Signs you need to replace your board (s):
- Soft, spongy wood (rot)
- Darkened spots (rot)
- Greenish or black tint (mold and mildew)
How do you know when it’s time to replace your deck?
Also, check the overall condition of your joists. Make sure they aren’t showing any signs of rot. Deck framing typically takes a lot longer to deteriorate because it is protected from the sun by the boards above it. So, joists should be in good shape.
Can I rebuild my own deck?
Rebuilding an entire deck can be a costly and time-consuming process. Luckily, you can easily replace individual boards in your deck with a few hours of work. To replace a few boards, pry the nails in your old boards out with a hammer and cat’s paw. Then, use nails and screws to install new boards into your old joists.
What do you need to replace a deck board?
The first thing you want to do before installing replacement deck boards is to remove all of the old boards. You’ll need your pry bar, hammer, a crowbar, and a drill driver for this part. The secret here is the leverage to get the crowbar in between two boards where they meet at a joint and use the board that you are removing as a fulcrum point.
How can you tell if a deck board is pressure treated?
This is tricky, because weathered deck boards look alike. Remove a board, cut it with a circular saw, and smell the wood to identify the species. Pressure-treated pine has a sweet smell, cedar an aromatic smell, and redwood a more pungent smell.
How do you know if your deck boards need to be replaced?
Check these 8 signs to help indicate whether or not you need a replacement deck.Significant, Noticeable Damage. Every form of building material experiences wear and tear. ... Unsecure or Bowing Boards. ... Loose Railings. ... Wood Rot. ... Deteriorating Ledger Board. ... Questionable Posts. ... Rusted or Missing Hardware. ... Age.More items...•
How often should you replace your deck boards?
Consider the deck's age: Traditional wood decks have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, while composite and polymer decks can last for much longer. Knowing the material of your deck and its age can give you a better idea of whether you should replace the deck entirely or repair it.
How do you know if your deck boards are rotted?
The symptoms include spongy and discolored wood that may flake off and fall apart when wet. You can use a screwdriver to test the wood for soft spots. In certain conditions, even pressure-treated wood can rot and decay. Moisture and pooling water on decks can lead to rot and decay.
How do I know what deck boards to replace?
Here are some things that may indicate it's time to repair or replace your deck:Rotted wood. If you notice a soft spot on your deck, that's a good indicator the wood beneath has rotted. ... Loose floorboards. It's common for floorboards to crack due to weather. ... Wobbly railings. ... Deteriorated posts. ... Insect damage.
Can I 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 much does it cost to replace the boards on a deck?
Pressure Treated Wood: Between $1.60 to $2.00 per square foot. Cedar Deck Boards: Between $3 to $6 per square foot. Redwood Deck Boards: Between $10 to $15 per square foot. Ipe Deck Boards: Between $10 to $20 per square foot.
Does homeowners insurance cover rotting wood deck?
Most causes of wood rot are excluded from homeowners insurance coverage. Homeowners insurance may cover wood rot if the damage is caused by a covered peril, like sudden and accidental water damage from a burst pipe. If the wood rots over time or because of a lack of upkeep, homeowners insurance won't cover repairs.
What is the lifespan of a deck?
Which material lasts longer? A deck made of untreated wood can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years. Decks made of treated wood and composite materials can last as long as 50 years. Many composite decks come with a 20-year warranty – and often a lifetime guarantee.
Can rotting decking be saved?
It is much easier to prevent rot than it is to repair the damage once rot has set in. When it is caught early, it may be possible to repair the damage without having to replace your whole deck. Remove any rotted boards and replace them with new, pressure-treated ones.
How long do wood deck boards last?
Softwood decks can last a long time, depending on how well they're built, but it's not uncommon for decks of cedar, pine, or redwood to hold up for 10 to 20 years, at which point they begin to disintegrate in ways that range from unsightly and inconvenient to downright dangerous.
Can you put new wood deck boards over old?
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 do I know if my deck is good?
Walk around carefully on the surface of your deck and check for decking which is spongy or poorly attached to the joists. Also, check for the splintering of wood, and use the awl for determining if the decking is rotten.
How long do wood deck boards last?
Which material lasts longer? A deck made of untreated wood can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years. Decks made of treated wood and composite materials can last as long as 50 years. Many composite decks come with a 20-year warranty – and often a lifetime guarantee.
How long does decking usually last?
On average, timber decking lasts for between 15 and 30 years. With the right care and maintenance, your decking can last for decades come rain or shine. In this guide we'll talk you through how to clean decking, how to strip decking as well as how to protect your deck and what to do with weathered deck.
How long does pressure treated wood deck last?
Wooden Decks Made from Pressure-Treated Lumber So while it will resist a lot of the environmental changes that the weather brings, it might not be the ideal material for everyone. If you maintain and seal your pressure-treated deck, it can last you around 50 years.
Can a hardwood deck last 25 years?
As a general rule, composite decking has the longest lifespan, usually 25-30 years, while wooden/timber decking is more likely to last around 15 years. Remember that hardwood decking will probably last longer than softwood, and the frame and joists you choose will also have a big impact.
What to replace wood deck boards with?
