Charlotte summers are hard on wood decks. Months of humidity, afternoon storms, and leaves sitting in the corners all lead to the same thing: boards that feel soft, rails that wiggle, and stairs that start to move. The good news is that a tired surface doesn't always mean a tired deck.
Start with the boards. Press a screwdriver into the ones that look darkest or stay wet longest. If it sinks in on only a handful of boards, replacing those boards is a quick, affordable fix. If it sinks in across most of the surface, the decking has reached the end of its life.
Then look underneath, because the framing is what decides repair versus replace. Check the joists and beams for soft spots, look at where the posts meet the ground, and look closely at the ledger board where the deck attaches to the house. Solid framing can take new decking and railings and last for years. Rotting framing means a rebuild, because new boards on a weak frame won't last.
Stairs and railings deserve their own look. Loose handrails and wobbly stair stringers are the parts most likely to cause an injury, and they're often worth fixing right away even if the rest of the deck can wait a season.
If you're not sure what you're looking at, we'll come out, check the boards and the framing, and tell you honestly which option makes sense. The estimate is free and in writing.