Do in Need to Replace the Deck Framing when Completing a Deck Remodel? This is a common question homeowners have is when they want to get their deck replaced due to rot and damage. In the last 5-10 years, deck replacements have taken a new direction as composites and PVC alternatives have grown in popularity. The longevity of these alternative options poses the problem of the deck boards outliving the framing of the deck itself.
Here we will tackle the tough question of whether a homeowner should be replacing the wood framing of the deck when replacing the deck boards.
Deck Boards vs. Framing?
First, we need to define the three main components of a deck. These three components are footings, framing, and decking. This will help guide the understanding for the rest of the article.
Footings: these are the concrete structures that the framing of the deck sits on. They create an immovable base for the deck to sit on. In Westchester County New York, footings should be sitting 36” below grade and the column should be visible above grade by at least 6”. The reason why these footings must be so deep is to get below the frost line. If the concrete footing and pier are above the frost line, moving and shifting can happen over time as the ground freezes. This would damage the deck and create a safety concern due to collapse.
Framing: this is the support structure for the decking. It is what creates the platform and structure that allows the deck boards to be laid close together for a walking platform. It also creates a base for the railing system to attach to and support a horizontal force of no less than 250 lbs. Framing can be seen underneath the deck and is the larger pieces of timber spaced further apart.
Decking and Railings: The decking and railings are what make the deck a deck. It is synonymous with wood or tile flooring inside your house. The deck boards can be made of many different materials. Over the last 25 years, technology has greatly advanced to solve the issue of low maintenance and longevity. The traditional material that has been popular up until the last 10 years has been pressure-treated wood. Today, there are many alternatives. These include exotic woods, composites, PVCs, engineered lumber, treated lumber, and even pericline (similar to tile). Even in these broad categories, countless manufacturers are putting their take on solving the issue of low maintenance and longevity and different price points.
Life Span of Pressure Decking and Framing
Pressure-treated (PT) has an incredibly long life span when compared to untreated wood. When left to the elements, untreated wood will start to show signs of rot in 1-3 years if not correctly primed and painted. However, ground contact grade pressure-treated wood can last 25-40 years depending on exposure, treatment, and vapor gaps. Because of this, pressure treated is the most common framing material for decks. There are some companies like TimberTech that have created a metal frame construction that surpasses PT wood. However, this is an expensive alternative that usually involves custom applications generating long lead times.
Pressure-treated deck boards on the other hand do not last as long. They are exposed to the elements much more and due to the nature of the flat surface, water does not run off it as it does on the framing. The flat surface of the deck boards allows for water to accumulate for longer periods, which increases the rate of rotting. For this reason, pressure-treated deck boards will show signs of decay as soon as 6 years with an average lifespan of 10-15 years.
Proper care and maintenance of deck boards can extend their life. Painting the boards with an exterior-based primer and painting every 2-3 years will help in this process. The paint acts as a barrier to the water, removing the contact to the wood. It should be noted that pressure-treated lumber should never be painted before it is fully dried out. Wet pressure treatment has the common trait of a green hue to it. This is because of the chemical process it goes through. 3-6 months of dry time will allow excess moisture to leave the wood, allowing for paint to not trap the moisture inside. Painting before the PT is dried will expedite the rotting process faster than if it was never painted.
Now, we’re sure you’ve seen “30-year-old” PT decks. However, wood grain splitting starts to occur, boards start to pop up causing a safety concern. Replacement boards will need to be patched in to remove the most rotted sections. We do not recommend this method of extending the deck life. Rot is hidden both inside the boards and underneath the boards. this creates a safety concern as rotted wood is extremely brittle. Once one board is rotted out, all the boards are likely starting to experience decay.
The lifespan of Alternative Materials:
As discussed, countless manufacturers are pursuing different materials and engineering practices to extend the life of your deck. Companies provide manufacture warranties on the material based on what they have found in their testing. These lifespans range from 25, 30, 50, and even lifetime warranties. There are different price points for each one of these options and levels of quality. One of the largest differences that two 30-year warranty products will have is the visual and textual quality. Chasing the warmth and feel of a wood deck can be challenging when using manufactured materials such as composites and PVCs.
Although the up-front cost is generally greater with these products, the cost-saving down the road due to low maintenance and longevity tend to pay off. Painting a deck can start at $3,500.00 and can double depending on the size, shape, and existing condition. Having to do this every 2,3, or 5 years adds up quickly throughout 15 years.
Replacing Deck Boards Only or Framing too
So we have finally reached the golden question: Do I need to replace my deck framing if I’m replacing my deck boards. The quick answer is it depends. There are two main criteria; How old is your deck framing? Is there visible rot or splitting in your framing?
Deck framing that is older than 15 years old should be replaced with new framing. This is because whichever material you choose to install on top of the framing will most likely outlast the remaining life of the framing. The last thing you would want to do is spend a bunch of money on a great decking and railing to have it caving, bowing, and falling after 5 years because the framing is rotted. In this case, you would have to throw out all the railings, decking, AND framing.
The second question pertains to the rot accumulation of the framing. Generally, there will be no visible signs of rotting on deck framing less than 15 years old. However, the most commonplace for a deck to rot is at locations where nails have penetrated the wood (under the deck boards). This is because the nails make penetration into the wood inviting moisture and water to get in. over time, water sits in these small pockets and starts to slowly rot the wood. Splitting of the joist framing can occur slowly and will be unnoticeable from the bottom. This has been a very common case and has been found in deck framing only 5 years old. There are certain precautions builders can take to mitigate that risk such as joist tape, but that is beyond scope of this article.
Conclusion:
If your deck boards are rotted out and the framing is older than 10-15 years, it will be best practice to replace the framing of the deck. Certain circumstances allow for the framing to be reused; however, New York’s climate can be quite harsh on lumber. Allow your contractor to best advise you as to if the framing can be reused. If he/she says it can’t ask why to ask for the physical signs of decay if your framing is not past the half-life yet.
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