Deck Replacement in Cumberland County, Maine
Deck replacement in Cumberland County, Maine: old deck removed, new footings, flashed ledger, framing and boards built new. Free on-site estimates.
- Google reviews
- Fully licensed & insured
- Free estimates
- 20+ years combined experience
How deck replacement actually goes together
Every deck replacement job is built in a specific order, and the layers you never see once the job is finished are what actually keep water out of the wall or roof. The diagram walks through it step by step.
How a Deck Structure Is Built
- Footing — poured below Maine’s frost line so winter heaving cannot move it
- Post — carries the beam load down to the footing
- Beam — spans between posts and carries the outer ends of the joists
- Ledger — bolted to the house framing, with flashing that diverts water away from the wall
- Joists — span from the ledger to the beam, sized and spaced to the decking and the load
- Decking — the walking surface, fastened on top with spacing for drainage
About deck replacement
When an old deck is soft, wobbly or pulling away from the house, a full replacement is treated as a new build: the old deck comes off, the footings and framing are built new, and the new surface, railings and stairs go on. That is the only way to deal with hidden rot at the ledger and frost-heaved footings, and it is how Cardinal Exteriors approaches it. It lets you change the size, shape and material at the same time.
This page is part of our deck building work, which lists typical price ranges and materials. Other related services: new deck building, composite and PVC decks, siding replacement, roof replacement.
What the job involves
- The existing deck is removed and disposed of, and the house wall behind the ledger is inspected.
- Rotted rim or sheathing behind the old ledger is repaired and the wall is flashed.
- New footings go below frost; new posts, beams and joists are framed.
- New decking, railings, stairs and landings are installed in the material you choose.
- Permits are pulled where required and the site is cleaned up.
Signs it is time
- Soft or spongy boards and joists
- A ledger pulling away from the house or rust-streaked fasteners
- Posts that have heaved, leaned or rotted at the base
- Railings that wobble or are lower than today's code expects
What affects the price
- Removal and disposal of the old deck
- Repairs to the house wall behind the ledger
- New size, height and shape
- Decking and railing materials
- Footing type and site access
Every job is priced from a free on-site estimate, with a fixed-price written proposal before work starts.
Deck Replacement: When to Rebuild vs. Re-Deck
Not every worn-out deck needs to come down to the footings. Some just need new boards and railing over a frame that's still sound; others have problems in the structure itself that no amount of new decking will fix. Telling the difference is the first thing we do on any deck replacement estimate.
Signs the Substructure Needs Replacing, Not Just the Boards
- Joists or beams that feel soft, spongy, or spring noticeably underfoot when you walk the deck.
- Rusted, undersized, or missing joist hangers — common on older decks built before hangers were standard practice.
- A ledger board with no visible flashing, or soft/discolored wood where the ledger meets the house.
- Posts sitting on buried wood, stacked pavers, or shallow footings rather than a proper footing below the frost line — common on decks built decades ago under an older code.
Re-Decking Over a Sound Frame
When the framing checks out — solid joists and beams, properly sized hardware, footings below the frost line — re-decking (removing just the decking boards and railing and building back on the existing frame) is faster and less expensive than a full rebuild. Even on a re-deck job, we open up and check the ledger connection, since older decks frequently have little or no flashing there even when the rest of the frame is fine.
Bringing an Older Deck Up to Current Code
A deck built decades ago was built to the code in force at the time, and guardrail height, baluster spacing, and stair requirements have all changed since. Once a permitted replacement or major repair starts, the guardrail and stair details typically need to meet current code even if the rest of the frame is being reused — worth planning for if your deck's railing or stairs look original.
Composite vs. Pressure-Treated for the Rebuild
| Factor | Pressure-treated lumber | Composite / PVC |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Lowest | Higher |
| Maintenance | Periodic staining/sealing | Occasional washing only |
| Typical warranty | None on the wood itself | Often 25 years to limited lifetime |
Deck Replacement: frequently asked questions
No. Cardinal Exteriors does not do board-by-board repairs. A replacement is built new from the footings up.
Yes. A replacement is designed like a new deck, so size, shape and stairs can change, subject to setbacks and permits.
Water getting behind the ledger rots the house rim joist and is a leading cause of deck failure. A replacement is the chance to fix and flash it properly.
Usually, yes. Most Maine towns treat a rebuilt deck as new construction. Requirements are checked for your town.
Deck Replacement by town
All 38 towns we serve
Each town page covers how that town's houses, weather and permitting shape the job. See every town on our service areas page.
- Deck Replacement in Portland
- Deck Replacement in South Portland
- Deck Replacement in Westbrook
- Deck Replacement in Cape Elizabeth
- Deck Replacement in Scarborough
- Deck Replacement in Falmouth
- Deck Replacement in Cumberland
- Deck Replacement in Yarmouth
- Deck Replacement in North Yarmouth
- Deck Replacement in Freeport
- Deck Replacement in Pownal
- Deck Replacement in Brunswick
- Deck Replacement in Harpswell
- Deck Replacement in Gorham
- Deck Replacement in Windham
- Deck Replacement in Standish
- Deck Replacement in Gray
- Deck Replacement in New Gloucester
- Deck Replacement in Raymond
- Deck Replacement in Casco
- Deck Replacement in Naples
- Deck Replacement in Sebago
- Deck Replacement in Baldwin
- Deck Replacement in Bridgton
- Deck Replacement in Harrison
- Deck Replacement in Frye Island
- Deck Replacement in Chebeague Island
- Deck Replacement in Long Island
- Deck Replacement in Saco
- Deck Replacement in Biddeford
- Deck Replacement in Old Orchard Beach
- Deck Replacement in Kennebunk
- Deck Replacement in Kennebunkport
- Deck Replacement in Wells
- Deck Replacement in Sanford
- Deck Replacement in Buxton
- Deck Replacement in Topsham
- Deck Replacement in Bath
What Greater Portland homeowners say
Andrew Mountcastle
May 2026 · Google
We hired Cardinal Exteriors to reside our house and install all new windows, and it was a terrific experience from start to finish! Bob was one of the very best contractors we've ever worked with (and we've worked with many over the years). He was extremely responsive, helpful, respectful of wishes and concerns, and never pressured us in any way.
John Nueslein
December 2025 · Google
CARDINAL EXTERIORS re-shingled my roof. Bob Proved to be Knowledgeable and Trustworthy. He was responsive to my questions and took the time to explain the materials being used and the steps they were taking to weatherproof the roof of my home. The work crew was polite and they cleaned up the job site at the end of each work day.
Steve Kelley
October 2025 · Google
Bob @ Cardinal Exteriors replace 26 windows and resided our office building in Westbrook in 2025. Being in the construction business, we understand how proposals sometimes come with change orders and surprises if not outlined up front. Bob and his team finished our job on schedule and actually below budget.
Get a free deck replacement estimate
Tell us about the house and what you want changed. One of the owners will call to set up a visit, measure, and write a fixed-price proposal. No pressure, no obligation.
Need it today?Call Mike (207) 408-5388
or Bob at (207) 252-0759
More ways we can help
Google reviewsServices
15You can also count on us for…
Service Areas
38Neighbors across the region trust us, including in…