If your deck is soft, splintered, or pulling away from the house, it is usually time to replace it, not patch it. A full replacement means we tear out the old deck, build a new foundation and frame, and install new decking. Here is exactly what to expect when you replace a deck in Jacksonville, including the timeline and what each material costs.
We are Jacksonville Deck Builders, a brand of Coastal Outdoor Construction. We have been building decks across NE Florida since 2013, and we have built 500+ of them. We do new builds and full replacements only. We do not repair, restain, or refinish old decks, because once a deck has gone bad, a fresh build lasts far longer.
Repair or Replace? How to Tell
A few loose boards is one thing. Real trouble is another. You are likely past the point of patching if you see any of these.
- Soft, spongy, or rotted boards you can press a screwdriver into
- Wobbly railings or posts that move when you push them
- Framing or joists that are cracked, sagging, or rusting at the connectors
- The ledger pulling away from the house
- Decking that is splintering or has not held a finish in years
In Florida, sun, humidity, and salt air age a deck fast, so by the time the surface looks rough, the structure underneath is often worse. When the framing or footings are compromised, replacement is the safe and honest call. If you are not sure, we will tell you straight during the free in-home estimate.
Step 1: Tear-Out and Free Removal
Every replacement starts by getting the old deck out of the way. Our crew dismantles the existing deck down to the ground, hauls it all away, and cleans up the site. Demolition and removal of your old deck are free when we build your new one. No separate teardown fee, no dumpster rental. We handle it.
Step 2: New Footings and Framing
This is the part you will not see once the deck is done, and it is the part that matters most. We do not reuse old footings or framing on a replacement. We build the structure new, to current code.
Florida is serious about wind. We engineer every deck to 130 to 150 mph wind codes with hurricane-rated metal connectors and concrete footings. New posts, new beams, new joists, all sized and spaced for our climate and for the material going on top. A new deck is only as good as the frame under it, so this is where we spend the care.
Step 3: New Decking, Railings, and Finishing
With the frame inspected and solid, we install your new decking surface, railings, stairs, and any built-in features. This is when the project really comes together and starts to look like the deck you pictured.
You choose the surface based on your budget, look, and how much upkeep you want. We will walk through the options below.
Thinking about replacing your deck this season? Our in-home estimate is free, and so is hauling away your old deck. Request a free quote or call (904) 944-9253.
How Long a Deck Replacement Takes
Most homeowners want to know one thing: how long will my backyard be a job site? Here is the honest timeline.
The build itself, from tear-out to the last board, usually runs a few days to a couple of weeks depending on size, height, and how involved the design is. A simple ground-level replacement goes fast. A raised deck or a build with custom railing and stairs takes longer.
Before any of that, there is planning. After your free estimate, we put together a paid 3D design so you can see the deck before we build it. That design fee is credited back to your project when you build with us. Then we pull permits in Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, or Clay county, which we handle for you. Once the permit is in hand, we get on the calendar and build.
Deck Material Cost and Durability
The biggest choice you will make is the decking surface, because it drives both the price and how the deck holds up in our climate. Here is a simple comparison of what we install.
Pressure-Treated Wood: ~$10 to $20 per sq ft
The most affordable way to get a solid new deck. Pressure-treated pine holds up well in Florida when it is built right. It is real wood at the lowest entry price, which makes it a popular choice for a straightforward replacement. See our wood decks page for more.
Cedar: ~$20 to $30 per sq ft
Cedar gives you a warm, natural look and a softer feel underfoot than pine. We use cedar as deck flooring for homeowners who want real wood with more character. It sits in the middle of the range.
Composite (Trex, MoistureShield): ~$15 to $40 per sq ft
Composite is the most popular surface we install on replacements. The boards resist Florida sun, moisture, and bugs, and they do not need staining or sealing. The range is wide because entry lines and premium lines are very different. For a deck you replace once and stop worrying about, this is the sweet spot for most homeowners. Learn more on our composite decking page.
AZEK PVC: top of the composite range
AZEK is full PVC, not wood-composite, and it is the most weather-resistant surface we offer. It also runs about 30 degrees cooler underfoot than dark composite, which matters a lot on a Jacksonville afternoon. It costs more, but for bare feet around a pool or a sunny back deck, it is worth a serious look.
To put real numbers on it, a common 12x12 deck (144 sq ft) typically runs $3,200 to $8,400 depending on the material. Pressure-treated lands near the bottom; composite and AZEK push toward the top.
Why Replace Instead of Patch
It can be tempting to swap a few boards and move on. The problem is that surface fixes do not address the framing and footings, which are usually where an aging Florida deck fails first. A patched deck looks better for a season, then the same problems come back, often worse. A full replacement gives you a deck engineered to current wind codes, built on new footings, and topped with a surface you choose for the next 20-plus years. It is a better use of your money than chasing repairs on a deck that is already on its way out.
Ready to Replace Your Jacksonville Deck?
The fastest way to a real answer is a free in-home estimate. We will look at your old deck, tell you honestly whether it is a replacement, talk through materials, and give you real numbers. We are a FL-licensed general contractor, fully insured, with a 4.9-star rating on 70 Google reviews.
Whether it is a simple backyard deck, a pool deck, or a full outdoor living build with a pergola, we are glad to help. Request your free quote or call (904) 944-9253 today.