Rotted Deck Gets a Full Composite and Cedar Upgrade

This one was overdue. The existing deck was covered in moss, gray with age, and the substructure underneath was showing serious wear. The decking surface was soft in spots, the boards were splitting, and the whole thing had that spongy feel that tells you it's not just a cosmetic problem anymore. This is the kind of deck that stops getting used - not because people don't want to be outside, but because nobody wants to deal with it.

We stripped everything back and started fresh. The substructure got a full rebuild with new framing and posts, properly set and tied in with heavy-duty post bases. That's the work you don't always see, but it's what everything else depends on. Getting the bones right is non-negotiable on a raised deck like this.

For the surface, we went with high-end composite decking in a warm brown tone. Composite is our go-to recommendation for decks that take real weather - no sealing, no sanding, no annual maintenance cycle. The double racetrack border detail around the perimeter adds a finished, intentional look that sets it apart from a basic board-by-board install. It's a small detail that makes a big difference in how the final product reads.

The railings are cedar - fresh, tight-grained, and built to complement the composite surface without competing with it. We also added a cedar gate with a black latch hardware finish, which gives the deck a clean access point and a little extra character. Under the deck, the new framing tells the same story as the surface - everything tight, level, and built with longevity in mind.

The difference between what was there and what's there now is night and day. A deck that was a liability is now a genuinely usable outdoor space - solid underfoot, sharp looking, and built to stay that way without a lot of upkeep.