Deck repair is much easier than it seems. All you need is the right tools and the right methods – we’re going to enlighten you on both. We hope this helps you to repair that damaged deck in your back yard, so that you can use it.
First of all, you need to see if the damage done to the entire board on the deck or to a small section on the board. This will save you time, money and energy. Secondly, you’ll need these tools and materials:
Tools
- Pry bar
- Screw gun
- Hammer
- Circular saw
- Wood chisel
- Tape measure
- Sprayer
- Scrub brush
- Paintbrush
- Awl
- Wood putty for rotted wood
- Exterior wood finish and waterproofer
Materials
- Treated decking lumber
- 3 ½” 16d Galvanized nails
- Clear wood sealer
- 3 ½” Deck screws
- Baking soda
Now here’s what you need to do:
- Use the pry bar, screwdriver or drill to remove the nails or screw from the damaged decking board. If you can’t remove it, break the board to pieces, using a saw or chisel.
- Look at the joints below and see if there are any signs of rotted wood. If the joints are soft, discolored with rotted wood putty, you should reinforce them or replace them.
- Remove the rotten parts of the joists by using a chisel or hammer.
- Apply a thick coat of clear sealer to the damage joist and let it dry. Then, apply another coat and cut a joist from pressure-treated lumber for reinforcement.
- Use the clear sealer and treat all sides of the reinforcing joist with it. Let it dry and then position the reinforcing joist firmly against the damaged joist. Do that by attaching it with 16d (3.5”) galvanized nails, positioned every 2 feet. Another option is to fasten it with 3 ½ inch galvanized deck screws.
- Use nails or screws to toenail the reinforcing joist to the header and ledger joist. Use a circular saw to cut replacement deck boards from matching lumber.
- You can “weather” the new decking with a solution made from a solution of 1 gallon of warm water with a cup of baking soda, if the original decking looks gray. Simply use a scrubbing brush to apply the solution, then rinse it off and let it dry off.
- Apply wood stain that is the same color as the rest of the deck, to both sides of the new board and also to the edges.
- Put the new decking in place and use deck screws or nails to attach it to the joists. Ensure that the space between the decking boards match up.
Try this DIY project and see how well it turns out. If you are looking for Kitchen and Bathroom Renovations in Ottawa then you have come to the right place and we can help you with all of your home improvement and contracting needs with our skilled renovation contractors in Ottawa. We start with an inspection and a free estimate for your home renovation and improvement. Manning Maintenance & Renovations takes pride in providing clients with expert advice throughout the entire construction phase.
