how to repair my deck

1. Removing Nails and Screws. When repairing a deck, you’ll need to remove nails or screws from the damaged boards. ...
2. Inspect Joists and Remove Rotted Portions. Inspect the joists underneath for signs of rotted wood. ...
3. Apply Sealer. ...
4. Reinforce the Joist. ...
5. Secure Reinforcing Joist. ...
6. Prepare Replacement Deck Board. ...
7. Apply Wood Stain. ...
8. Attach New Decking. ...

Full Answer

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.

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How much does it cost to fix a deck?

This cost guide will walk you through the entire process and help you understand how much it costs to repair or fix hail damage. Here's what you need to do after a hailstorm before ... like your roof, deck, or appliances, and take a photo of each.

How to restore and maintain a deck?

Restore wood to its original appearance Deck Maintenance : Restoring wood to its original appearance: After cleaning, let deck to dry. Part of the deck is a covered deck. Here the it takes more time for drying.

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 can I repair my deck myself?

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.

How do I repair damaged wood deck?

0:523:43How to Repair a Hole From Wood Rot, Fixing a Damaged 2X Framing ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI started with fiberglass resin mixing in the appropriate. Amount of hardener. I then added theMoreI started with fiberglass resin mixing in the appropriate. Amount of hardener. I then added the resin into the hole. Now the concept. Here is the thin liquid resin would work its way into any cracks.

How do you repair a rotting 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...•

Is it cheaper to repair or replace a deck?

Fortunately, repairing a deck is much cheaper, but there are still ways to save on deck repair cost. Consider whether it's a simple task you can do on your own such as cleaning and staining or adding nails.

How do you fix rotted wood without replacing it?

Wood fillers are products such as Bondo and Minwax that are designed to be all-purpose fillers for gaps, holes, and rotted wood. Their application is simple, they cure quickly, and they're not supposed to shrink once dry.

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.

Can you patch rotted wood?

Can Rotten Wood Be Repaired? Rotting wood can be repaired by first removing any rot from the original board or beam of wood. Once that has been done, you can fill the area with a wood-patch or polyester filler. This material will fill the area and harden to provide strength and durability.

Can you just replace deck boards?

If your existing deck is old, shabby and a maintenance nightmare, you don't have to tear it all down and start over. Chances are that the structural parts are still in good shape. If so, you can simply remodel it with new decking, rails and stairs, and save tons of money over the cost of a complete rebuild.

Can you put a new deck over an old deck?

In short, yes you can. You are more than capable of placing composite deck boards over existing wooden ones in order to save time and money from building an entirely new frame.

How often should a deck be replaced?

The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors estimates decks made from wood planks will last about 15 years, while structural wood will give you 10 to 30 years. Composite decking will last anywhere from eight to 25 years.

How much does it cost to replace a 12x12 deck?

High-end deck repair cost - $10,000 to $17,000. A high-end deck repair includes replacing an entire wood decking of a 12x12 deck. Replacing railings or upgrading to composite decking material will add up to that price.

What is the average cost to rebuild a deck?

Homeowners typically spend between $734 and $2,636 on deck repairs, with an average of $1,685, according to HomeAdvisor.

What is the best wood filler for decks?

Best Exterior Wood Filler for DecksBest wood filler for outdoor use – Bondo All-Purpose Putty.Best Stainable Wood Filler– Elmer's E892.Best exterior epoxy wood filler – Abatron Wood Epoxy 2 kit.Best Wood Putty for Decks– Minwax 13617000.Best wood filler for pressure treated deck– Pc Products- 163337.More items...

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.

Can you just replace deck boards?

If your existing deck is old, shabby and a maintenance nightmare, you don't have to tear it all down and start over. Chances are that the structural parts are still in good shape. If so, you can simply remodel it with new decking, rails and stairs, and save tons of money over the cost of a complete rebuild.

How do you repair rotted wood on a porch?

