Plan a new deck or decide what to do with the one you have.
Use these guides to evaluate an existing deck, compare resurfacing with replacement, plan a new layout, understand cost factors, and prepare for permit and contract questions.
Practical guidance for Southern Maine homeowners
Choose the guide that matches your deck project.
A useful deck estimate depends on the structure, access, height, materials, stairs, rails, and municipal requirements. These pages explain those variables without pretending every project fits one price or one solution.
What should be decided before a new deck is priced?
Start with the door, grade, usable space, stairs, sun, access, and the way the deck should connect the house to the yard.
New deck planning 02 · EvaluateHow much of an existing deck is worth keeping?
Separate worn finish boards from movement, rot, weak connections, and a layout that no longer works.
Repair, resurface, or replace 03 · EvaluateCan composite decking go on an existing frame?
Learn what must be checked after the old boards come off and when resurfacing stops being the responsible scope.
Composite deck resurfacing 04 · EvaluateIs a loose rail or bad stair a local repair?
Understand the connections, geometry, landings, and structural clues that determine the right repair.
Deck stairs and railings 05 · CompareWhich deck material fits the house and the budget?
Compare maintenance, heat, appearance, framing requirements, fasteners, and edge details.
Wood and composite decking 06 · PrepareWhat actually changes the cost of a deck?
See how height, demolition, structure, stairs, rails, material, access, and permitting shape an estimate.
Southern Maine deck cost guide 07 · PrepareWhat should be confirmed before construction starts?
A plain-language guide to municipal permits, code enforcement, shoreland review, and written contracts.
Maine deck permits and contractsPlan the work in this order.
- 01Decide what is worth keeping.
Finish boards, framing, house connections, footings, stairs, and railings do not age at the same rate.
- 02Resolve the layout and structure.
Door height, grade, stair direction, access, and intended use affect the build before a color is selected.
- 03Choose the finish system.
Wood or composite, fasteners, fascia, and rails should support the agreed scope—not distract from it.