Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late: How to Catch Deck Rot Early

Your deck should be a safe and relaxing place, not something that’s slowly falling apart without you knowing it. Deck rot can sneak in quietly, often starting where you can’t see it—under boards or around nails and screws. That’s why catching the signs early is so important. Fixing a small issue now can save you from a big repair later.

The blog post Early Signs of Deck Rot explains what to look for, where to check, and how to keep your deck in good shape before things get worse.

👣 Does Your Deck Feel Soft or Bouncy?

• Walk across your deck and notice how it feels under your feet.
  
  
• If any spots feel soft, springy, or like they sink a little when you step, that’s a red flag.
  
  
• A strong, healthy deck should feel solid and steady.
  
  

🎨 Look for Weird Colors or Stains

• Check for spots that are gray, dark, green, or just look different.
  
  
• These often show up where water sits—like near railings, posts, or joints.
  
  
• Mold or dark patches mean water has been there too long.
  
  

🛠️ Loose Railings or Shaky Steps

• If your handrail moves when you touch it, or your stairs feel unsteady, don’t ignore it.
  
  
• These are signs that the wood might be rotting where it’s connected.
  
  
• That can become dangerous if left alone.
  
  

🔩 Check Nails and Screws

• Are nails or screws coming loose? Are they rusted?
  
  
• Rust and loose hardware usually mean the wood around them is breaking down.
  
  
• Also check under your deck where rot often starts first.
  
  

💧 Is Water Sticking Around?

• After it rains, look at your deck. Does water stay in puddles or take forever to dry?
  
  
• If yes, that area might rot. Water that doesn’t drain is a problem.
  
  
• Decks need good airflow to dry out fast.
  
  

🪵 Do the “Screwdriver Test”

• Take a screwdriver and gently press it into any spot that looks off.
  
  
• If it sinks in easily or the wood feels soft, it’s probably rotting.
  
  
• Try this test on steps, posts, or areas that stay damp.
  
  

💡 Easy Ways to Stop Deck Rot

• Check your deck every few weeks, especially after rain.
  
  
• Sweep away leaves and dirt—they trap moisture.
  
  
• Reseal your deck every year to block water from soaking in.
  
  
• Fix small problems quickly so they don’t grow.
  
  

✅ Why Catching It Early Matters

If you catch rot early, you can fix a small spot before it spreads. If you ignore it, you might have to replace your whole deck.

Looking out for these simple signs can help you keep your deck safe, save money, and avoid future headaches. Want a full guide with all the tips?
👉 Early Signs of Deck Rot