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 repair a damaged deck or joist?
If repairing a damaged joist, support the deck on one side or it could crash. Make any wood replacements with a similar type of pressure-treated lumber. This guide will teach you to how to repair a deck or joist safely. When repairing a deck, you’ll need to remove nails or screws from the damaged boards.
How do you restore a wood deck?
Steps for Restoring a Deck 1 Making Repairs. Use a pry bar to pull damaged boards. ... 2 Cleaning the Surface. Trim the replacement boards with a circular saw. ... 3 Applying the Stain. Mesh filters (about $1 each) catch any particles that could wind up clogging the nozzle on the washer. 4 Redoing a Railing. ...
How do you replace a deck board?
1 Removing Nails and Screws " 2 Inspect Joists and Remove Rotted Portions " 3 Apply Sealer " 4 Reinforce the Joist " 5 Secure Reinforcing Joist " 6 Prepare Replacement Deck Board " 7 Apply Wood Stain " 8 Attach New Decking "
Should I repair or replace my deck?
Repairing a deck can save you time and money, especially if it is a small area. If a cosmetic issue, remove the plank, flip and refasten. If repairing a damaged joist, support the deck on one side or it could crash. Make any wood replacements with a similar type of pressure-treated lumber.
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 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 do you fix rotted 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.
What is the life expectancy of a wood deck?
10 to 15 yearsTHE AVERAGE LIFESPAN OF A WOOD DECK: Typically 10 to 15 years. The actual lifespan of your wood deck will depend on the type of wood you've chosen and how well you keep up with wood's rigorous maintenance schedule.
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.
How do you restore a 30 year old deck?
0:2115:55How to Restore a 30 Year Old Deck - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo we can start our cleanup process going to be using a product called restore a deck. We're gonnaMoreSo we can start our cleanup process going to be using a product called restore a deck. We're gonna have a stripper to pull off all the old stain.
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 can I make my old wood deck look better?
1:165:04How to Restore a Deck | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse a pole sander. And 50 grit paper to sand the deck boards in the direction of the wood. Grain.MoreUse a pole sander. And 50 grit paper to sand the deck boards in the direction of the wood. Grain. Make sure to sand railings and balusters.
Can rotted wood be repaired?
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.
Why is my deck rotting so fast?
Moisture and pooling water on decks can lead to rot and decay. Because dry rot is a fungus, it can spread like a cancer throughout a deck. Dry rot is caused by microorganisms that eat the cellulose from the wood leaving it brittle.
How do you fix wet rotted wood?
However, in most cases you can stop wet rot by treating the timber with a fungicide. The treatment of wet rot involves applying a fungicide during the drying out period. The fungicide can be supplied in concentrate form (usually for professionals for use over large areas) or as a ready to use product.
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 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 do decks last?
While well-built decks will last for decades it’s a good idea to perform an annual inspection on the whole structure to ensure everything is safe and in top shape for your family and guests. Problems to look for are rotted or wobbly posts, weak post connections, properly-fastened ledger boards, and missing flasher ledging. Most wood deck repair tasks are inexpensive and you should be able to complete them yourself. Here is a full deck inspection checkli st as well as detailed wood deck repair steps.
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.
What is capped decking?
The core of capped decking is similar to composite or made from cellular PVC, but that core is covered with a layer of denser, tougher polymer. 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. The decking shown, Trex Transcend, is made from 95 percent recycled material and includes a 25-year fade and stain warranty.
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 to cover the top of a flashing?
Cover the top of the flashing with window/door flashing tape.
How long does it take to make a railing planter?
In a little under an hour, you can make this simple railing-mounted planter. All you need is some standard gutter parts.
Can you put a canopy over a patio?
Sometimes that summer sun can get a little too warm, which is why building a canopy, awning or another type of shade is a great patio improvement project. These additions are affordable and easy to set up. Awnings and latticework, in particular, allow you to add more shade or remove shade based on the weather. Remember, shade over cooking and eating areas is most useful.
How much does it cost to repair a deck?
Hiring pros is easy on the schedule but hard on the budget—the cost of repairing a 700-sq.-ft. deck is $700, or about $1 per square foot. Restoring a deck yourself will cost a third as much.
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.
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 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.
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.
Can a deck joist rot?
“Screws and bolts can loosen and rust,” he says. “Without the proper use of spacers and flashing, moisture can cause your band joist to rot.”
Is there a secret to deck maintenance?
There's no secret to deck maintenance —repair the deck, clean it and protect it. But learning tricks the pros use can make the job go faster and the results last longer.
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 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.
Why do you need to choose a color for a deck?
Next, choose the color of your wood deck covering carefully because deck restore coatings absorb a lot of heat and retain it longer than plain wood. If you pick a dark color and your deck gets direct sunlight, it may be too hot to walk on with bare feet.
How to build up a pail?
Dunk a brush into the pail and dribble it into missed spots or depressions to build them up.
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 use restore 10x on a horizontal deck?
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. And, if you’re buying 4 or more gallons, buy it in pails instead of individual gallons.
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.
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 cover a wood deck?
For a natural wood look that still hides knots and grain pattern, choose a semi-transparent stain. To cover the wood completely and hide its natural color and grain patterns, choose a solid stain instead. An oil-based stain or sealer will penetrate the wood deeper and last longer, but a water-based product will be easier to clean. It’s also best to choose a stain that provides:
Where to store deck furniture before refinishing?
Before emptying your deck, you might want to clear a space below, in the garage, or in the basement where you can store your deck furniture for a few days while your refinishing project is underway.
How to clean a deck with trisodium phosphate?
Clean and scrub the deck. In a large bucket, dilute one cup (8 ounces) of trisodium phosphate in one gallon (3.8 liters) of water. Use the brush to scrub the railings and stairs with the water and trisodium phosphate solution.
What kind of stain should I use for a deck?
For a natural wood look that still hides knots and grain pattern, choose a semi-transparent stain.
What is a wooden deck?
A wooden deck is a beautiful and rustic addition to any yard, and these outdoor areas usually see a lot of traffic, especially during the warmer months. Decks are great for relaxing evenings, summer meals outdoor, and even patio parties with friends and family.
What to do if splintered wood way slivers?
Sand down any areas where splintered wood way cause slivers.
Do you need to strip old stain from a deck?
Be sure to wear rubber gloves and safety equipment when working with heavy-duty cleaners. It is generally not necessary to actively strip old stain or sealer from a deck. ...
