| |
If decking damage is confined to a small area, replace
that section rather than an entire board. This saves time
and money, and won't compromise your deck's looks or
sturdiness. If the damage is merely cosmetic, you can
sometimes remove the plank, flip it over and fasten it
back in place.
Before you cut completely through a damaged joist, support
the deck on either side of the cut. Otherwise your deck
could crash! Replace structural members with treated
lumber if they're not visible. Match existing members that
show with redwood, cedar, or pressure-treated lumber. |
|
|
| |
|
 Remove nails
or screws from the damaged decking board, using a pry bar
or screwgun. If the fasteners won't come out, chop the
board into pieces with a chisel or saw, pry up the
slivers, and toss 'em out. |
 |
| |
|
 Inspect the
joists underneath for signs of rotted wood. Repair and
reinforce joists that have soft, discolored areas. |
 |
| |
|
Use a hammer and chisel to remove any rotted portions of
joists. |
 |
| |
|
Apply a thick coat of sealer-preservative to the damaged
joist. Let it dry, then apply a second coat of sealer. Cut
a reinforcing joist from pressure-treated lumber. |
 |
| |
|
Treat all sides of the reinforcing joist with clear
sealer-preservative, and let it dry. Position the
reinforcing joist tightly against the damaged joist, and
attach it with 16d(3.5") galvanized nails driven every two
feet. Or fasten it with 3 1/2-inch galvanized deck screws. |
 |
| |
|
 Attach the
reinforcing joist to the ledger and header joist by toenailing with nails or screws. Cut replacement deck
boards from matching lumber, using a circular saw. |
 |
| |
|
If the existing decking is gray, "weather" the new decking
with a solution made from 1 cup of baking soda and 1
gallon of warm water. Rinse and let dry. |
 |
| |
|
Apply a coat of sealer-preservative or staining sealer to
all sides and both ends of the new decking board. |
 |
| |
|
Position the new decking and attach it to joists with
galvanized deck screws or nails. Make sure the space
between boards matches that of existing decking. |
 |
| |
|
|
| |
|
RELATED PROJECTS
Replacing a Step
Replacing a Stair
Railing
Replacing a Deck Railing
|
|
|
|
|
