Deck Movers: Your Guide to Relocating, Not Rebuilding!
You have a beautiful, well-built deck that has hosted countless memories. The problem is, it’s in the wrong spot. Whether you’re planning a home extension, installing a pool, or completely redesigning your landscape, that perfectly good deck is now an obstacle.
The thought of demolishing a structure you invested time and money into is frustrating. Fortunately, there is a better way. Professional deck movers offer a sophisticated service to relocate your entire deck, saving you money and preserving your valuable outdoor asset.
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Why Relocate a Deck in the First Place?
Moving a deck is a practical solution for many common homeowner dilemmas. It avoids the waste and expense of demolition and reconstruction. This approach is not just about convenience; it’s a smart, sustainable choice.
Homeowners often seek out deck relocation services during major property upgrades. A new sunroom, a backyard regrading project, or even a desire for better sunlight can make your deck’s current position obsolete. Moving it allows you to adapt your outdoor space without starting from scratch.
The Deck Moving Process: How Professionals Make It Happen
Relocating a deck is a feat of engineering and precision that should only be handled by experienced professionals. They follow a meticulous process to ensure the structure is moved safely and remains sound in its new location. Understanding this process helps you appreciate the skill involved.
Step 1: The Crucial Structural Assessment
The first step is a thorough evaluation by the moving team. They will assess your deck’s size, weight, and overall condition. Critically, they examine the underlying structure—the joists, beams, and posts—to ensure it can withstand the stress of a lift and move.
This assessment also includes analyzing the path from the old location to the new one for any obstacles. They will determine the best equipment for the job and identify any preparations needed for the new site, such as grading or creating concrete footings.
Step 2: Preparing the Deck for Transit
Once the plan is in place, the crew prepares the deck for its journey. If the deck is attached to your home, they will carefully detach it from the ledger board. This is a critical step that requires expertise to avoid damaging your house’s exterior.
Railings, stairs, and skirting may be removed and cataloged for reassembly later. The primary structure is then braced and reinforced to create a rigid frame. This ensures the deck does not twist or warp during the lift.
Step 3: The Lift and Move
This is where the heavy machinery comes into play. Using a system of powerful hydraulic jacks and steel I-beams, the team slowly and uniformly lifts the entire deck off its foundation. The structure is raised high enough to slide specialized dollies or self-propelled transporters underneath.
With the deck secured on the transport system, it is carefully maneuvered across your property. For moves over complex terrain or to a different property entirely, a crane may be used to lift the deck onto a flatbed truck. The focus is always on a slow, controlled, and stable movement.
Step 4: Setting and Securing at the New Location
At the new site, the process is reversed. The team carefully positions the deck over its new foundation, which typically consists of pre-poured concrete footings for long-term stability. The structure is then gently lowered into place.
The final step involves securing the deck to the new footings and, if applicable, reattaching it to the house. The crew ensures everything is perfectly level and stable before reassembling any removed components like stairs and railings, completing the relocation.
Finding the Right “Deck Movers Near Me”: A Vetting Checklist
Choosing the right company is the most important decision you will make in this process. Not all contractors have the specialized equipment or expertise for structural moving. Use a careful vetting process to find a qualified team.
Experience and Specialization
Look for companies that explicitly advertise structural moving or deck relocation as a core service. General contractors or landscapers, while skilled, may not have the niche experience required for this high-stakes job. Ask for a portfolio of past deck moving projects to see their work firsthand.
A specialized mover will understand the unique challenges, from weight distribution to maintaining structural integrity. They will have the right tools and a proven methodology. This focus is a clear indicator of their capability.
Insurance and Licensing
This is non-negotiable. The company must carry comprehensive liability insurance to protect your property—both your house and the deck itself—from any potential damage during the move. Ask to see a certificate of insurance before signing any contract.
Proper licensing also demonstrates a commitment to professional standards and accountability. A legitimate company will have no issue providing you with their credentials for verification. This protects you and ensures you are working with a reputable business.
Reviews and Professional References
Seek out reviews and testimonials from previous clients. Look on platforms like Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau to get a sense of their reputation. Pay attention to comments about professionalism, timeliness, and the final outcome of the project.
