What is the cost of replacing deck boards damaged by ice salt in Moncton NB?

Replacing ice salt-damaged deck boards in Moncton typically costs $8-15 per square foot for pressure-treated lumber, or $15-25 per square foot for composite replacement, depending on the extent of damage and access difficulty.

Ice salt damage is unfortunately common in Moncton due to our harsh Maritime winters and frequent freeze-thaw cycles. Salt accelerates the deterioration of wood fibers and can cause premature splitting, warping, and surface degradation of deck boards. The good news is that surface board replacement is often a manageable repair that doesn't require touching the underlying structure.

Cost breakdown for board replacement in Moncton:

• Pressure-treated boards: $3-5 per square foot for materials, plus $5-10 per square foot for labor


• Cedar boards: $5-8 per square foot for materials, plus $5-10 per square foot for labor


• Composite boards: $8-12 per square foot for materials, plus $7-13 per square foot for labor

The total project cost depends heavily on how many boards need replacement. A typical Moncton deck might need 20-40% of boards replaced after severe salt damage, which on a 200 square foot deck would mean replacing 40-80 square feet of boards ($320-$1,200 for pressure-treated, or $600-$2,000 for composite).

Additional factors affecting cost in Moncton:

• Access difficulty: Second-story or hard-to-reach decks increase labor costs by 20-30%


• Matching existing boards: If your deck is older, finding matching lumber profiles may require custom milling


• Structural damage: If salt has also damaged joists or framing (common with severe exposure), costs jump significantly to $20-40 per square foot


• Timing: Spring repairs (April-May) often cost 10-15% more due to high demand after winter damage assessment

Prevention for future winters: Consider switching to composite or PVC boards during replacement, as these materials are completely immune to salt damage. While the upfront cost is higher, you'll never face this repair again. Many Moncton homeowners are making this switch after experiencing repeated salt damage to wood decking.

Since Moncton's frost depth is 1.2 meters, any structural work discovered during board replacement will need proper footings, but surface board replacement typically doesn't require permits. However, if more than 30% of your deck surface needs replacement, it's worth having a professional assess whether underlying structural damage has occurred.

Need help finding a deck builder for your board replacement project? New Brunswick Decks can match you with local Moncton contractors who specialize in winter damage repairs and can provide free estimates for your specific situation.