Deck Building & Deck Repair Experts
A great deck turns an ordinary backyard into a place where life happens—weekend cookouts, quiet mornings with coffee, and evenings that stretch a little longer under string lights. But decks also take a beating from sun, rain, humidity, foot traffic, and time. Boards cup and split, fasteners pop, railings loosen, and finishes fade. Whether you want a brand-new outdoor living space or you need deck repair to make your existing structure safe and beautiful again, Matthews’ Painting delivers craftsmanship you can count on.
We build new decks, restore aging ones, and help homeowners modernize by replacing wood decks with composite when it makes sense. From structural fixes and board replacement to full tear-outs and rebuilds, we approach every job with the same priorities: safety, durability, and a finished look you’re proud to show off. If you’re weighing the warmth of natural lumber against the low-maintenance benefits of modern materials, we’ll walk you through options and recommend what fits your home, goals, and budget—without pressure.
Below, you’ll find a complete guide to our deck services, including deck building, deck repair, and the most common reasons homeowners choose composite. If your deck feels spongy underfoot, looks worn out, or simply doesn’t fit how you use your outdoor space today, Matthews’ Painting is here to help you get back to enjoying your yard.
Wood Decks
There’s a reason homeowners still love the look of natural lumber. Building wood decks can deliver a classic, warm aesthetic that blends beautifully with traditional architecture, gardens, and wooded lots. Wood also offers design flexibility—custom shapes, picture-frame borders, steps, benches, pergola tie-ins, and stain colors that match your home’s style.
Wood deck design that fits your lifestyle
When we plan a wood deck, we start with how you’ll use it. Do you need space for a dining set and grill? A lounge area with a fire pit? Multiple levels for entertaining? A safer layout with wide steps and sturdy rails? The best deck isn’t only attractive—it’s functional, comfortable, and easy to move around.
We help you make smart decisions about:
- Deck size and traffic flow: Creating room for furniture without crowding walking paths
- Stair placement and safety: Steps that feel natural and secure
- Railings and accents: Styles that complement your home while meeting safety needs
- Shade and privacy options: Features like screens, planters, or pergola structures
- Finishing approach: Stains and sealers that protect and enhance the grain
The truth about wood maintenance
Wood decks can last a long time, but they require upkeep. Sun and moisture break down fibers, and without proper protection, boards can splinter, check, or rot. We’ll be upfront about what wood needs: periodic cleaning, inspections, and re-staining or sealing, depending on exposure. If you enjoy the look and don’t mind maintenance, building wood decks can be a beautiful choice. If you’d rather minimize upkeep, composite may be the better long-term value.
Composite Decks
Composite decks are popular for a simple reason: they look great while dramatically reducing maintenance. Unlike traditional lumber, composite boards are designed to resist many common issues that lead to frequent deck repair—splintering, warping, and heavy surface checking. Composite also offers a consistent appearance and a wide range of colors and textures, from modern gray tones to warm, wood-like browns.
Why homeowners love composite
Composite decks are ideal when you want:
- Low maintenance: No regular staining or sealing
- Comfort underfoot: Reduced splinter risk compared to aging wood
- Long-term appearance: Better color stability than many stains
- Moisture resistance: Helpful in humid climates or shaded yards
- Cleaner lines: Hidden fasteners and crisp edges create a finished look
Composite still needs expert installation
While composite boards are engineered, the deck beneath them still matters. A composite deck is only as good as the framing, fasteners, and drainage strategy supporting it. Matthews’ Painting focuses on proper spacing, support placement, and details that protect the structure over time. We also help you choose the right composite profile and finish for your goals—whether you want a budget-friendly board for a simple platform deck or a premium line that closely mimics natural grain.
Matching your deck to your home
Composite works for more than modern builds. With the right color, railing style, and trim details, composite decks can look right at home on classic properties too. We’ll guide you on design choices that keep the deck from feeling “too new” or out of place, while still giving you the convenience and longevity composite is known for.
Replacing Wood Decks With Composite
If your current deck is structurally tired or you’re over the ongoing sanding and staining cycle, replacing your wood deck with composite decking can be the upgrade that finally makes your outdoor space easy to enjoy again. Many homeowners start with “just a few repairs,” but as boards continue to fail and maintenance demands grow, replacement often becomes the more practical investment.
When replacement makes more sense than patching
Deck repair is a great option when the structure is strong, and issues are limited—like localized board damage, loose rails, or surface wear. But replacement is worth considering when:
- Boards are widespread, cupped, split, or rotting
- You notice soft spots or bounce that suggests deeper issues
- Railings are unstable or posts are compromised
- The deck layout no longer fits your needs
- You’ve already repaired the same areas multiple times
- Water drainage is poor, leading to recurring moisture problems
What “replacing” actually involves
Replacing wood decks with composite may mean:
- Resurfacing: Keeping the existing frame (if it’s sound) while installing composite boards and new rails
- Partial rebuild: Replacing compromised framing and upgrading key structural elements
- Full tear-out and rebuild: Starting fresh with new footings, framing, and decking
We evaluate your existing deck carefully and explain what can be reused safely and what should be replaced. If the frame is in good condition and built properly, resurfacing can be a cost-effective path to a major visual upgrade. If framing shows rot, poor support, or code issues, rebuilding is the safer option.