Don’t hesitate to ask the company for professional references. Speaking to a few past customers can provide invaluable insight into what it’s like to work with the team. This direct feedback is often the most reliable way to gauge a company’s quality.
Understanding the Costs: What Factors Influence the Price?
The cost of moving a deck varies significantly based on several key factors. While it is almost always more affordable than building a new deck of the same quality, it is important to understand what drives the price. Always get a detailed, written quote before work begins.
| Cost Factor | Description | Impact on Price |
|---|---|---|
| Deck Size & Weight | Larger and heavier decks require more robust equipment and a larger crew to move safely. | High |
| Distance of Move | A simple move across the yard is less expensive than transporting the deck to a new property, which may require a crane and truck. | High |
| Site Accessibility | Tight spaces, steep slopes, fences, and other obstacles can complicate the move, requiring more time and specialized machinery. | Medium |
| Deck Complexity | Multi-level decks, built-in features, or complex shapes require more prep work for bracing and disassembly. | Medium |
| Foundation Requirements | The cost will include preparing the new site, which can involve excavation and pouring new concrete footings. | Medium |
| Required Permits | Some municipalities may require a building permit for relocating a structure, which adds an administrative cost. | Low |
DIY Deck Moving: A Risk Not Worth Taking?
The idea of a DIY deck move might seem tempting as a way to save money. However, this is a dangerous and complex task that can lead to disastrous consequences. The risks involved far outweigh any potential savings.
Without professional equipment, you risk catastrophic failure of your lifting method, which could destroy the deck and cause serious injury. Improperly securing the deck can lead to it breaking apart mid-move. Ultimately, a failed DIY attempt can cost far more to fix than hiring professionals from the start.
Beyond the Move: Post-Relocation Care and Maintenance
Once your deck is in its new home, a few final steps will ensure its longevity. The ground beneath the new footings will settle over the first few months. It’s wise to have the movers or a contractor re-check that the deck is still perfectly level after a season has passed.
The moving process may expose previously protected wood or require new drill holes for fasteners. Seal any new cuts or exposed wood grain promptly to prevent moisture intrusion and rot. You should also take this opportunity to deep clean the entire structure, addressing any stubborn issues. If you notice tough mildew spots that have been hiding, a targeted comparison of products like MMR vs RMR-86 could help you choose the right cleaner. Similarly, if hardware left rust marks, learning how to remove wood stain from metal components will restore its look.
Special Considerations for Complex Deck Moves
Not all decks are simple, freestanding squares. More complex structures introduce additional challenges that require specific expertise. These scenarios highlight the importance of hiring a team with a broad range of experience.
Moving Decks with Hot Tubs
Relocating a deck designed to hold a hot tub requires careful planning. The structure is already reinforced for immense weight, making the deck itself significantly heavier. The moving company must account for this extra load in their equipment and lifting strategy.
The principles for ensuring structural integrity are vital, much like when planning a hot tub on a rooftop deck where weight distribution is paramount. The hot tub must be drained and disconnected by a qualified technician before the deck is prepared for the move.
Attached vs. Freestanding Decks
Moving a deck that is attached to a house is more complex than moving one that is freestanding. The process of detaching the deck from the home’s ledger board must be done without compromising the structural integrity of the house wall.
Reattaching the deck at the new location requires precision to ensure it is secure, level, and properly waterproofed against the house. This is a critical step that, if done incorrectly, could lead to water damage down the line. A professional mover will have a specific methodology for this process.
A Smart Move for Your Home and Wallet
Relocating your deck is a brilliant alternative to demolition. It preserves the value of your existing materials, saves a significant amount of money compared to rebuilding, and is an environmentally responsible choice. By hiring qualified and insured professionals, you can safely and efficiently reposition your deck to better suit your evolving outdoor living needs.
Don’t let a well-built deck in the wrong place become landfill. Explore the possibility of moving it. Start by researching specialized “deck movers near me” and requesting a few detailed assessments and quotes to make an informed decision for your home.
