Pier & Dock Deck Board Replacement

Pier Deck Boards Redone the Right Way

A pier takes more abuse than any deck on land. Boards cup, split, and soften from constant moisture, and cheap fasteners rust and pop. When the pilings and framing are still sound, new decking brings the whole pier back without the cost of a rebuild. Here is how we handle it.

Remove and haul away the old boards and fasteners
Inspect every stringer, joist, and connection while the deck is open
Replace or sister damaged framing so the new boards sit on solid wood
Install marine-grade decking with proper spacing for drainage
Fasten with 316 stainless steel screws made for salt air
Replace worn ladders, bench tops, and edge boards if you want them done

Marine-Grade Decking Options

Marine-rated pressure-treated lumber

The standard for piers and docks on the Chesapeake. We use boards treated for ground contact with MCA or copper azole and sourced for dock use, not the lighter treatment sold for backyard decks, so they stand up to constant moisture.

Composite and PVC dock boards

For owners who never want to stain a pier again. Composite and PVC dock boards will not splinter, rot, or need sealing, and they stay cooler and safer under bare feet than old weathered wood.

Light-penetrating grated decking

Grated dock decking lets sunlight through to the water below and drains instantly. It is a good fit for piers over shallow water and grass beds, and it is never slick after rain.

Signs Your Pier Needs New Boards

Soft, spongy, or sagging boards underfoot
Splintering, cupping, or wide cracks across the surface
Rusted, popped, or missing nails and screws
Boards that move or rock when you step on them
Green, slick boards that never seem to dry out

Piers We Work On

We redo pier and dock decking on private piers off the back of waterfront homes in Solomons, Lusby, Drum Point, Dowell, Hollywood, Leonardtown, California, Chesapeake Beach, and waterfront communities across the Tri-County Area. If the job also needs a new deck at the house, the same crew handles both.

Why Waterfront Owners Call Us

Gray & Sons Contracting is a family business that has worked on Southern Maryland homes since 1976. Carpentry is what we are known for, so every board is cut and fastened with care. We are licensed, bonded, and insured, we answer the phone 24/7, and you get a written estimate before any work begins.

Pier Decking FAQs

Can you replace just the deck boards on my pier?

Yes. If the pilings and framing underneath are solid, we strip the worn boards and install new marine-grade decking on the existing structure. We check every stringer and joist while the boards are off and tell you about anything that needs attention before we close it back up.

What kind of decking do you use on piers and docks?

We use decking made for the water: ground-contact treated boards sourced for dock use, composite or PVC dock boards, and light-penetrating grated decking when you want more sun on the water below. We fasten it with 316 stainless steel screws so the hardware does not rust out in salt air.

Do I need a permit to redo the boards on my pier?

It depends on the work and the property. Replacing boards in kind on an existing pier is often treated differently than building new or changing the size, but waterfront rules in Maryland can involve the county and the state. We check what applies to your pier before any work starts.

Do you work on piers in Solomons?

Yes. Solomons and the waterfront around it are a big part of our pier work, along with Lusby, Drum Point, Dowell, Hollywood, Leonardtown, and private piers across Calvert, St. Mary's, and Charles County.

How long does a pier deck board replacement take?

Most private piers off the back of a house take a few days, depending on length, access, weather, and what we find under the old boards. You get the timeline in writing with your free estimate.

Pier & Dock Deck Board Replacement in the Tri-County Area