A tired deck torn out and rebuilt bigger on solid footings
This Dexter deck had more damage than anyone could see from the yard. Once the old boards came up, we found rotten joists and posts that were never set in concrete. We rebuilt it to an architect’s plan as a larger raised deck with switchback stairs, composite boards and aluminum cable rail.
A deck rebuild in Dexter, from rotten joists to new footings
These Dexter homeowners called us about a second-story deck off the back of their brick home. The boards were worn, the railings were failing and the stairs needed replacing. Our proposal paired two jobs: a new section of deck and a retop of the existing frame, a common deck project on wooded lots across Washtenaw County.
In May 2024, an architect drew the final layout: an addition to the deck, new railing on every edge and fresh decking over the part that stayed. That drawing became the plan we built from, down to the turn in the stairs.
What we built
A raised deck with switchback stairs down to the yard
Demolition first, then a bigger frame
We stripped the deck to its bones: every railing, every board, the stairs, the rotten joists and some of the posts. Then we framed the addition and set the new layout, with switchback stairs that turn at a landing on the way down.
The decking is TimberTech Legacy in the Ashwood color, a capped composite that won’t need sanding or stain. If you’re weighing a new deck build against a retop, this job shows why we look under the boards before we price either one.
Posts reset in concrete, joists replaced
Once the framing was open, we found the original posts had never been set in concrete. We took the deck back down, set the posts in concrete and rebuilt on top of them. A second change order covered the rotten joists we replaced and the extra material.
Those two changes added $6,800 and about three days to the schedule. They’re also the reason the new deck feels solid underfoot. A gutter contractor finished the job along the roof edge above the deck.
The details
Cable rail that keeps the view of the trees
The railing is Westbury aluminum cable rail in bronze. Thin horizontal cables keep the sight lines open from the house to the woods, and the aluminum posts and top rail won’t rot, warp or need paint.
A deck sized for the way they use the yard
Up top, the deck runs along the back of the house, and the switchback stairs bring you down to the yard in two short runs instead of one long one. Capped composite boards won’t splinter or need stain the way the old wood did. Our guide to deck staining and maintenance explains what wood decks need that this one won’t.
Up on the deck
New boards, new rail and the brick house behind it
The result
A solid deck that’s bigger than the one it replaced
The proposal came to $53,000. The two structural change orders brought the finished project to $59,800. Rough framing was done by late June, and the crew wrapped up in early July 2024.
“I highly recommend Wright’s Renovations because they deliver what they say they will and a whole lot more. They built us a beautiful new deck and we had the best experience ever with this home project, and I hope to work with them again.”
Julie Z.
Deck client, Google review
Is your deck due for more than new boards?
Tell us what you see from the yard. We’ll check the frame, the posts and the footings, then price a retop or a rebuild line by line.
What this project included
Every line below comes from the signed proposal and its change orders. Our remodeling process page shows how a job like this runs from the first visit to the final walkthrough.
Down to the frame
All railings, boards and stairs, the rotten joists and some posts removed and hauled away.
An addition to the deck
New framing built to the architect’s layout, with switchback stairs and a landing.
Posts set in concrete
The deck taken down and its posts reset in concrete, by change order.
Rotten joists replaced
New joists and added material, by change order.
TimberTech Legacy, Ashwood
Capped composite boards on the new deck and the existing frame.
Westbury cable rail
Aluminum cable railing in bronze on every edge and stair.
Roof edge above the deck
Gutter work by a subcontractor to finish the job.
Good to know
Questions from Dexter homeowners about decks
How much does it cost to rebuild a raised deck?
This one came to $59,800, including the addition, composite boards, aluminum cable rail and two structural change orders. A ground-level deck costs far less. Our deck cost calculator gives you a starting range for your size and materials.
Should I resurface my deck or rebuild it?
It depends on what’s under the boards. A retop makes sense when the joists, beams and posts are sound. Here the joists had rot and the posts weren’t in concrete, so new boards alone would have covered up the real problem.
Is cable railing a good choice in Michigan?
Aluminum cable rail holds up well through freeze and thaw, it doesn’t need paint and it keeps the view open. It costs more than wood or composite rail. If you’re comparing options for outdoor living space, we’ll price a few side by side.
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Where a Dexter deck like this begins
Ready to build a deck that lasts?
Tell us how you want to use your yard. We’ll check what’s there, design what’s next and build it on solid footings. Your first conversation and quote are always free.
(734) 540-0347
