“Re & Re” Decking Upgrades: A Simple Way to Refresh Your Backyard This Year

If you loved the idea of low-maintenance decking in our last blog, here is the next step many Ottawa homeowners take.

A full deck rebuild is not always necessary to transform your outdoor space. In fact, one of the most popular upgrades Fence-All sees this time of year is something called a “Re & Re.”

Short for remove and replace, a Re & Re project focuses on upgrading your deck boards without rebuilding the entire structure. It is a smart, cost-effective way to refresh your backyard and invest in materials that will look great year after year.

What Does Remove and Replace Mean?

In decking terms, it means:

Removing the existing deck floorboards.
Replacing them with new boards.
Keeping the underlying deck frame and structure intact.

Homeowners often choose this option when their deck is still structurally sound, but the surface boards are aging, splintering, or simply no longer matching the look they want.

It is one of the fastest ways to give your backyard a noticeable upgrade without starting from scratch.

Why Re & Re Decking Is So Popular Right Now

Floorboard upgrades are especially popular during the winter planning season. January is often when homeowners begin thinking ahead to spring projects and long-term improvements.

A Re & Re upgrade is appealing because it offers:

A fresh new look for an existing deck.
Lower cost compared to a full rebuild.
The ability to upgrade to modern, low-maintenance materials.
A quicker turnaround once the season begins.

For many homeowners, it is the perfect middle ground between repair and replacement.

Upgrading From Cedar to PVC

A major motivation behind Re & Re projects is upgrading materials.

Many older Ottawa decks were built with cedar or pressure-treated wood, which can require regular staining, sealing, and maintenance over time.

During this process, homeowners often switch to longer-lasting options such as:

Cellular PVC Decking

Cellular PVC is light and designed to resist fading, moisture, mold and splintering. It offers the warmth of wood tones with significantly less upkeep.

PVC Decking

PVC decking is one of the most durable low-maintenance choices available. It performs exceptionally well in Canadian weather and is ideal for homeowners who want the cleanest long-term solution.

A Re & Re upgrade allows you to enjoy these benefits without rebuilding the entire deck frame.

Do Re & Re Decking Projects Require a Permit?

In most cases, replacing deck boards does not typically require a permit, as long as you are not changing the structure or adding new elements.

These upgrades are generally considered surface-level, not a structural expansion.

That said, permit requirements can vary depending on the property and scope of work, so homeowners should always confirm current City of Ottawa guidelines before starting.

Fence-All can also help you understand what applies to your specific project during your consultation.

Why Deck Projects Still Require a Custom Consultation

Even though a Re & Re is simpler than a full rebuild, decks are never one-size-fits-all.

Every deck upgrade depends on factors like:

The condition of the existing frame.
Board layout and fastening systems.
Material selection and long-term performance.
Railings, stairs, and additional features.
Budget planning and project timing.

That is why Fence-All emphasizes the importance of a proper consultation. Deck projects require careful planning because they are 100% custom, not off-the-shelf products.