- 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.
- 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.
- Apply Sealer. Apply a thick coat of clear sealer to the damaged joist. Let it dry, and then apply a second coat of sealer.
- Reinforce the Joist. When you consider how to repair a deck, it is important to treat all sides of the reinforcing joist.
- 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. ...
- Apply Wood Stain. In repairing a deck, you must use wood stain that is the same color as the rest of the deck. ...
- Attach New Decking. 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.
How much does it cost to replace a deck?
The general rule is that if the cost of the repairs comes close to the price of a new deck, consider a replacement. 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.
How to repair a deck with wood filler?
Things You Will Need
- Stiff brush
- Medium-grit sandpaper
- Deck cleaner or stripper
- Hose
- Wood filler
- Putty knife
- Paper plate, optional
Is it time to replace your deck?
When it takes more than cleaning and another coat of sealer to get your deck looking fresh again then it’s time to replace it. Widespread Wood Rot. Rot is a problem that is easily detected. Damp, discolored and soft to the touch – wood with these characteristics is rotting.
Do it yourself deck repair?
- 1 qt. sodium hypochlorite solution (household bleach)
- ⅓ cup powdered laundry detergent
- 3 qts. warm water
How do you restore a badly weathered deck?
0:392:16How to Restore Severely Weathered Wood with RESTORE - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can apply restore with a pump sprayer roller or a brush. I'm using a pump sprayer here to coverMoreYou can apply restore with a pump sprayer roller or a brush. I'm using a pump sprayer here to cover more area quickly and it'll make my job a lot easier especially along the deck rail.
How do you reload an old wood deck?
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.
Can you repair an old deck?
Remove any damaged deck boards and cut off the rotted portion—all the way back to the centerline of the nearest joist. Use deck screws to reattach the good end, then cut a piece of like decking to fill the gap, and screw it to the joists. Check the handrails and balusters, then replace any damaged sections.
How can I save my old deck?
0:171:49Save your aging wood deck - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo maintaining your wood deck should be a priority every spring. But a caution many people actuallyMoreSo maintaining your wood deck should be a priority every spring. But a caution many people actually damage their deck by power washing. You want to keep the tip of your power washer.
What is the best wood deck restore product?
BEST OVERALL: Olympic Rescue It 3 gal. ... BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: INSL-X SU092209A-01 Sure Step Acrylic Anti-Slip.BEST TINTABLE: Cabot DeckCorrect Tintable Satin Mildew Resistant.BEST MILDEW-RESISTANT: Cabot DeckCorrect New Cedar Satin Mildew Resistant.BEST POLYURETHANE: LR Liquid Rubber Smooth Polyurethane Deck and Dock.More items...•
Is it better to paint or stain an old deck?
A quality paint job can last for up to 10 years when it's done right. Paint allows you more color options, as where stain is limited to shades of brown. Because paint fills gaps and cracks, it hides the flaws of a weathered or old deck much better than stain does.
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.
How do you fix rotting deck boards?
0:235:38How 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 can I fix my deck cheap?
0:000:43Cheapest way to fix old deck, no money!!! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you don't if you don't have a lot of cash you can't buy some new boards. You have an old boardMoreIf you don't if you don't have a lot of cash you can't buy some new boards. You have an old board that you don't like let's say this one remove all the screws. Check the back side.
How much does it cost to restore a deck?
Deck Refinishing Cost On average, the cost to refinish a deck is between $3 and $6.80 per square foot. Since a standard deck measures about 200 square feet, a refinishing project will cost about $600 to $1,360 or $975 on average.
How do you make old wood look new again?
1:273:59Make your old wood furniture look like new very cheaply. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd just run the brush down in one direction just to make take out any roller marks. Or any sort ofMoreAnd just run the brush down in one direction just to make take out any roller marks. Or any sort of thick edges. That might be on the wood.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
