Subframe & Joist Repairs
We replace rotting, sinking, or structurally compromised joists and bearers. Securing the underlying frame is always our first priority before fixing the surface.
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Structural Deck Repairs & Carpentry in Sydney
We repair damaged, rotting, and unsafe timber decks through precision carpentry. Instead of a quick cosmetic patch, our process includes assessing the underlying structure, replacing failing joists or boards, and securing your deck so it is completely safe to use again.
- Clear quotes based on the actual condition of your deck.
- Proper structural carpentry, not just a temporary surface patch.
- 3–5 year workmanship warranty on repairs, depending on the scope of work.
Why Proper Deck Repairs Matters
Screwing down a loose board might make a deck feel solid for a short time—but a lasting repair always depends on addressing what is happening underneath. If a timber joist is rotting, patching the surface won’t stop the decay. If a handrail or stair tread is wobbly, it needs more than just a few extra screws to make it structurally safe.
At DeckCare, we treat deck repairs as a structural carpentry system. By identifying the root cause of the damage, we ensure the underlying frame is secure, the replacement timber is integrated properly, and the entire structure holds up significantly longer in the Sydney weather.
A reliable repair is built on structural integrity, not just a surface-level patch.
Our Complete Repair System
We follow a precise, structural repair methodology that focuses on long-term safety rather than just a quick visual patch. Here is how we properly assess and fix your timber deck.
Board Replacement
We carefully extract damaged, warped, or split boards and seamlessly integrate new premium timber, matching your existing deck's profile and spacing exactly.
Learn MoreTimber Stair Repairs
We rebuild and reinforce structural timber stairs to strict Australian standards, ensuring they are safe, level, and seamlessly matched to your deck.
Learn MoreSealing New Timber
We never leave new repair timber exposed to the weather. We properly prepare and seal the fresh boards so they integrate cleanly and safely with your existing deck.
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Not All Deck Repairs Solve the Actual Problem
Homeowners often ask us to simply screw down a loose board or replace a single cracked step. However, over the years we have seen that a loose surface board is usually a symptom of a much deeper problem—such as rotting joists or failing fixings underneath.
We do not treat timber repairs lightly. The right repair strategy is chosen based on finding the root cause of the damage, securing the structural frame, and ensuring the deck is safe for the long term—not just visually patching a hole.
Need help understanding the true condition of your deck? We can assess the underlying structure during your inspection.
Damage Assessment
DeckCare:
We inspect the underlying subframe, drainage, and load-bearing timber before quoting a repair.
Other Contractors:
Often quote quickly based only on the visible broken board on the surface.
Fixing the Root Cause
DeckCare:
We remove all compromised and rotting timber back to healthy wood, ensuring the decay stops completely.
Other Contractors:
Often just screw a new board directly over damp, rotting joists, allowing the decay to spread.
Screws & Fixings
DeckCare:
We use 316 marine-grade stainless steel screws for repairs, ensuring they won’t rust or snap under pressure.
Other Contractors:
May use cheaper galvanised screws or nail guns, which eventually rust and pop up again.
Visual Integration
DeckCare:
We match the new timber to your existing deck’s profile and properly seal the fresh wood so it blends in safely.
Other Contractors:
Often leave repair patches raw and exposed to the weather, making the repair look obvious and cheap.
What We Don't Cut Corners On
We do not believe in cosmetic patches or cutting corners just to finish a repair quickly. Our standard is built around structural safety and precision carpentry.
Structural Safety First
We never just fix the surface. If a joist or bearer is compromised, we replace or reinforce the frame before any top boards are laid.
Premium Timber Matching
We don’t use cheap off-the-shelf pine to patch a hardwood deck. We source the right timber to match your existing boards as closely as possible.
Proper Sealing
We never leave new repair timber raw. We properly seal the fresh wood, including vulnerable end-grains, to protect it from moisture rot.
Built for the Long Term
Our goal isn't just to hide a hole for handover day, but to ensure that section of your deck remains structurally sound for years to come.
This is the standard behind every structural repair we put our name to. If you want a carpentry team that refuses to cut corners on your home’s safety, let’s inspect your deck and discuss the right approach.
How We Quote Deck Repairs
Every repair project is different, which is why we never guess prices over the phone. We quote based on a physical inspection of your timber, the extent of the underlying rot, access requirements, and the materials needed to match your existing deck.
Our goal is to provide a transparent, comprehensive repair plan. A good quote should do more than just show a final number—it should explain exactly which joists or boards are being replaced. If we remove a surface board and uncover deeper structural rot hidden in the subframe, we will always show you the damage and discuss it clearly before any extra work proceeds.
See how our quotes are structured
View Example QuoteHow Pricing Works
We believe in transparent pricing right from the start. To give you a rough idea of what to expect, we’ve outlined our most common repair scenarios below. Your final quote will depend on the extent of the hidden damage, the timber required, and access to the subframe.
Minor Surface Board Replacement
This is the most straightforward repair. The underlying subframe is completely solid and healthy, but a few individual decking boards have split, warped, or rotted. We simply extract the damaged boards and install matching premium timber.
Guide Price: $195 + GST per hour for a team of two carpenters, plus materials.
Subframe & Joist Repairs
A more complex repair required when the deck feels bouncy or spongy. We must carefully remove the top boards, cut out the rotting sections of the treated pine joists or bearers underneath, install new structural framing, and secure the deck back together.
Guide Price: $195 + GST per hour for a team of two carpenters, plus materials.
Stair & Balustrade Reinforcement
Focused entirely on safety hazards. This involves removing rotting stair treads, rebuilding failing stringers (the sides of the stairs), or securing loose handrails to ensure the structure meets Australian safety compliance.
