Discussion

Can I replace old decking boards with composite material without having to replace the deck frame and supports?

My deck is about 15-20 years old and shows no signs of structural failure, but the decking boards are starting to show their age. Does it make sense to only replace the decking boards while leaving the frame and supports intact, or is it more common for people to do a complete tear-out and rebuild?

The common issue with this is joist spacing. Composite boards are not as strong as traditional wood, so they require closer joist spacing. If the supporting joists, ledger, and hangers are in good condition, it’s perfectly acceptable to only replace the decking.