Salt air, UV, and hurricane season are the three forces working against every deck and fence on the Gulf Coast. Pressure-treated lumber that would last 15 years inland is rotting at the base in 5. Fences that survived years of mild seasons lean over after a single tropical storm. And stains that look fresh in spring are chalky gray by fall.
Coastal Craft Handyman repairs decks and fences across Baldwin County. We replace rotted boards, reset leaning posts, fix gate hardware, and stain and seal so your outdoor structures survive another Gulf Coast season. No guesswork, no shortcuts — we use the right materials for the coastal environment and leave the job solid.
What We Handle
- Deck board replacement — swap out rotted, cracked, or warped boards with properly treated lumber or composite
- Railing repair — tighten, replace, or rebuild loose or rotted deck railings and balusters
- Fence post repair & replacement — reset leaning posts, replace rotted base sections, re-set in concrete
- Gate repair — fix sagging, misaligned, or binding gates; replace hardware (hinges, latches, drops)
- Deck staining & sealing — clean, prep, and apply UV-resistant stain or sealant suited for Gulf Coast conditions
- Pergola & patio cover repair — replace rotted beams, boards, or fasteners; reinforce storm-weakened structures
Gulf Coast Decks and Fences: Why They Fail Faster
The Gulf Coast accelerates decay in ways most homeowners underestimate. Here's what we see constantly across Baldwin County:
- Salt air corrosion — Salt deposits from coastal air accelerate rust on fasteners and hardware. Standard zinc-plated screws and hinges fail in 2–3 years within a mile of the water. We use hot-dipped galvanized or stainless hardware on every coastal repair.
- Humidity-driven wood rot — Baldwin County's humidity rarely drops below 70%. Wood that holds moisture — especially near soil, in shaded corners, or under debris — rots from the inside. By the time it looks bad, the structural damage is already significant.
- Hurricane and storm damage — Wind loads and flying debris from tropical systems regularly crack deck boards, snap fence pickets, and torque posts out of plumb. Many homeowners don't realize until the next storm takes what's left.
- UV degradation — Intense Gulf Coast sun breaks down wood fiber and sealants faster than manufacturer timelines suggest. Stains rated for "5 years" last 2–3 here. Unprotected wood grays, checks, and splinters within a season.
- Pressure-treated lumber selection — Not all PT lumber is equal. UC4B is rated for ground contact and coastal applications; UC3B is for above-ground only. Using the wrong grade is a common DIY error that shows up as rot within a few years.
Composite vs. Wood for Gulf Coast Deck Repairs
If you're replacing a handful of boards, wood is usually the right call — matching materials keeps the deck consistent and costs less. But if 30–40% of your decking needs replacement, or you're rebuilding a structure from scratch, composite is worth considering:
- Composite advantages — No rot, no splinters, no staining required, 25-year warranties from most manufacturers. Holds color and resists UV better than any wood.
- Composite limitations — Higher upfront cost (typically 2–4x pressure-treated pine), can get hot underfoot in direct sun, and expands/contracts more with temperature swings.
- Wood advantages — Lower cost, easier to source locally, can be refinished, familiar feel underfoot. Pressure-treated pine with proper sealing performs well for 10–15 years on the Gulf Coast.
We'll walk you through the tradeoff at estimate time. The right answer depends on what's already on your deck, your budget, and how long you plan to own the property.
Staining and Sealing: Don't Skip It
Deck staining on the Gulf Coast isn't cosmetic maintenance — it's structural protection. Bare wood absorbs moisture, expands and contracts with temperature swings, and develops mold and mildew within a season. A properly applied sealant or semi-transparent stain extends board life by 5+ years.
Before staining, pressure washing is essential. We offer a combined wash-and-stain service that properly preps the surface — removes mold, algae, and old sealant — so the new stain penetrates and bonds correctly. Staining over a dirty deck is money wasted.
