Steps for Restoring a Deck
- Making Repairs. Use a pry bar to pull damaged boards. Remove fasteners and lift the board straight up to avoid damaging adjacent boards.
- Cleaning the Surface. Trim the replacement boards with a circular saw. Using adjacent boards as a cutting guide is faster and more accurate than measuring.
- Applying the Stain. Mesh filters (about $1 each) catch any particles that could wind up clogging the nozzle on the washer.
- Redoing a Railing. Because the original railing on their deck was in such bad shape, the Johnsons decided to replace it with a maintenance-free railing system.
How to properly resurface an old deck?
- Use an orbital sander to remove any old gloss and smooth out any rough areas on decking boards.
- You may need to use a sanding sponge on the railings or balustrades.
- Use 60- or 80- grit sandpaper on the main deck boards, and use 80- or 100-grit on the handrails.
What is the average cost to replace a deck?
Deck replacements usually cost between $19 and $55 per square foot if you look for a same-sized deck, but prices can be higher for a larger deck. It is in your best interest to replace the deck if it has serious structural issues and requires all new beams and joists.
How do you restore a deck?
Steps
- Start with the water bead test. The first thing you need to do when starting your deck restoration is a water bead test. ...
- Prepare the timber. Before you apply any oil or stain to your deck, you need to prepare the timber. ...
- Apply the oil. Once your deck is dry, you're ready to apply the oil. ...
- Start restoring your deck. ...
How to restore your deck in a day?
Restore-A-Deck Wood Stain is best applied the same day as prep typically 2-4 hours at 70 degrees F and less than 50% humidity. Make sure that all standing water has dried off the surface prior to application. See here for: Wet on Wet Application Tips. See here for tips on new wood: Restore-A-Deck Stain and New Wood.
Can an old deck be restored?
You can restore your existing deck by applying a deck paint restoration product. Deck paint restoration coatings are thick enough to fill all cracks, knotholes, and splinters, and they provide a completely new textured surface that can last as long as 13 years without additional applications.
How do you repair an aging deck?
0:065:04How to Restore a Deck | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOption. We used deck restore an extra thick water-based paint with sand mixed in that creates aMoreOption. We used deck restore an extra thick water-based paint with sand mixed in that creates a protective non-slip surface and extends the life of old deck boards to start clear the deck.
How do you repair a rotting wood deck?
5 Steps to Repair Wood RotGather tools and materials.Remove rotten boards Use a 5-in-1 rasp, chisel, or claw hammer to remove the rotted areas of wood. ... Apply wood hardener, filler, or epoxy If minor damaged wood cannot be easily replaced, wood hardener, filler or epoxy may help strengthen the damaged area.More items...•
How much does it cost to repair an old deck?
National Average: $1,891 That's why the average cost can be as little as $790 or as high as $3,050. Most homeowners spend around $1,891 to repair a deck. Aside from the amount of repair needed, you'll also need to take into consideration the overall size, materials, customizations, and labor.
How do I make my old deck look new again?
SCRAPE OFF LOOSE FINISH. Remove loose paint or opaque deck stain with a paint scraper. ... SCRUB THE SURFACE. Use a stiff bristle brush to remove flaking stain or dirt. ... APPLY CLEANER. Apply a deck brightener/refinisher product to wood surfaces. ... POWER WASH DECK. ... APPLY FINISH. ... USE A BRUSH.
What can I cover my old deck with?
If you want to completely cover your old deck, composite decking is a good option. Composite decking is made of a mix of wood and plastic, so it is very weather-resistant. It also doesn't require any staining or sealing, which makes it low-maintenance.
How do you fix rotten wood without replacing it?
0:033:30How to Fix Rotted Wood with Epoxy | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd uh the bottom of the mullion post was rotted so i cut out the rot i mixed up a two part epoxy.MoreAnd uh the bottom of the mullion post was rotted so i cut out the rot i mixed up a two part epoxy.
Can you save a rotting deck?
When it is caught early, it may be possible to repair the damage without having to replace your whole deck. Remove any rotted boards and replace them with new, pressure-treated ones. Apply a water-resistant coating over the entire deck, including the support pieces. Even out any spots that create water pooling.
What is the life expectancy of a wood deck?
10 to 15 yearsTraditional wood deck: Typically 10 to 15 years. Capped composite: Industry experts agree these boards can last 25 to 30+ years. Capped polymer (the best of the best): Because of its superior material composition, capped polymer boards can last much longer, potentially 50 years or more.
Do it yourself repair decks?
0:185:38How to Fix and Repair Damaged Deck Boards | Mitre 10 Easy As DIYYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBoard what i'm going to do is cut five millimeters away from those nails. So i'm going to leave theMoreBoard what i'm going to do is cut five millimeters away from those nails. So i'm going to leave the existing nails in the deck. So what i've done is cut myself a piece of timber.
Does new deck add value to home?
Building a deck is a practical, reliable, and cost-effective way to increase your home value. Research shows that a homeowner can recoup over 75% of return on investment (ROI) by adding a deck to their home. Building a deck allows you to add outdoor living space to your home.
How much does it cost to replace the boards on a deck?
Common Deck Problems and Costs Instability: If the boards are unstable, one or more might need replacing. Replacing boards costs between $500 and $4,000, depending on the materials and local labor costs.
How do you blend old and new deck boards?
