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Deck repairs and restoration for tired Newcastle decks

I’m Liam Sharpe, a licensed carpenter. I fix rotten frames, loose boards and worn steps on decks across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Maitland.

Book a free on-site quote 0402 499 810

5.0 on Google
Licence 383930C
10+ years in the trade

Liam Sharpe and his apprentice in Sharpe shirts and tool belts — Pictured: Liam Sharpe and his apprentice

Repairing a deck starts underneath

Most deck problems start in the frame, the posts, bearers and joists under the boards. Water sits on the tops of the joists and at the post footings, and over the years the timber softens. Loose or bouncy boards on top are often the first sign of a frame problem below.

I spent years framing houses before building decks for Newcastle homeowners, so a repair starts with me under the deck, checking every post and joist. Then I tell you whether it can be repaired or is better rebuilt, and the price for each.

What our customers say

Google5.0 See all reviews

tom payne

3 months ago

Really happy with the work from Sharpe Building & Construction. We had a pretty tight timeline, and even when a few unexpected issues came up, they handled everything without any fuss. The job was completed by the deadline, and the whole process was smooth and stress-free. Would definitely recommend them

Response from the owner3 months ago

Thank you, Tom! We really appreciate your kind words and are glad we could deliver the project on time despite the unexpected challenges. It was a pleasure working with you, and we are thrilled you’re happy with the result. Thank you for choosing Sharpe Building & Constructions. We truly appreciate your recommendation !

Dot Hodder

3 months ago

Thanks Liam. You did a beautiful job of working out what I wanted. My home feels complete with the new additions, plus the pergola. I found you by word of mouth and you certainly didn't disappoint.

Response from the owner3 months ago

Thank you so much, Dot! It was a pleasure working with you and bringing your ideas to life. I’m really glad you’re happy with the end result and that your home feels complete with the new additions and pergola. Thank you for trusting Sharpe Building & Constructions. We truly appreciate your kind words and support!

Renee & Brendon Harley

3 months ago

Needed some windows installed. Easily done, no fuss. Polite crew.

Response from the owner3 days ago

Thanks Renee and Brendon. Glad the new windows went in smoothly. If there is anything else you need done around the house, Sharpe Building & Constructions is happy to help across Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. Liam

Decks I’ve built

What deck repairs do you do?

Rotten joists and bearers
Cutting out soft timber and replacing joists or bearers, then fixing the boards back down.
Posts and footings
Replacing a rotten post or a footing that has sunk, so the deck sits level again.
Loose and broken boards
Re-fixing boards that have lifted and replacing split or rotten ones with a matching board.
Steps and balustrades
Rebuilding worn steps and loose balustrades and handrails, so they are safe to lean on again.
Sanding and oiling
Sanding back grey, weathered boards and oiling them to bring the colour back.

How do I know if my deck needs repairs?

Walk your deck and look underneath it. These are the signs to look for.

Deck frame showing the joists and bearers under the boards

Soft or spongy timber

Push a screwdriver into the tops of the joists and the bottoms of the posts. If it sinks in easily, the timber is rotting.

Bounce and movement

A deck that bounces or sways when you walk across it has a loose or weak frame. A balustrade that moves when you lean on it needs fixing straight away.

Grey, cracked boards

Grey boards with fine cracks have lost their oil. A sand and a fresh coat often brings them back, as long as the frame underneath is sound.

What changes the price of a deck repair?

Every repair is priced once I have looked under the deck. These change the cost the most:

How far the rot goes: A few joists is a repair; rot through most of the frame is usually a rebuild.
Getting underneath: A low deck may need boards lifted to reach the frame.
Matching boards: Finding a board that matches the old ones in size and timber.
Steps and balustrades: Rebuilding these is often part of a repair.
Sanding and oiling: Finishing the whole deck so the new and old boards match.

The quote is free, and you get the price before any work starts. Residential building work over $5,000 also needs a licensed contractor and a written contract under NSW law, as NSW Fair Trading sets out. Every job over that amount comes with one.

How a deck repair job runs

1Send the job
Use the form or call 0402 499 810. Photos of the spot help.
2Look underneath
I come out, check the frame and boards, and tell you repair or rebuild, with a price.
3Fix the frame, then the top
Rotten timber out and new frame in first, then boards, steps and balustrade.
4Walk-through
We look over the finished job together.

Get a free on‑site quote.

Tell me the job and your suburb. I’ll call you to book a time, come out, measure up and give you a price before any work starts. Or call 0402 499 810.

5.0 on Google reviews
Licence 383930C, check it on the NSW register
Free on‑site quote

Questions about deck repairs

Should I repair or replace my deck?

If the rot is in a few joists or boards, a repair makes sense. If most of the frame is soft, a rebuild costs less over time. I tell you which after looking underneath.

Can you repair a deck someone else built?

Yes. Most repairs are on decks other people built, sometimes decades ago.

Why is my deck bouncy?

Usually the joists are too far apart, too small, or starting to rot, or the posts have moved. I check the frame to find which.

Do you sand and oil old decks?

Yes. Sanding back grey boards and oiling them brings the colour back, as long as the frame is sound.

Can you send someone to look at photos first?

Send photos through the form and I’ll tell you what I can see. The price comes after I’ve looked under the deck in person.

Where do you repair decks?

I’m based at 4 Nightingale Crescent, Cameron Park NSW 2285 and build across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Cessnock and Maitland. There’s no showroom: I come to you to look at the job.

Call 0402 499 810 or email sharpeconstructions@aol.com. Licence 383930C, ABN 27 866 451 671.