Patient: Backyard deck showing surface aging but hiding deeper rot and pest infestation
Referred by: Homeowner who suspected a problem — confirmed during exploratory demo

🤕 Symptoms:

-Multiple surface boards felt soft underfoot or were visibly cupped
-A few areas showed early cracking, but deeper inspection revealed termite damage and advanced rot in support framing
-Signs of hollow wood and brittle grain — telltale signs of infestation beneath the surface
-Paint and railings still looked decent, masking the extent of damage lurking below

🩺 Diagnosis:

This was one of those decks that looked “not too bad” at first glance — but like many structures, it was holding a deeper issue under the surface. Classic termite signatures showed up during demo: hollowed-out joists, crumbling grain, and silent decay that had been spreading undetected. The deck’s health had already been compromised — and like any system under quiet attack, it was only a matter of time before failure became visible.

Here’s the thing: When you walk across compromised lumber daily, even if it doesn’t give out, your body notices. You brace differently. You hesitate. You don’t fully relax. A compromised structure isn’t just physical — it creates nervous tension whether or not you realize it.

🛠️ Treatment Plan:

🐜 Pest Management: Licensed exterminator treated and cleared the infestation before work began
🪚 Full Demo: Carefully removed all deck boards and compromised framing down to substructure
🧱 Rebuild: Installed new pressure-treated framing with sealed joist ends for durability
🟫 Composite Upgrade: Laid Trex vinyl composite decking — UV-stable, rot-proof, and barefoot-friendly
🪜 Staircase Reset: Removed and rebuilt the staircase after decking was secured for clean edgework
🧽 Railing Preservation: Protected the original railing system with full wrap and repainted touch-ups for cohesion

💡 Prognosis:

Now, this deck feels exactly how it looks: strong, clean, and relaxing underfoot. There’s no more guessing or bracing for that one “soft spot.” Just peace of mind, one step at a time. In a space meant for calm, safety is non-negotiable. We didn’t just replace a deck — we restored ease, confidence, and safety to the home’s heartbeat.