
Can you use plywood for decking?
Plywood decking comes in large sheets, which means you can cover the deck easily with the plywood. Instead of the deck taking days to finish, the job can be completed in hours by using plywood for the decking instead of individual boards. This will also keep the cost down.
How many sheets of plywood do I need for decking?
One or two sheets of plywood can cover the entire deck. Plywood decking is a great choice as an alternative to regular boards as long as the right plywood is used. Normal plywood is only four or five layers of wood and is bonded together by a basic epoxy. The only kind of plywood you should use as decking material is marine plywood.
Can you put composite decking over wood decking?
Additionally, installing composite decking over old decking is generally far more cost-effective than doing a full replacement. And if you’re replacing a damaged surface, installing composite decking over wood can actually add value to your home. Can You Place Composite Boards Directly On Top of Wood Boards? No; this is not a recommended practice.
Can you resurface a composite deck with plywood?
In fact, it is actually a good idea if you want to improve the stability and strength of the deck. The thin layer of plywood, installed before the composite decking, will help the weight to distribute more evenly and make it more stable. There are a lot of things to consider when resurfacing your deck with composite boards.

Can you cover a deck with plywood?
Plywood decking comes in large sheets, which means a deck can easily be covered with plywood. With Marine Plywood, you can finish your deck in hours instead of the days it would take using individual boards, and at a very reasonable cost.
What can you put over existing deck boards?
Laying composite decking over wood 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.
Can I use plywood for an outdoor deck?
This type of plywood, often made from Douglas fir, is made stronger by adhering its layers with a waterproof glue. Exterior plywood can be used on decks and walkways (think: a sturdy path down to a beach), a shed, outdoor shelving, and for outdoor structures and furniture, like a gazebo, bench, or planters.
Can I cover my deck boards?
Installing a vinyl membrane over an existing deck is easier than you think. For one, you don't need to tear out an existing deck or patio surface, since you're just covering it. Once the surface is prepared, the new waterproof vinyl decking gets rolled over the top, secured, and sealed.
How do you cover deck boards?
0:482:25Magic Deck PVC Decking Cover - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd environmentally conscious way to revitalize wood surfaces magic deck can be applied over mostMoreAnd environmentally conscious way to revitalize wood surfaces magic deck can be applied over most wood and composite surfaces to achieve a new finished look free of cracks.
How can I make my old deck look good?
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 long will plywood last outside?
Plywood is characterized by great durability, but how long exactly a plywood will last outside depends on several factors. Usually, the average life expectancy of exterior plywood constructions is around 35 years if everything is finished properly, but sometimes it can also reach up to 50 years.
What kind of plywood do you use for an outdoor deck?
CDX is the most common exterior plywood grade. It comes in 3/4-, 5/8- and 1/2-inch thicknesses. Appearance stamps on plywood range from cabinet-grade (A) to construction grade (C and D). Exterior plywood carries an X stamp, which identifies it as suitable for use outdoors.
How thick should plywood be for a deck?
Plywood decking used as a sub-floor typically has a thickness of 3/4 inch (19.05 mm). It is also a common practice to use tongue and groove plywood, a type that joins at its seams, for flooring applications. It reduces movement between the two pieces, providing a stable surface to which finish flooring can be attached.
What is the cheapest way to cover a deck?
Vinyl covers are the cheapest and can be installed for around $3,000 for a basic 10x10 cover.
Can I lay flooring over decking?
Virtually any do-it-yourself deck flooring can be installed over hardwood. By installing outdoor tile over wood deck surfaces, you can give your old wood deck a complete makeover. Not only that, but you can actually protect your deck from further damage.
How do you revamp an old deck?
0:020:50How to Restore Your Old Deck - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure you put loads on then just leave it to do the hard work for you. After 15 minutes give itMoreMake sure you put loads on then just leave it to do the hard work for you. After 15 minutes give it a good scrub. Hose it down or blast it with a jet wash. Then let it dry.
Can you put Trex over existing deck boards?
If the boards on your existing deck are looking a bit worn - and the foundation and deck framing system are sound - you can simply replace the walking surfaces and deck railings with Trex decking and railing. It's an ideal way to save time and money, while enjoying all of Trex's benefits over wood.
How do you revamp an old deck?
0:020:50How to Restore Your Old Deck - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMake sure you put loads on then just leave it to do the hard work for you. After 15 minutes give itMoreMake sure you put loads on then just leave it to do the hard work for you. After 15 minutes give it a good scrub. Hose it down or blast it with a jet wash. Then let it dry.
Can I put deck tiles over existing deck?
