes up last, where required.
Est. 2020Footings below frostPermit drawings handledDeck + landscape design
Quick answer
Resurfacing replaces boards and often railings while keeping a sound frame; repair corrects isolated structural defects; rebuilding is safer when decay, footings or the ledger have failed. New composite or PVC boards belong only on framing with suitable condition, spacing and ventilation. Your exact price comes from an on-site quote.
Fit before finish
Is this deck right for you?
May not suit
- Soft ledgers or widespread framing rot
- Heaved or sunken footings that cannot be corrected locally
- Covering structural movement with new finish materials
Profiles & details
Styles and options
Composite resurface
New capped boards and borders can modernize a verified frame with suitable joist spacing.
Railing refresh
Black aluminum can update appearance after rim framing and blocking are checked.
Stair rebuild
Stringers, landings, guards and handrails are assessed as one safety assembly.
Targeted structural repair
Localized framing or connector work is appropriate only when the cause and extent are understood.
Balanced guidance
Honest pros & considerations
Advantages
- Can preserve serviceable framing
- Reduces demolition where structure is sound
- Updates boards, borders and guards
- Joist tape can protect verified framing during resurfacing
Considerations
- Hidden decay may appear after boards are removed
- Diagonal composite patterns may need tighter joist spacing
- Hamilton requires a permit for new or replacement guards
- Removal and disposal are quoted on site
Typical Ontario installed range (2026)New surface follows material table; removal quoted on site
Approximate lifespanDepends on retained frame and new surface
MaintenanceInspect structure; care for selected boards
Feel & heatRenewed surface on verified structure
Material decision
Compare the closest alternatives
Composite
Lifespan 25–30+ yrs
Maintenance Occasional washing
Cost band $$$ · $65–$95/sq ft
Look: Uniform boards, wood-look colours
Heat & comfort: Darker colours get warmer in full sun
Pressure-Treated Wood
Lifespan 15–20 yrs
Maintenance Regular staining/sealing
Cost band $$ · $45–$65/sq ft
Look: Classic wood, stains to suit
Heat & comfort: Stays comfortable underfoot; needs regular sealing
Lifespans are approximate, with proper installation and maintenance. Prices are typical Ontario installed ranges (2026); your exact price comes from an on-site quote.
| Material | Look | Lifespan (approx.) | Maintenance | Typical range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-Treated Wood | Classic wood, stains to suit | 15–20 yrs | Regular staining/sealing | $45–$65 / sq ft |
| Cedar | Warm natural grain | 15–25 yrs | Regular staining/sealing | $55–$80 / sq ft |
| Composite | Uniform boards, wood-look colours | 25–30+ yrs | Low — occasional washing | $65–$95 / sq ft |
| PVC | Crisp, premium finish | 30+ yrs | Low — occasional washing | $80–$110 / sq ft |
Planning range
Estimate your deck
Estimated range for ~192 sq ft$17,180 – $27,240
- Deck surface: $12,480–$18,240
- Stairs: $1,500–$3,000
- Railing: $3,200–$6,000
Raised decks need guards above 600 mm, taller posts and bracing, which push the per-sq-ft rate up. Confirmed on site.
Per-sq-ft rates usually drop as decks get larger; height, stairs, railings and complex shapes push them up.
Typical Ontario installed ranges (2026), not a quote. Your exact price comes from a free on-site visit.
Same deck, responsible decision
Before and after resurfacing
Weathered wood deck compared with a warm composite resurface and black railing
| Path | When it fits | What must be checked |
|---|---|---|
| Repair | Localized, correctable damage | Cause, adjacent framing and load path |
| Resurface | Sound frame with worn boards | Joist condition, spacing, ventilation and flashing |
| Rebuild | Widespread rot or failed supports | Footings, ledger, framing, permits and new design |
Below the surface
How we build deck repair & resurfacing decks
We do not judge a deck by its boards alone. The assessment follows loads from rail posts and stairs through joists, beams, ledger, connectors and footings before deciding what deserves to stay.
- 01
Check soft boards, bounce, guards, stairs and visible connections
- 02
Probe framing, ledger and flashing where safely accessible
- 03
Compare repair, resurfacing and rebuild scope
- 04
Correct suitable structural defects and joist spacing
- 05
Add joist tape and install compatible new boards and guards
- 06
Complete required inspection, cleanup and disposal
What's inside a deck, from the ground up
Everything below the boards — footings, posts, beams and joists — is what keeps a deck safe and level for decades; click a layer to see why it matters.
