When a homeowner in the Big Ridge neighborhood of Hixson, Tennessee reached out to Armor Xteriors, their deck had reached the end of the road. Originally built in the early 1980s, the structure was over 40 years old, and decades of Tennessee weather had taken their toll. Half of the deck was open-air, half was screened in, and both sections were showing serious signs of structural fatigue.

Here’s how we turned an aging, unsafe deck into a durable, low-maintenance outdoor living space the homeowners will enjoy for decades.

The Problem: A 40+ Year Old Deck on Its Last Legs

Decks built in the early 1980s were rarely constructed with the materials or building codes we rely on today. By the time we arrived on site, this deck showed several classic signs of end-of-life wood decking:

• Soft, spongy boards from decades of moisture exposure
• Deteriorating railing that no longer met safety standards
• A screened-in section with torn screens and rotting frame components
• An open under-deck area with no protection from the elements
• Structural components well past their expected lifespan

For a deck pushing 40+ years old, this wasn’t a candidate for spot repairs — it needed a full replacement.

 

The Solution: A Full Rebuild with Premium, Low-Maintenance Materials

Armor Xteriors designed and built a complete deck replacement using composite materials chosen specifically for Chattanooga-area weather patterns — humidity, heat, and seasonal freeze-thaw cycles.

Decking: Trex Enhance in Saddle

We installed Trex Enhance composite decking in the Saddle color across the entire structure. This gave the homeowners:

• A warm, natural wood-look tone that complements the home’s exterior
• Resistance to rot, warping, and insect damage
• No sanding, staining, or sealing required going forward
• Consistent durability across both the open-air and screened sections

Curious how Trex compares to wood, or why so many Chattanooga homeowners are making the switch? See our breakdown of Trex vs. wood deck materials, learn how Trex’s heat-mitigation technology keeps decks cooler, and read why more homeowners are replacing wood decks with Trex.

Railing: Black Aluminum

To modernize the look while keeping maintenance minimal, we used black aluminum railing throughout the project, including the screen room area. This accomplished two things:

1. Created a cohesive, updated look across the entire deck
2. Matched the surrounding screen framework so the open and enclosed sections feel like one connected space rather than two mismatched additions

Screen Room: Fully Rebuilt to Match

The original screened-in porch was rebuilt from the ground up. We paid close attention to matching the new railing and framing to the screen structure so the transition between the open deck and the screened area reads as one intentional design rather than a patchwork of repairs.

Under-Deck Protection: Custom Trex Fascia Cladding

One of the most impactful upgrades was shielding the under-deck area with custom cladding using Trex fascia boards. This addressed a problem the original 1980s design never solved: exposed framing and joists left vulnerable to moisture and debris underneath the deck. The custom cladding gives the space a clean, finished appearance from every angle — not just from the top.

Project Highlights at a Glance

• Age of original structure: 40+ years old
• Project scope: Full deck tear-off and rebuild, screen room replacement, under-deck cladding
• Decking material: Trex Enhance, Saddle color
• Railing material: Black aluminum (deck + screen room)
• Under-deck solution: Custom Trex fascia cladding
• Total completion time: Approximately 1 week
• Location: Big Ridge area, Hixson, TN

Why Trex Composite Decking Makes Sense for Chattanooga-Area Homes

Homeowners throughout Hixson, Big Ridge, and the greater Chattanooga area deal with humid summers, heavy pollen seasons, and everything from thunderstorms to the occasional ice event. Composite decking like Trex Enhance is built to handle exactly that kind of climate stress:

• Won’t rot, splinter, or absorb moisture like traditional wood
• Resists fading and staining from pollen, leaves, and debris
• Requires no annual staining or sealing
• Backed by manufacturer warranties for long-term peace of mind

Combined with aluminum railing that won’t rust or corrode, this deck was built to outlast the one it replaced by decades.

The Result

In about a week, this Big Ridge home went from a deteriorating, unsafe 1980s deck to a fully updated outdoor living space with matching railing, a rebuilt screen room, and a finished under-deck area that looks as good as the deck surface itself. It’s a complete transformation, inside and out, top to bottom.

Ready to Replace Your Old Deck?

If your deck is showing its age — soft boards, rusting railing, or a screen room that’s seen better days — Armor Xteriors can help you design a rebuild that fits your home and your lifestyle, built to handle everything the Chattanooga area throws at it.

Armor Up With Armor Xteriors, Because Home Starts Here.