If your deck is showing signs of soft wood, splintering, or color fading, you’re not alone. We get calls all the time from homeowners in Medford, Arlington, Somerville, Malden, and surrounding towns asking the same question:
“Why is my deck rotting?”
The truth is, even pressure-treated wood doesn’t last forever — and several common issues can cause your deck to break down faster than it should.
What Causes a Wood Deck to Rot?
Here are some of the top culprits we see on a regular basis:
1.
Pressure-treated wood making direct contact with the ground
When deck posts or beams are set directly on dirt or soil without proper clearance or moisture barriers, the wood is constantly exposed to moisture. Even pressure-treated wood can’t withstand that over time. This leads to faster rotting at the base, where it often goes unnoticed until the structure becomes unsafe.
2.
Poor drainage or lack of airflow
If water is pooling around the base of your deck or the area underneath doesn’t get enough ventilation, moisture will build up and slowly destroy the wood from the inside out.
3.
Old or worn-out sealant
Wood decks need to be sealed and protected — especially in New England’s tough weather conditions. If your deck hasn’t been sealed in 2–3 years, it’s likely absorbing water every time it rains or snows, speeding up rot and mold growth.
4.
Improper flashing against the house
One of the most overlooked causes of deck rot is improper flashing where the deck connects to your home. Water can seep in at this point and rot both your deck and your house’s framing if not done correctly.
Why Composite Decking Is a Popular Upgrade
Because of these common issues, many homeowners are now choosing composite decking materials like Trex or TimberTech. These boards are made from recycled wood and plastic, and they don’t rot, splinter, or need sealing.
They’re:
- Low maintenance
- Weather-resistant
- Long-lasting (25+ years)
- Available in multiple colors and textures
Composite is perfect for anyone who wants a beautiful, clean look with minimal upkeep.
But What If You Still Love the Look of Real Wood?
We get it — nothing beats the natural look and feel of real wood. If you’re going with traditional pressure-treated lumber or cedar, there are still ways to protect it and help it last longer:
- Apply a quality sealant every 2–3 years
- Use deck tape over joists to prevent water penetration
- Make sure the structure is raised off the ground
- Install deck boards with hidden fasteners to reduce cracks and splits
- Consider covering the surface with composite decking while keeping a wood frame beneath
This hybrid option gives you the charm of wood framing with the durability of composite on top — a popular solution we often recommend.
Not Sure What Condition Your Deck Is In?
Let us take a look. LC Carpentry offers deck inspections, repairs, and complete rebuilds across the Greater Boston area. Whether you want to upgrade to composite or stick with natural wood, we’ll walk you through the best options for your space and budget.
Schedule a free consultation today and let’s get your deck safe, solid, and summer-ready
