Deck board replacement is one of the most common dock repairs in Northeast Florida — and one of the most important to address promptly. A single rotted board is a trip hazard. Multiple rotted boards indicate water infiltration into the framing below. The longer you wait, the more expensive the repair gets.
How to Identify Boards That Need Replacing
- Soft spots: Press down firmly with your foot. Boards that flex or feel spongy have rot underneath the surface. The visible wood may look fine while the core is compromised.
- Deep cracking or splitting: Surface checks (small cracks) are normal weathering. Deep cracks that run through the board allow water to penetrate and accelerate interior rot.
- Raised or warped boards: Boards that have lifted at the edges or developed significant bow are a trip hazard and also allow standing water to pool beneath them.
- Gray and fibrous surface: Untreated pressure-treated pine turns gray and fibrous over time. While cosmetic graying isn't structural damage, highly fibrous surface texture indicates the wood's protective outer layer has broken down.
Pressure Treated vs Composite: What's Right for Jacksonville
Pressure treated pine is the traditional choice — lower upfront cost ($100-150/board installed), readily available, and easy to work with. In a salt environment, you'll get 10-15 years from a quality PT board with annual treatment. It requires ongoing maintenance to stay in good shape.
Composite decking (Trex, Fiberon, TimberTech) costs significantly more upfront ($175-250/board installed) but requires almost no maintenance, won't rot, and holds up extremely well in salt environments. Over a 20-year period, composite is often the better economic choice despite the higher initial cost. It's also more comfortable underfoot and stays cooler in direct Florida sun than standard PT pine.
What to Expect from the Replacement Process
Board replacement is typically a same-day job for smaller repairs. The damaged boards are removed, the framing underneath is inspected for any moisture damage, new boards are cut and installed, and the fasteners are set flush. If underlying joist damage is found during removal, that's addressed before the new boards go down — always the right call even if it adds to the scope.
Our board replacement pricing starts at $100-200 per board depending on size and material. If you're seeing soft spots or cracked boards on your dock, getting an inspection is the right first step — we'll tell you exactly which boards need replacing and give you a written estimate before any work starts.