Deck Building & Repair in Chittenden County, VT: Repair or Rebuild?

Hi there. I’m Tim.

Every spring here in Vermont, the snow finally melts, and we all head out to the backyard. But after a long winter of heavy snow and ice, a lot of folks step onto their deck and notice something isn't quite right.

Maybe the wood is splintering, the railing feels loose, or the deck boards are starting to warp.

Because we deal with such extreme weather, outdoor wood takes a massive beating. As a master woodworker and general contractor with over 50 years of experience, I get a lot of calls for outdoor projects. If you are looking for reliable deck builders in Chittenden County, I want to share a few insider tips on how to tell if your deck can be saved, or if it is time to start fresh.

1. The "Screwdriver Test" for Deck Repair

Before you assume you need a brand-new deck, we need to look at the "bones."

Your deck is made of two main parts: the decking (the boards you walk on) and the framing (the joists and posts underneath holding it all up). The decking gets the most sun and ice, so it rots first. But if the framing underneath is still solid, you might just need a deck repair in Vermont, which saves you a lot of money!

Here is a trick: Take a flathead screwdriver and carefully poke at the wooden joists underneath your deck. If the wood is firm and the screwdriver bounces off, your framing is in great shape! If the screwdriver sinks into the wood easily, it means the wood is rotting from the inside out, and it is no longer structurally safe to hold weight.

2. Upgrading: Wood vs. Composite

If it is time to build a new deck, you have a big choice to make regarding materials.

• Pressure-Treated Wood or Cedar: Because I am a custom woodworker, I absolutely love the look of natural wood. A classic cedar deck is gorgeous. However, wood requires maintenance. You must be willing to power wash and reseal it every couple of years to protect it from the Vermont snow.
• Composite Decking: Materials like Trex are incredibly popular right now. They are made from a mix of recycled wood fibers and plastic. While the upfront cost is higher than regular wood, composite decking never splinters, never rots, and never needs to be stained. You just wash it with a hose and enjoy it.

3. Footings Must Beat the Frost Line

This is the biggest mistake I see with amateur deck builders. In Chittenden County, the ground freezes deep in the winter. If your deck posts are just sitting on concrete blocks on the grass, the winter freeze will heave the ground upward, twisting your deck and ripping it away from your house.

When my team and I build a deck, we dig the concrete footings at least 4 feet deep,well below the Vermont frost line. This guarantees your deck will stay perfectly level and safe for decades.

Let’s Get Your Backyard Ready

You shouldn't have to worry if your deck is safe when you have friends over for a summer barbecue.

If your deck is looking tired, let me come take a look. I will give you my honest, professional opinion on whether it can be repaired or needs to be rebuilt. And just like every project at Tradecraft VT, I will give you a free, 100% open-book estimate so you see exactly where your money is going.

Give me a call directly at (802) 585-9112 or send me a message through the website. Let’s get you back outside.

Common Questions About Decks (FAQs)

Do I need a town permit to build or repair a deck?

It depends on the scope of the work and your town. If we are just replacing the top decking boards (a repair), you usually do not need a permit. However, if we are building a brand-new deck, changing the footprint, or pouring new concrete footings, nearly every town in Chittenden County (like Williston, Burlington, and Shelburne) requires a permit. Don't worry,I handle all the permitting paperwork for you!

Can I put a hot tub on my new deck?

Yes, but you must tell us during the design phase! A standard deck is built to hold people and patio furniture. A hot tub filled with water and people weighs thousands of pounds. We have to specifically over-engineer the framing and pour extra concrete footings directly underneath where the hot tub will sit to support that massive weight.

How long does it take to build a new deck?

Once the town approves the permits and we have our materials delivered, a standard-sized deck usually takes about 1 to 2 weeks to complete from the ground up.

Are you insured in case someone gets hurt on the job?

Absolutely. Tradecraft VT is a fully licensed general contractor (VT License No. 173.0000644) and we carry full liability and worker's compensation insurance. We protect you and your property every step of the way.