The payoff: lower maintenance and a cleaner look
Composite helps you step off the “repair, stain, repeat” treadmill. You’ll spend less time maintaining and more time enjoying your deck. It’s also an opportunity to upgrade aesthetics—new railings, improved stairs, better lighting, and an updated footprint that makes your backyard feel bigger and more usable.
Deck Repair
Not every deck needs to be replaced. In many cases, professional deck repair can restore safety, comfort, and appearance—especially when problems are caught early. Matthews’ Painting takes a thorough approach: we identify the cause of damage, repair it correctly, and reinforce areas that are likely to fail next.
Common deck problems we fix
Deck repair often includes:
- Board replacement: Swapping cracked, warped, or rotted boards
- Fastener issues: Fixing popped nails, loose screws, and shifting boards
- Rail and post stabilization: Tightening or rebuilding rail sections for safety
- Stair repairs: Correcting wobbly steps, worn treads, and unsafe stringers
- Framing reinforcement: Addressing sagging or under-supported spans
- Rot remediation: Removing compromised wood and preventing recurrence
- Surface restoration: Preparing worn wood for refinishing
Safety is always the first priority
A deck can look “fine” but still be unsafe. Loose railings, hidden rot, or weak framing can create real hazards—especially for kids, guests, and older family members. Our deck repair process begins with an inspection of structural elements, connections, and load-bearing areas. We don’t guess—we assess what’s actually happening underfoot.
Smart repairs that extend deck life
The goal of deck repair isn’t just to patch the visible issue; it’s to prevent the same problem from returning. That means improving drainage, using appropriate fasteners, replacing wood with treated or upgraded materials where needed, and ensuring repairs blend aesthetically with the existing deck.
Building Wood vs. Composite Decks: Choosing the Right Fit
If you’re deciding between building a wood deck and installing a composite deck, the “best” option depends on your priorities. Both can be excellent—when matched to your lifestyle.
Choose wood if you value:
- Natural grain and classic character
- Custom stain colors and a traditional look
- Lower upfront material costs in many cases
- The ability to refinish and refresh the surface over time
Choose composite if you value:
- Lower long-term maintenance
- Consistent appearance and clean lines
- Strong resistance to common surface issues
- A deck that stays attractive with less seasonal work
Matthews’ Painting will help you compare realistic costs—not just day-one pricing. Many homeowners find that composite’s maintenance savings and longevity make it a strong long-term investment, especially when replacing wood decks with composite instead of continuing frequent repairs.
Our Process: From Consultation to Final Walkthrough
A deck is a major part of your home’s exterior. It should feel solid, look intentional, and last. Our process is built to protect your investment and keep the project clear from start to finish.
1) On-site evaluation and planning
We inspect the space, discuss your goals, and review any concerns—like drainage, height, sunlight, and traffic patterns. If this is a deck repair job, we pinpoint structural and surface issues.
2) Clear recommendations
We provide options that make sense, including whether deck repair is appropriate or whether replacing wood decks with composite is the smarter move. We’ll also outline material choices and design ideas that fit the home.
3) Quality construction and repair work
We focus on solid framing practices, secure connections, stable railings, and clean finishing details. Whether we’re building or installing wood decks or composite decks, we work with precision.
4) Final walkthrough
We make sure everything feels safe, looks right, and matches what we agreed to. You’ll know what was done, why it was done that way, and how to care for your deck going forward.
Replacing Wood Decks With Composite: Upgrade Options That Add Value
When homeowners replace wood decks with composite, it’s often the perfect time to improve features that make daily life better—not just the surface material.
Popular upgrades include:
- Wider stairs and more comfortable landings
- Modern railings for better sightlines and a fresh look
- Built-in seating for entertaining
- Low-voltage lighting for safety and ambiance
- Defined zones for grilling, dining, and lounging
- Improved drainage strategies to protect framing
This upgrade approach turns a simple deck project into a true outdoor living transformation, while still keeping the work focused and cost-effective.
Your deck should be a place you can trust—strong underfoot, safe at the rails, and inviting every time you step outside. Whether you’re interested in building wood for a timeless look, exploring composite decks for low maintenance, considering replacing wood decks with composite for a long-term upgrade, or you simply need dependable deck repair, Matthews’ Painting delivers results that hold up season after season. If your deck is showing its age or you’re ready to build something better, we’re ready to help you create an outdoor space you’ll love using again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions
If damage is limited to a few boards, rails, or stairs and the framing is sound, deck repair is often enough. If you have widespread rot, soft spots, major bounce, or recurring issues, replacement—especially replacing wood decks with composite—may be the better investment.
Sometimes. If the framing is structurally solid, properly spaced, and free of rot, resurfacing can work well. We’ll inspect the frame to determine whether it can be reused safely or if sections need rebuilding.
Upfront, building wood decks can cost less depending on lumber type and design. Over time, wood typically requires more maintenance (cleaning, staining, sealing), while composite decks often reduce ongoing upkeep costs.
The most frequent problems include rotted boards, popped fasteners, loose railings, unsafe stairs, and water-related framing damage—especially where drainage is poor or the deck stays shaded and damp.
Timelines vary based on size, design complexity, and whether it’s a repair, resurfacing, or full rebuild. After we evaluate your deck, Matthews’ Painting can give a realistic timeline that fits the scope of work.
Service Area
Professional Residential Painting and Staining Contractor for:
Professional Residential Painting and Staining Contractor for Kosciusko County , Noble, Wabash, and Whitley Counties.
If your area is not listed, please contact us.