Guide Price: $195 + GST per hour for a team of two carpenters, plus materials.
Partial Deck Rebuild
When a significant section of the deck has failed due to moisture or poor original construction, but the rest of the structure is salvageable. We isolate the damaged zone, demolish it, and rebuild that specific area to seamlessly integrate with the healthy timber.
Guide Price: from $750 + GST per m² (for rebuilt sections)
Note: These guide prices are for the carpentry work only. Because water damage often extends further than what is visible on the surface, an exact, fixed quote can only be provided after a physical site inspection.
Complete Service, From Inspection to Safe Handover
We don’t just patch a hole and walk away. Our structural repair service is a comprehensive process designed to identify the root cause of the damage, fix the timber correctly, and ensure that section of your deck is safe and secure for years to come.
The Repair Process
- Comprehensive structural inspection and safety assessment
- Safe extraction of all rotting or compromised timber
- Installation of new structural framing (where required)
- Precision installation of matching decking boards (using marine-grade screws)
- Application of premium sealing oil to protect the new timber
Handover & Long-Term Care
- Clear explanation of why the original damage occurred
- 12-month workmanship warranty (on all structural repairs completed)
- Recommendations to prevent future moisture rot or decay
- Ongoing annual maintenance options (to protect the rest of your deck)
Recent Deck Repairs Projects
From fixing isolated rotting boards to rebuilding unsafe subframes and stairs, these recent projects show the quality of our carpentry and problem-solving across Sydney.
Mosman Tallowwood Re-Decking
Mosman, NSWGladesville Deck Restoration & Poolside Repair
Gladesville, NSWNarrabeen Spotted Gum Board Matching
Narrabeen, NSW
Servicing Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Lower North Shore and Beyond
We are based in Northern Beaches and Lower North Shore, delivering high-quality deck restoration, building and repair services. While these are our core areas, we regularly complete projects across all Sydney suburbs. For larger or more complex projects, we’re also available to travel outside our main service areas.
Some of the completed projects
What Our Clients Say
We focus on the details that make a repair project feel properly handled—from clear communication and structural safety to a clean site and final handover.
Rating: 5 of 5
Outstanding service from Saba and his team delivered in full on time to specification!
Rating: 5 of 5
We originally asked Saba to look at refreshing our deck and stairs. It quickly became apparent that the stairs should be replaced. Saba and Dimitri did a fantastic job and we can't believe how much better the deck and stairs look. Saba and Dimitri were absolute gentlemen to deal with and we wouldn't hesitate to have them back. Good people, great result, very fair price. Very happy customer. It's not hard to tell from the photos which are the "before" and which are the "after"!
Rating: 5 of 5
Saba did an excellent job refurbishing our deck and was a pleasure to work with. He is professional, courteous, prompt, proactive and great at communication. Can recommend highly.
Common Questions About Deck Repairs
Every repair project is different, but the core structural questions are often the same. Below are some of the most frequent questions we get regarding timber decay, structural safety, and the repair process.
If you are not sure whether your deck is safe to use, book a free site inspection and we’ll assess it for you.
How do I know if my deck needs a repair or a full rebuild?
It comes down to the condition of the subframe. If the damage is isolated to a few surface boards or one specific section of the frame, we can usually perform a targeted repair. However, if the treated pine joists and bearers are rotting throughout the entire structure, patching it is unsafe, and a full rebuild will be required.
Why are my decking boards rotting or splitting?
Timber decay is almost always caused by trapped moisture. This usually happens when the deck hasn’t been oiled regularly, when leaves and dirt block the gaps between boards (preventing drainage), or when the subframe wasn’t protected with joist tape during the original build.
My deck feels "bouncy" or spongy when I walk on it. Is this dangerous?
Yes, a bouncy deck is a major red flag. It usually indicates that the underlying joists have rotted, the fixings have rusted away, or the original frame was built with incorrect timber spacing. This is a structural safety hazard and should be inspected immediately before the boards give way.
Can you match the new repair timber to the rest of my old deck?
We do our absolute best to source the exact same timber species and board profile. However, because your existing deck has weathered over time, the new, fresh timber will initially look different. Over a few months of sun exposure and regular oiling, the new boards will gradually blend in with the rest of the deck.
Can you just screw the loose boards back down?
If the screws have simply worked loose from healthy timber, yes. But in most cases, boards become loose because the timber joist underneath them has rotted away, meaning there is nothing solid left for the screw to grip. In this scenario, we must replace the rotting section of the frame first.
Do you seal the new timber after you repair it?
Yes. We never leave new repair timber raw and exposed to the Sydney weather. Once the structural carpentry is complete, we seal the fresh boards and vulnerable end-grains with a premium penetrating oil to protect them from moisture and UV damage.
How long do structural deck repairs usually take?
Minor carpentry repairs (like replacing a few boards or fixing a stair tread) can often be completed in a single day. More extensive subframe repairs or partial rebuilds may take 2 to 3 days. We will give you a clear timeline after our physical inspection.
What warranty do you provide on repair work?
We stand by the quality of our carpentry. Depending on the scope and type of repair, our structural repair work is backed by a 3–5 year workmanship warranty. For comparison, new deck builds come with a 10-year workmanship warranty, which can be extended up to 25 years when you opt into our Annual Maintenance Program.
Need Honest Advice on Your Deck's Safety?
If you are not sure whether your deck needs restoration, repairs or a rebuild, we can inspect it properly, explain the right scope and provide a clear quote before any work begins.
Better yet, see us in person No spam, no obligations — just honest advice.Or just simply call us
At DeckCare, repairing a deck is not just about patching a hole—it is about ensuring your outdoor space is structurally safe and handled properly from the start.