The deck tiles can be placed over an existing surface, such as concrete, stone, brick and even wood decking. They are extremely durable and non-slip.
How do you restore an old weathered deck?
0:502:16How 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.
What is plywood decking?
Plywood decking is essentially thin sheets of wood glued together to make a thicker sheet. The plywood decking is installed on top of the decking joists in one or more large sheets instead of individual pieces.
What is the best material to build a deck?
Individual boards used to construct a deck can come in a variety of materials, from pressure-treated lumber and cedar to composite boards. Any of these materials will make a great deck. Plywood decking is a lot less expensive than the other materials. One or two sheets of plywood can cover the entire deck.
What is the difference between marine plywood and normal plywood?
There are several differences between marine plywood and normal plywood which make it the best choice as an alternative decking material. Marine plywood is seven to eight layers thick, and the epoxy used to bind the layers is waterproof. On top of that, the plywood itself is treated with a waterproof sealer. Another major difference is that normal plywood is created with voids in the layers. If you cut into the plywood, you will see spaces between the layers. This is not conducive to being waterproof. Marine plywood, on the other hand, is made so that there are no gaps or voids between the layers.
How long does it take to build a deck?
The time it takes to build a deck will also impact the cost of the project when it is finished. With traditional boards, the deck can take several days to finish. You may also face the problem of the boards being installed incorrectly, nails not properly sunk, or the wood looking less than perfect. Plywood decking comes in large sheets, which means you can cover the deck easily with the plywood.
What happens if you don't sweep water off of plywood?
If you do not sweep the water from the plywood, you will potentially face several issues, including mold and the eventual rotting of the plywood decking. With traditional boards, the water simply falls through the spaces between the boards. Continue reading below Our Video of the Day.
Can you use plywood decking instead of individual boards?
One issue you will have with using plywood decking instead of individual boards is the pooling of water. Keep in mind that plywood decking is very flat, and there is no place for water to run off the surface of the plywood. If you do not sweep the water from the plywood, you will potentially face several issues, including mold and the eventual rotting of the plywood decking. With traditional boards, the water simply falls through the spaces between the boards.
Is plywood waterproof?
On top of that, the plywood itself is treated with a waterproof sealer. Another major difference is that normal plywood is created with voids in the layers. If you cut into the plywood, you will see spaces between the layers. This is not conducive to being waterproof. Marine plywood, on the other hand, is made so that there are no gaps ...
Can you have a roof over a roof?
Actually, it isn’t all that uncommon to find an older home that has three to four layers of roofing placed over the main roof. In July of 2004, the building codes were changed in that they don’t allow you to have over-roofing when you already have a couple of roofing layers installed on your roof. Make sure to check the laws for your specific city and state to see whether this applies to you or not.
Can you put underlayment down if you tore off your roof?
You can have a heavier underlayment put down, but it is going to begin sagging in all of those spaces over time. Whenever a nail ends up being put in that voided spot, it is going to leak within a few years.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Wood Deck with Composite?
The average price of removal is around $5.00 to $10.00 per square foot, while replacement composite decking may typically range between $3.00 to $12.00 per square foot. Replacing deck boards with composite may cost between $8.00 and $22.00 per square foot, assuming you install the new composite yourself.
Is composite decking cost effective?
But with some planning and forethought, installing composite decking over existing deck structures can be quite cost-effective. At the least, homeowners will want to make sure that everything remains up-to-code and their joists are not rotting. The advantages of replacing deck boards with composite mostly come down to the costs of maintenance.
Is composite decking more cost effective than replacement?
Additionally, installing composite decking over old decking is generally far more cost-effective than doing a full replacement. And if you’re replacing a damaged surface, installing composite decking over wood can actually add value to your home.
How to store plywood?
Avoid damaging plywood panels, especially edge surfaces, when handling. Store plywood panels in a sheltered place, stacked, separated with no direct contact with the ground.
How to keep Econodek looking good?
Simply use a hose and a bristle brush to keep your Econodek looking great for years to come! An important part of a great Econodek installation is the choice and preparation of the plywood surface. Below you will find some very useful information for your next install.
Is Econodek decking waterproof?
Econodek waterproof vinyl decking is an excellent choice when you are looking to update, upgrade, or cover your wood deck. Econodek vinyl deck covering over wood completely waterproofs your outdoor surface, creating a cozy, comfortable space that is barefoot friendly and great for kids and pets.
Can you use grade A plywood on Econodek?
We do not recommend using Grade ‘A’ or select plywood panels as they use synthetic fillers that can damage the vinyl. We also do not recommend the following surfaces for our Econodek vinyl deck covering over wood:
