Licensed & Insured Deck Contractor
Re-decking a sound frame or a full rebuild — we probe the old deck, tell you which path applies, and file the right paperwork for that path.
Taking a wood deck to composite is the core of what we do across Bergen and Passaic County, and which of two methods applies is a real decision, not a sales pitch. A sound frame gets re-decked; a frame that fails our probe gets rebuilt from the footings — and which one you get changes your township paperwork more than it changes the crew.
We probe the frame before we recommend either path, because the call between a re-deck and a rebuild rests on real, checkable conditions at the ledger, the posts and the joists, not on what's easier to sell. Whichever path applies, a pre-1978 painted deck changes the teardown itself, and any railing or stairs that come with the job get built to today's numbers. The step-by-step for a from-scratch build is on Composite Deck Installation; the board and warranty comparison across makers is on Composite Decks.
No pressure and no deposit — just an hour, a tape measure, and a written number you can hold anyone else's quote against.
Prefer to talk it through first? Call (201) 321-2990.
Our proven process from first call to final walkthrough.
We check the ledger, post bases and joist crowns for rot or movement, and measure the existing joist spacing against composite's 16-inch rule.
A sound frame gets a re-deck, filed as ordinary maintenance. A frame that fails the probe gets a full rebuild, filed as new construction. We tell you which and why.
A re-deck typically needs no permit; a full rebuild needs drawings, filing and inspections. We handle whichever applies, and check with your township when the call is close.
A full rebuild starts with removing the old structure — under EPA lead-safe rules first, if the home was built before 1978 and the old deck is painted.
Composite boards go down to the manufacturer's spec on either path, and the warranty is registered in your name at handover.
Typically a re-deck runs days; a full rebuild runs the same timeline as a new composite installation..
New composite boards and fascia on an existing frame that passes our rot and spacing probe — ordinary maintenance under New Jersey's rule, in most cases no permit.
The old structure removed and a new frame built from the footings, permitted as new construction, composite boards to follow.
Railings and stairs brought up to New Jersey's current guard and stair numbers, whichever path the deck field takes.
Two paths
The same switch, wood to composite, files two different ways depending on what's happening to the frame.
New boards on joists that are already there and pass inspection. Under N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.7(c)1.xiii, replacing any part of a deck that doesn't carry a roof, in materials 'identical to, or closely similar to' what's there, is ordinary maintenance — no permit, no notice.
Neither the regulation nor the state's own rule-adoption response defines 'closely similar,' and whether composite over a wood frame qualifies is the local construction official's call, not ours. We ask the township before we start rather than assume.
'Deck' doesn't appear in N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.17A's minor-work list, which names only the total replacement of a porch or stoop. A full rebuild — new frame, new footings, new ledger — needs a complete permit application, not a notice.
At least two sets of drawings, sealed unless the homeowner-affidavit exception applies, footing and final inspections, and footings at New Jersey's frost depth — 36 inches for Bergen and Passaic County's North Jersey zone.
No permit doesn't mean no rules. The state's own adoption notes that ordinary-maintenance work still has to follow the Rehabilitation Subcode's requirements — it's exempt from filing with the township, not from being done right.
Whichever path your frame earns, the same crew handles it start to finish — we don't hand a straightforward re-deck to one team and a full rebuild to another, and the estimate tells you which one you're getting before work starts.
The frame test
Evidence, not a guess. This is what we check before we recommend either path.
The connection to the house carries the deck's load and is the one that fails suddenly, not gradually. Soft wood at the ledger moves the verdict toward a full rebuild before anything else on the deck does.
We check for movement, not just rot — a footing that has heaved or a post base that has shifted off it is a framing problem no amount of new decking on top can fix.
Joists that already bounce underfoot, or crown unevenly under a straightedge, aren't a foundation a warranty-backed composite board should sit on — regardless of what the permit rule technically allows us to skip.
Composite decking is specified at 16 inches on-center for boards run straight to the joists. A frame built wider than that for old wood decking needs added joists before it can carry composite to the manufacturer's spec.
Manufacturers call for solid blocking between joists at 4- to 6-foot intervals. A frame built without it — common on older wood decks — is missing a step the re-deck has to add back before boards go down.
We give you the probe results and which path they support before any board is ordered — the same straight verdict we'd give on a wood deck between repair and full replacement.
A pre-1978 home changes the demolition plan before it changes anything else.
What comes with it
Two more things a wood-to-composite switch touches, on either path.
Whichever path applies to the deck field, any railing or stairs included in the job are built to New Jersey's current numbers: 36-inch guard height with the 4-inch sphere rule, and stairs at the state's amended 8 1/4-inch maximum riser and 9-inch minimum tread.
If you're inheriting an existing Trex deck rather than building new, Trex's warranty can be transferred once, within five years of the original purchase — worth checking before you assume coverage follows the house.
Deckorators' warranty is explicitly non-assignable to a subsequent owner, and a claim can't be processed without the product being registered — two reasons to confirm exactly what you have before relying on it.
New composite boards on an existing frame still carry the manufacturer's full board warranty from this purchase date. We register it in your name at handover, the same as we would on a new build.
For the step-by-step of how a composite deck actually goes together — joist spacing, gapping, fastener systems — see Composite Deck Installation. This page is about which path your existing deck earns.
Choosing between makers and tiers, and exactly what voids each warranty, is the full subject of Composite Decks. Here we're deciding whether you're re-decking or rebuilding, not which board to buy.
Get a free, no-obligation in-home estimate. We'll walk your property, discuss your vision, and provide a detailed quote, all at no cost.
Where We Serve
We provide composite deck replacement services across these communities in New Jersey.
Real reviews from homeowners in your area.
“House of Decks LLC built our new porch, and the crew arrived when they said they would. They got right to work and kept things moving without making the job feel rushed. The construction was done carefully, and the finished porch has a neat, solid look that works well for our home. I’m very happy with the work. I’d call them again for another project”
Carl Miller
Composite Deck Replacement
“House of Decks LLC built our new porch, and I’d hire them again. During the work, the crew answered my questions and made a helpful adjustment when I pointed out something I wanted handled differently. They were respectful around the house and kept the area organized. The porch has a sturdy, finished look without feeling too elaborate. I’m very satisfied with how everything turned out.”
Gast 20
Composite Deck Replacement
“They did a great job building our new fence and were a really good crew to work with”
Olivia
Composite Deck Replacement
“House of Decks LLC replaced our old deck. I wanted a sturdy space that looked neat and would be comfortable to use. The finished deck is solid and clean, and the simple look works well behind the house. Once the crew was done, there was very little for us to tidy afterward. I’m really pleased with the result. This was a hardworking, dependable crew to have on the job”
Jeremy Lawrence
Composite Deck Replacement
“The new elevated deck and stairs came out even better than I expected. Before work started, Stiljano clearly explained what they planned to do, and he answered my questions so I knew what was happening. The crew was respectful around the house and pleasant to have around while they worked. They worked carefully, and the finished gray decking with white railings looks sharp beside the brick house. The stairs feel solid, and the whole deck has a clean, finished look. I’d call Stiljano and the crew again when I have another project.”
Raquel
Composite Deck Replacement
“I wanted a contractor who would listen to what we had in mind and make sensible suggestions for our raised deck installation. The team did that without turning the decision into a sales pitch. They explained the available choices in plain language, which made it easier for me to choose the right direction. I also liked that they paid attention to the details we cared about instead of treating the job like a routine order. The finished gray deck with white railing looks clean and suits our house well, but their attitude was what convinced me that choosing them was the right decision in the end.”
carol ford
Composite Deck Replacement
“Found these guys online while looking for someone to build our raised deck. The first conversation went well, so we decided to go ahead with them. Their schedule worked with ours, and we didn’t have to be home for every visit, which helped a lot. The crew was polite and treated our home respectfully while they were here. We’re really happy with how the deck turned out. It looks good against the house without being overdone. From that first conversation through the installation, they were easy to deal with. Glad we found them, and a big thank you to the crew for the work they put in”
Besati Lionurs
Composite Deck Replacement
“Very happy with the quality of work and punctuality. Stiljano was a pleasure to work with. Definitely recommend to anyone in need of a deck contractor”
Embro Dhuli
Composite Deck Replacement
“Seeing the finished deck was a great feeling. House of Decks LLC built a raised deck with multiple levels, stairs and railings that give the side of our home a completely different look. The white posts and black balusters stand out against the brown decking. The space feels much more inviting now, and that’s what I’d tell anyone considering this kind of work”
Stacy Williams
Composite Deck Replacement
“The work done by House of Decks LLC was super when it came to replacing our old deck. Stiljano and his team is a very professional person who communicates well and explains everything from the start. His crew worked fast and left the area clean after all the small details were taken care of.The work done looks wonderful, and the deck is really strong. It was fair price for what we got, and everything went according to our plans. I definitely recommend House of Decks LLC for a deck replacement”
Nicole Gomez
Composite Deck Replacement
“House of Decks LLC performed a perfect installation of a new deck at our residence in Franklin Lakes, NJ. Both Stiljano and his crew were highly responsible and professional in their work. All aspects of their service were explained to us in detail, including the progress of the work and the cost of services, which was quite reasonable and without any surprises. The new deck made of composite material and white railings looks perfect, and everything seems sturdy and quality. Our backyard is transformed into a new space after that.”
Shelia Jones
Composite Deck Replacement
“Working with Stiljano and his crew was an absolute pleasure. They removed our old wood deck and installed our new one. They did a masterful job with great attention to detail. It looks amazing! We highly recommend House of Decks.”
Teresa Grillo
Composite Deck Replacement
“We had House of Decks LLC build our new deck in Fair Lawn and we’re really happy with how it turned out. The deck looks clean and solid, and the white railings with the black balusters came out really nice. The stairs and finishing details were done carefully, and everything feels sturdy. The crew did a great job from start to finish. Definitely recommend House of Decks LLC for anyone looking to build or replace a deck in the Fair Lawn area.”
Joshua Samford
Composite Deck Replacement
“They replaced the floor and railing on my deck. Very professional and quality workmanship. I would definitely recommend to anyone who wants to update their deck”
Aurel Dhuli
Composite Deck Replacement
“Our old outdoor space wasn’t working well for us, so we decided to have a composite deck built in Wayne. The finished deck gives us a much nicer place to spend time, and I’m very happy with how it turned out. The crew did a great job.”
Dana Golliday
Composite Deck Replacement
“House of Decks LLC has done a wonderful job with our new deck installation. The team was relaxed, on time, and worked really well to leave little clean up at all. The end result is a sturdy and beautiful deck that I am truly happy with”
Orlando Valdez
Composite Deck Replacement
“The job that was done by House of Decks LLC for our new deck was really good. They started by removing the old deck and then assisted us in choosing a layout and material options, explaining everything before beginning the process. Their workers arrived on schedule, were fast at working and kept our backyard clean. The end result is a very solid deck with straight boards and railings, which has greatly improved the backyard area. We are really pleased with their work and would recommend them for any deck installation. Thank you guys!”
Devonte King
Composite Deck Replacement
“Great communication, fast install, and fair price. 10/10 overall great experience thank you guys”
Abbas Salem
Composite Deck Replacement
“Did a great job from start to finish extremely professional and worth every dollar. The best craftsmanship and professionalism would highly recommend”
Noor Eljdid
Composite Deck Replacement
“The absolute best decking company in the area hard workers and honest pricing. Agreed on a price and they went straight to work the crew was extremely pleasant and work oriented and the results were out of this world thank you guys”
Hunter The Game God
Composite Deck Replacement
“House of Decks was friendly, efficient, extremely professional and had excellent craftsman. I was very pleased with their work and highly recommended them. They went above and beyond by helping move my mahogany wood nightstands when it was shipped my place. Thank for the help, 5 stars!”
Leo Acosta
Composite Deck Replacement
“Contacted them via phone they were very communicative decides to go ahead and pull the trigger ! Bed decision of my life My new deck is absolutely amazing the craftsmanship is outstanding and the price was very fair ! Thank you guys for your hard work”
Ilias Elhaouss
Composite Deck Replacement
“Choosing House of decks was the right decision !! Assessed the structural issues carefully and rebuilt my deck stronger and more attractive than before ! Couldn’t resist the affordable price and the attention to details ! Thank you guys”
Abraham Yassine
Composite Deck Replacement
“It was an absolute pleasure to work with stiljano and his crew ! Contacted them about a deck demolition and to build me a new deck ! They were quick to reply and gave me a fair price that I couldn’t find anywhere ! I am so impressed w the results ! Thank you guys for your hard work”
Ke Xu
Composite Deck Replacement
The questions homeowners ask us at almost every estimate.
Often, yes. Replacing boards on a frame that's structurally sound is ordinary maintenance under N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.7(c)1.xiii as long as the new material is 'identical to, or closely similar to' what's there — no permit, no notice. Whether composite over wood counts as 'closely similar' isn't defined in the regulation, so it's genuinely the local construction official's call. We check with your township before we start rather than assume the answer.
When the frame itself is being rebuilt. 'Deck' doesn't appear in New Jersey's minor-work list, which covers only the total replacement of a porch or stoop — so new footings, a new ledger or a new frame is treated as new construction, with two sets of drawings, footing and final inspections, and frost-depth footings.
We probe first: the ledger, post bases and joist crowns for rot or movement, and check whether the existing joist spacing already meets composite's 16-inch rule. A sound, correctly-spaced frame gets re-decked. Rot at the ledger, heaved footings or wide joist spacing move the verdict to a full rebuild, and we give you that verdict before ordering material.
Yes, if the old deck is painted. Demolishing painted surfaces on a home built before 1978 is regulated under EPA's lead-safe renovation rule regardless of the deck's size — the rule's minor-repair exception explicitly does not cover demolition. We're an EPA-certified firm and handle that demolition under containment, not as an afterthought.
Depends on the brand. Trex's warranty can be transferred once, within five years of the original purchase. Deckorators' warranty is explicitly non-assignable and can't be claimed without the product being registered. We check what you actually have before you rely on it, and register fresh coverage on any new boards we install.
Only if it's already close. Composite decking wants joists at 16 inches on-center for boards run straight, tighter for a diagonal layout. A frame built to old wood-decking spacing is often wider than that, which means added joists before composite goes down — one of the things the frame probe checks.
Yes, when the probe points to a full rebuild rather than a re-deck. The footings-to-boards sequence, joist spacing, gapping and fastener systems for a from-scratch composite build are covered in full on Composite Deck Installation.
Deck Replacement covers rebuilding a deck in general, wood included. This page is specifically about taking an existing deck to composite — either by re-decking a sound frame or by a full rebuild — and the New Jersey permit rules unique to that switch.
Most projects touch more than one of these. We handle them with the same crew.
The buying guide for composite decking in Bergen and Passaic County: Trex, TimberTech, Fiberon and Deckorators lines by tier, the warranty term on each, the fine print that voids it, and the cases where composite is the wrong answer.
Learn moreDeck design for Bergen and Passaic County homes — the layout, level and footprint choices that decide the footings, the guard and stair requirements, and the permit drawings before any lumber is ordered.
Learn moreNew deck installation across Bergen and Passaic County, in wood or composite, built to New Jersey's 2024 code from footings to final railing, with the township permit filed by us.
Learn moreDeck remodeling in Bergen and Passaic County — the New Jersey rule that decides whether reshaping the deck you have is ordinary maintenance or new construction, and which applies to your job.
Learn moreDeck replacement in Bergen and Passaic County — re-decking a sound frame or a full rebuild, in wood or composite, and which New Jersey permit rule applies to each.
Learn morePatio decks in Bergen and Passaic County: pavers, natural stone, stamped concrete and low platform decks compared, the New Jersey permit rule most homeowners get wrong, and the base spec that keeps any of them flat for decades.
Learn moreWe probe the existing frame and tell you which path applies — and whether it needs a permit — before you commit to either one.