To better match new wood to older wood it is best to wash the entire wood surface. Using a wood cleaner and a pressure washer will remove any dirt, grime, and gray wood fibers from the older wood and mill glaze from the newer wood. Once clean, apply a wood brightener to the wood surface.
How do you resurface a wood deck?
3:015:52How to resurface a wood deck with Olympic® Rescue It!™ - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBefore rolling on the first coat use a brush to apply rescue. It resurfacer between decking boardsMoreBefore rolling on the first coat use a brush to apply rescue. It resurfacer between decking boards dab. The product into any 1/4 inch deep cracks knots nail or screw holes.
How do you prepare an old deck for painting?
Using a stain and sealer remover on any wood that's previously been finished with paint, stain, or a clear sealer. Applying a deck wash product to completely clean all wood surfaces. Allow to dry thoroughly, at least 48 hours. Sanding any ridges or lifted grain with 80-grit sandpaper; cleaning up any dust.
Does decking restorer work?
It's important to understand that deck restoration coatings cannot work miracles on a surface where the wood has reached a certain point of deterioration. A close inspection will uncover any rotten areas that are too far gone to be salvaged.
How much should it cost to repair a deck?
The average cost of deck repair is $500, and total costs typically range from $250 to $1,200, depending on the issue. Smaller repairs and fixes cos...
Can rotted wood be repaired?
Yes. Removing any wood rot from the original board or wood post. After that, fill the area with a wood patch or polyester filler. The substance fil...
How long should a deck last?
Typically 10 to 15 years. The actual lifespan of your deck depends on the type of material you've used and how well you maintain it. Keep in mind t...
What is the best composite decking brand?
There are quite a few brands that offer composite or non-wood decking. These brands are the best of the best. Fiberon. Best decking all-around. Moi...
How long does a deck paint restoration last?
Deck paint restoration coatings are thick enough to fill all cracks, knotholes, and splinters, and they provide a completely new textured surface that can last as long as 13 years without additional applications.
What is deck restoration coating?
What is a Deck Restoration Coating? Deck restore paint coatings are made from a long-lasting tintable acrylic base material with UV inhibitors and added solids (aluminum oxide or sand). The solids provide texture and hold the product together (like aggregate in concrete).
How do I paint a deck with a stir stick?
Clean the gaps as you go with a stir stick or a 5-in-1 style deck paints tool. Dunk a brush into the pail and dribble it into missed spots or depressions to build them up. Start at one end of the board and walk the brush down the entire length in one continuous motion. If you lift the brush, you’ll leave marks.
How long does it take for a primer coat to dry?
Clean up with soap and water and let the first coat dry for three to six hours (or until dry to the touch). You probably won’t like the look of the first coat. Don’t worry; it’s just the primer coat. The second coat is the “magic coat” that fills in all the gaps and provides the smooth texture you saw at the store.
Can you walk on a deck with bare feet?
If you pick a dark color and your deck gets direct sunlight, it may be too hot to walk on with bare feet. Some deck restoration products (such as Restore 10X) can be used only on horizontal surfaces, so you’ll need a matching or complementary product designed for the deck’s vertical surfaces.
Can you stain a wood deck?
Keeping a wood deck in good shape takes a lot of work. Even if you stain or seal it, the boards can still crack and splinter, making the deck look old and worn. Switching over to composite decking is one option, though the cost may be prohibitive. But there’s another, far more affordable solution.
How do I fix a deck railing?
Deck posts and railings screwed to a single rim joist feel wobbly because the rim joist flexes whenever you lean against the railing. For an easy wood deck repair, add blocking. Adding blocking will stiffens the rim joist and makes the railing feel much more solid. Here’s how: 1 First, tighten any loose bolts and screws. If the post doesn’t have bolts, add them—carriage bolts work best. 2 Cut pressure-treated 2-by blocking (the same width as the floor joists) to fit tightly between the rim joist and the next joist. 3 Place the blocking directly behind the post and toe-screw it into both the rim joist and the neighboring joist. 4 Fasten additional blocking every 4-ft. along the rim joist.
How do I spruce up a deck post?
One way to spruce up deck posts is to cover them with a maintenance-free material like AZEK’s PVC Column Wrap, which is super easy to install. Simply glue together three sides, slide them over the post, glue and clamp the last side in place, and then never worry about painting or staining again.
Why do deck posts feel wobbly?
Deck posts and railings screwed to a single rim joist feel wobbly because the rim joist flexes whenever you lean against the railing. For an easy wood deck repair, add blocking. Adding blocking will stiffens the rim joist and makes the railing feel much more solid. Here’s how:
What brands of decking have caps?
That means better resistance to scratches, stains and fading. Brands that carry capped decking include Fiberon , Azek.com, TimberTech.com and Trex.com. Paying more usually gets you a thicker or tougher cap, plus deeper texturing and blended coloring for a more natural look.
What is DuxxBak decking?
DuxxBak decking is a unique composite decking that doesn’t allow water to pass between the deck boards, keeping the area under the deck dry. A dry space under the deck is a great place to continue your deck party during a rain shower, or to create some useful dry storage.
What is composite decking?
Just a few years ago, most manufactured decking was “composite,” which typically meant it was a combination of wood fibers and polymers. Composite was a big improvement over wood, but today most manufacturers offer something even better: “capped” or “shelled” decking.
Can I use engineered lumber on a deck?
Now there are versions for outdoor use. It may not be cost-effective to frame an entire deck with engineered lumber, but installing an engineered-lumber drop beam is a great way to reduce the number of posts and footings needed to support a deck.