1:325:24Fix and Rebuild a Dry Rot Porch - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn the cavity you created using gorilla glue and screw moves in that party you make a tight. InsideMoreIn the cavity you created using gorilla glue and screw moves in that party you make a tight. Inside that cavity you created and let that dry overnight.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

How much stain does a 700 sq ft deck need?

This 700-sq.-ft. deck required about 5 gal. of stain — almost twice as much as the estimates indicated on the can. Explains Starling, “Old wood can get thirsty.

What kind of railing did the Johnsons use?

They chose Fiberon, a vinyl-coated wood-plastic composite. It's available in premade panels or as kits. The Johnsons liked the contrast the white railing offered.

What kind of nails did Graf use on the Johnsons deck?

For the Johnsons’ deck, Graf used galvanized ring-shanked nails when he replaced a few damaged boards. “Screws don’t pop like nails, “ he says “but we want the new boards to match the rest of the deck.”. Tip: If you need to rip replacement decking to match existing boards, use a tablesaw.

How long does it take to rejuvenate a deck?

A deck rejuvenation project like this can be done in two days, but it’s best to spread the work over two weekends to ensure the wood is completely dry before you apply stain.

What is the best way to clean wood?

When mixed with water, this chemical forms hydrogen peroxide (an oxygen-based bleach) and sodium carbonate, which acts as a detergent. It is good for removing dirt, mildew and weathered wood.

How to get rid of sun damage on wood?

For tackling tough stains, use a pressure washer (about $70 a day), which is the best way to remove sun-damaged wood fibers and tackle scrub-resistant stains. Graf recommends using a fan-type nozzle instead of a pinpoint nozzle that can dig into the wood.

What does it mean when a screwdriver sinks into a post?

“If you can sink the tip of a screwdriver into a post or joist, it means the you’ve got rot and it’s time for a major renovation ,” Graf says. Also, inspect the deck-to-house connection. “Screws and bolts can loosen and rust,” he says.

Removing Nails and Screws

When repairing a deck, you’ll need to remove nails or screws from the damaged boards. Use a pry bar, screwdriver or drill on the decking. If the fasteners won't come out, chop the board into pieces with a chisel or saw, pry up the slivers and replace the board.

Inspect Joists and Remove Rotted Portions

Inspect the joists underneath for signs of rotted wood. Use a hammer and chisel to remove any rotted portions of joists. Repair and reinforce joists that have soft, discolored areas with rotted wood putty.

Apply Sealer

Apply a thick coat of clear sealer to the damaged joist. Let it dry, and then apply a second coat of sealer. Cut a reinforcing joist from pressure-treated lumber.

Reinforce the Joist

When you consider how to repair a deck, it is important to treat all sides of the reinforcing joist. Apply a clear sealer and let it dry. Position the reinforcing joist tightly against the damaged joist, and attach it with 16d (3 1/2-inch) galvanized nails driven every 2 feet or fasten it with 3 1/2-inch galvanized deck screws.

Secure Reinforcing Joist

Attach the reinforcing joist to the ledger and header joist by toenailing with nails or screws.

Prepare Replacement Deck Board

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. Apply in the solution with a scrub brush. Rinse and let dry.

Apply Wood Stain

In repairing a deck, you must use wood stain that is the same color as the rest of the deck. Apply stain to both sides of the board and the edges.

How do I protect wood from sun damage?

Protect the Wood With Stain, Paint or a Restoration Coating. After sanding, you’ll probably be impressed with the appearance of the wood, and you may decide that a stain is all it needs. If so, choose a semi-transparent deck stain with enough pigmentation to forestall further deterioration of the wood by the sun.

How long does it take for a deck to cure?

Wait for 24 hours before applying the second coat, and let that cure for the recommended time, usually 48 hours, before using the deck.

What is the best way to clean a splintered wood deck?

Power Washing Is the Best Treatment for an Old Wood Deck. If your deck is already splintered, you may think it counterintuitive to power wash it and run the risk of making the splintering worse.

Can you replace wood deck boards with composite?

Of course, there’s always the option of throwing away the old boards and replacing them, but new wood boards are expensive. Even replacing deck boards with composite can cost an arm and a leg.