Final answer:
More than 1 million decks are built and replaced each year in North America. The high number is due to various factors, including weathering and the natural lifecycle of wood, which necessitates regular maintenance and eventual replacement.
Step-by-step explanation:
While there isn't an exact number available to the public due to the dynamic nature of the construction industry, estimates suggest that the number of decks built and replaced in North America annually is in the millions. The construction and maintenance of decks involve a variety of factors such as homeowner needs, weather conditions, and the natural lifecycle of wooden structures.
Since wood is susceptible to weathering and decay, decks need to be maintained regularly, which eventually leads to their replacement. This cycle contributes to the high number of decks that are constructed and replaced each year. Professionals within the construction and decking industry generally acknowledge that the figure exceeds 1 million.