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Deck repair and deck replacement in Rhode Island

Freeze-thaw winters, wet springs and salt air are hard on decks. Here's how to tell whether yours needs a repair, new boards, or a full rebuild.

Warning signs to take seriously

Soft or spongy boards, especially near the house and stairs
Wobbly railings or posts
Rust or corrosion on joist hangers, bolts and screws
A ledger board (where the deck meets the house) that's rotted, pulling away, or has no visible flashing
Posts sitting directly on soil, or footings that have heaved
Stairs with loose treads or weak stringers

If a deck is moving, sagging or the ledger is pulling away, stop using it until a qualified builder or your building official looks at it.

Situation	Usually means
A few bad boards or a loose railing, solid frame	Repair
Worn boards everywhere, frame and footings sound	Resurface with new decking and railings
Rotted ledger or joists, corroded connectors, shallow footings	Replace the frame, often a full rebuild

Replacing a deck, or making structural repairs, generally needs a building permit from your town under the Rhode Island State Building Code (RISBC-2). Ask your local building office; see our RI deck permit guide.

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