p><strong>Decks can be made to last much longer than they usually are by employing a few simple tips and design tweaks. The first page I would suggest you read is our <a href="/guides/2224/tips-for-building-a-deck-10-tips-to-make-your-deck-last-longer/" target="_blank">top tips for how to build a deck that will last longer</a>. </strong></p> <p>And for anyone who is *thinking* they need to replace a deck because it is worn and weathered, first see this page about <a href="/guides/3719/how-to-restore-a-cedar-wood-deck-easily/" target="_blank">how to restore an old cedar deck to make it look new</a>. With luck you may be able to buy yourself another half dozen  years out of an older deck by replacing a few boards and re-staining it. When talking of exterior wood finishes, we also have <strong><a href="/guides/3721/how-to-stain-cedar-wood-decking-when-renovating-old-decks/" target="_blank">how to stain a deck to make old planks look like new.</a> </strong>I hope you find these guides useful!</p> <p> </p> <p> </p