Service Areas
We serve all of Baldwin County
Our deck and fence repair services cover the full Gulf Coast region — from beachfront homes in Gulf Shores to wooded lots in Bay Minette.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does deck repair cost in Baldwin County?
Most deck repairs in Baldwin County run $200–$800, depending on the scope. Individual board swaps start around $25–$75 per board plus labor. Full railing replacements or storm damage repairs across multiple boards can run $500–$1,500+. We provide free estimates so you know the cost before we touch a thing — call (251) 200-9476.
What's the best wood for deck repairs in the Gulf Coast climate?
Pressure-treated pine rated UC4B or higher is the standard for Gulf Coast decks. For boards near or at ground contact, or in high-salt-air environments close to the water, we typically recommend ACQ-treated lumber or composite. Standard zinc-plated fasteners corrode in 2–3 years near the coast — we use hot-dipped galvanized or stainless hardware on all coastal repairs.
How often should I stain or seal my deck in the Gulf Coast climate?
Every 2–3 years for most Gulf Coast decks. UV exposure here is intense, and the combination of heat, humidity, and salt air breaks down sealants faster than manufacturer timelines. If the wood has gone gray, water no longer beads on the surface, or the stain is peeling, it's overdue. We combine pressure washing and staining into a single service to properly prep the surface first.
Can storm damage to my deck be covered by homeowners insurance?
Yes — if the damage was caused by a covered peril like wind, falling trees, or hurricane-force rain. Normal wear and gradual rot is not covered. You'll need documentation: photos, storm date, and an itemized estimate. We're experienced with insurance repair work in Baldwin County and can provide detailed estimates your adjuster will accept. Call (251) 200-9476.
Wood vs. composite deck boards — which should I choose for repairs?
For replacing a few boards on an existing wood deck, match the existing material — mixing wood and composite looks inconsistent and behaves differently under foot traffic. If you're replacing more than 30–40% of the deck surface, upgrading to composite makes sense: no staining, no rot, longer lifespan. We'll walk through the tradeoff at estimate time based on your budget and goals.
How do I know if my fence posts need replacement vs. repair?
Probe the base of each post with a screwdriver. If the wood is soft or the tool sinks in more than a half-inch, the post is rotted below ground and needs replacement. A post that's leaning but still solid at the base can often be reset and re-set in concrete. Gate posts take the most stress — minor rot there causes alignment issues and hardware failure quickly. When in doubt, replace it now rather than have the whole section fail in a storm.
Transparent Pricing — Know the Cost Before We Start
No hidden fees. No surprise bills. Most competitors won't post rates — we do.
| Common Job | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Deck board replacement (per board, labor + material) | $25 – $75 / board |
| Railing repair (loose sections, broken balusters) | $150 – $350 |
| Fence post repair or replacement (per post) | $125 – $275 / post |
| Gate repair (sag, alignment, hardware replacement) | $100 – $250 |
| Deck staining & sealing (wash + apply) | $1.50 – $3.50 / sq ft |
| Pergola / patio cover repair (beam, board, fastener) | $200 – $600 |
Ranges reflect labor only unless noted. Materials billed at cost. Storm damage estimates for insurance include itemized line-item breakdown. Free estimate before any work begins.
What Customers Say About Our Deck & Fence Work
"After Hurricane Ida we had four broken deck boards and two fence posts leaning. Coastal Craft came out, assessed everything, and had it all fixed in one day. Used the right treated lumber, not the cheap stuff. Two years later it still looks great. Will call again for the staining."
"My back gate has been dragging for two years. One call to Coastal Craft, they came out, replaced the hinges, reset the post, and installed a proper latch. Under two hours. I don't know why I waited so long — it was not expensive and now the gate actually closes."
Related Services
Deck staining works best when you start with a clean surface. We offer pressure washing as a combined prep-and-stain service. For interior wood damage or water intrusion from a failing deck, our home repair team handles the inside work.
Deck and fence repair done right — before the next storm.
We serve all of Baldwin County and the Gulf Coast. Free estimates, honest pricing, coastal-grade materials.