- Native soil: Undisturbed native soil carries the load. Topsoil and fill are not used as bearing.
- Frost line (~1.2 m): Footings must bear below frost depth — about 1.2 m / 4 ft in this region — so freeze–thaw can't heave the deck.
- Pier or helical pile: Concrete piers are poured below frost; helical piles are screwed down to bearing depth with little excavation and can be loaded right away.
- Post + bracket: Posts sit in a bracket on the footing so they stay dry and positively connected.
- Beam: Beams gather joist loads and carry them to the posts.
- Joists + joist tape: Pressure-treated joists; on composite and PVC builds we add joist/beam protection tape to shed water from the tops.
- Ledger + flashing / freestanding: An attached deck needs a properly fastened and flashed ledger. A freestanding design uses its own beam instead of the house.
- Decking, fasteners, gapping: Hidden fasteners and correct gapping on composite/PVC let boards drain and move with temperature.
- Guard: 900 / 1,070 mm + 100 mm sphere: Guards are required above 600 mm. Minimum 900 mm high up to 1.8 m above grade, 1070 mm above that; openings must stop a 100 mm sphere.
- Stair stringers: Stairs must meet Ontario Building Code rise/run and handrail rules; we frame them to code with solid landings.
2. Frost line (~1.2 m)
Footings must bear below frost depth — about 1.2 m / 4 ft in this region — so freeze–thaw can't heave the deck.
Ownership timeline
Care & maintenance
Do a safety walk
Stop using areas with loose guards, severe bounce, rotten stairs or visible separation.
Inspect the structure
Review boards, guards, stairs, ledger clues and footing movement.
Protect retained framing
Keep ventilation and drainage clear and follow care guidance for the new boards.
Hamilton · Burlington · Oakville
Permits and guard requirements
Hamilton
Any attached deck needs a permit. New or replacement guards also require a permit. Building Division: 905-546-2720.
Burlington
Attached decks and decks more than 600 mm above grade or over 10 m² commonly need a permit. Confirm with City of Burlington Building.
Oakville
Any attached deck needs a permit; detached decks over 10 m² and higher than 61 cm above grade also need one.
Confirm current requirements with your municipality before building.
Review the complete deck permit guide →Homeowner check
Visible signs that need attention
Stop and assess
- Soft or rotten boards
- Loose or wobbly railings
- Sagging or bouncy framing
- Heaved or sunken footings
Look beneath the surface
- Ledger rot or missing flashing
- Rusted connectors
- Failing stairs
- Water trapped against framing
Planning guides
Deck guides for homeowners
Common questions answered
Type-specific answers
Deck Repair & Resurfacing FAQ
Can I put new boards on my old deck frame?
Only if the frame is sound, correctly supported and spaced for the selected boards, with suitable ventilation. It must be inspected first.
How do I know if my deck is safe?
Soft wood, loose guards, bounce, sagging, heaved footings, ledger decay, rusted connectors and failing stairs are warning signs. Restrict use and arrange an assessment.
Do I need a permit to replace railings in Hamilton?
Yes. Hamilton states that replacement or installation of new guards requires a building permit. Confirm current requirements with the municipality.
Should I repair or replace my deck?
Repair suits localized defects with a correctable cause. Widespread rot, failed footings, ledger problems or major movement often point to rebuilding.
How long does resurfacing take?
Timing depends on size, stairs, railings and what is found after boards come off. Hidden repairs can change the schedule.
What does resurfacing cost compared with a new deck?
It depends on how much framing can responsibly remain. New boards follow the material ranges: pressure-treated $45–$65, cedar $55–$80, composite $65–$95 and PVC $80–$110 per sq ft; removal is quoted on site.
Local deck building
Hamilton, Ancaster, Burlington & Oakville
Hamilton
Hamilton MountainAncasterDundasStoney CreekWaterdownBinbrookFlamboroughWestdaleKirkendallGlanbrook
Burlington
AldershotBrant HillsTyandagaMillcroftApplebyLaSalle
Oakville
BronteGlen AbbeyRiver OaksPalermoOld OakvilleKerr Village
Start on site
Plan your deck repair & resurfacing deck.
Share the approximate size, height, stairs, railings and city. We’ll arrange a free on-site design consult and exact quote.