Replacing wood deck boards with capped polymer or composite decking will safeguard against moisture’s attempts to invade your backyard build. Warping, cracking, and bowing happen when moisture enters the wood, then evaporates. Mix that with harsh UV rays and your wood deck boards don’t stand a chance.
Why do deck boards crack?
Warping, cracking, and bowing happen when moisture enters the wood, then evaporates. Mix that with harsh UV rays and your wood deck boards don’t stand a chance. Yet again, you’ll need to remove and replace
What is TimberTech decking?
With TimberTech, you have your option of capped composite or capped polymer deck boards via three product lines. While each line offers different colors, grain patterns, and board profiles, all three leave traditional wood decking in the dust.
What are the two things that affect the aesthetics of a wood deck?
The two factors that most affect a wood deck’s aesthetics and structural integrity are weathering and moisture. Weathering can cause splintering and fading in traditional wood deck boards (both pressure-treated lumber and exotic hardwoods like Ipe ), whereas moisture permeating the deck board leads to mold, mildew, and rot.
Can you replace wood deck boards with composite?
Mold and mildew eat away at the core of wood deck boards, which is a major safety concern. Replacing wood deck boards with capped polymer or composite decking will safeguard against moisture’s attempts to invade your backyard build.
Do you need a power washer for wood decking?
Wood deck boards may require the rental of a power washer, which can be cumbersome to use. You may also need to use harsh chemicals like bleach to remove baked-in stains and dirt. By contrast, TimberTech composite decking requires only minimal maintenance and won’t bust your budget, or your back.
Can you re-stain a wood deck?
Faded wood deck boards. See if you can see striping, loss of color, or dandruff on the boards. For wood decks, the only option is to re-stain the deck — which is costly and releases hazardous Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere. Unclean wood deck boards.
How to check for water damage on a deck?
Look at the footings for signs of sinking or heaving. Inspect your ledger board for signs of water damage or separation. Check the posts, beams and joists for decay, large cracks or severe warping. Make sure your hardware such as joist hangers are not corroding or missing fasteners. Look at your decking.
Why do decks outlast the life of the deck?
In many cases, the life of a deck frame will outlast the life of the decking because the floor is exposed to the direct effects of the sun and weather. Before you begin replacing your decking, you must inspect the existing frame. Old decks may not have been built to code or may be damaged.
How to prevent cupping on wood deck?
To prevent cupping, install the new boards bark side up, so that the grain pattern is convex. Use 3-1/2-inch deck screws to fasten the boards. Drilling pilot holes will make the job easier and help to prevent splitting, especially at the board ends. When placing the new boards, make sure there is a uniform gap between each adjacent board.
What insurance covers deck damage?
If the deck was damaged by a storm, your homeowner’s insurance might cover the cost of repair or replacement.
Can you get insurance for a deck that was damaged by a storm?
If your deck was damaged by a storm, you may be able to have your homeowners insurance pay for repairs or replacement.
Can you replace deck boards?
Replacing a few deck boards or a rail baluster should be easy. You may want to hire a contractor to perform more advanced repairs. Repairing the structural parts of a deck can be dangerous. Take safety precautions when adding or removing posts, beams, joists and footings. Disturbing the frame could cause a collapse.
How to match old deck boards?
This is tricky, because weathered deck boards look alike. Remove a board, cut it with a circular saw, and smell the wood to identify the species. Pressure-treated pine has a sweet smell, cedar an aromatic smell, and redwood a more pungent smell. Ask your lumberyard to cut a scrap from each species and match the smell to your own board.
Why is the bottom of a deck board cleaner?
The bottom of the board gets a cleaner cut because circular saw teeth cut from the bottom up. When you cut a board, don’t leave a knot at the end. To get a tight joint between old and new boards, angle the jigsaw slightly when cutting out the bad board so the bevel on the remaining deck board is longer at the top.
How to make a deck stronger?
Here’s the strategy: Cut out the bad pieces so that the splices are offset by at least one joist width, and new boards are at least two joist spaces wide . Staggered splices look better and make a stronger deck. Removing the bad sections and making the splices work can be a bit of a puzzle, so get off on the right foot by marking the replacement boards before starting.
How to keep wood boards from splitting?
Always cut out pieces that span at least two joist spaces. This keeps the new boards from splitting as they age. For best appearance, stagger the splices from one row to the next by at least one joist space. You may need to cut beyond the rot and remove intact wood to make the splices work.
How to remove bad board from joists?
Cut the section of bad board free from the joists at both ends with a jigsaw. Cut alongside the joist using a Speed square as a guide. Angle the saw blade a few degrees so the new board will butt the top edge of the old board tightly. Pull the nails and remove the board.
How to remove nail from wood board?
Pull the nails that hold the board in the middle. Drive a cat’s paw into the wood under the nailhead. Pull back on the handle to remove the nail. If the nailhead pulls off, use locking pliers to grab the nail shank.
How to stop wood from splitting?
Flatten the tip of the nail before driving it at the end of a board. The flattened tip punches a plug of wood from the board and reduces splitting. If you’re using deck screws, predrill the holes at the end of the boards.
What can fall in between deck boards?
Leaves, pine needles and dirt can fall into the gaps between deck boards and collect on the tops of the structural joists. Take the opportunity to sweep this detritus off so it doesn’t prevent your new boards from sitting down where they’re supposed to be. Also, check the overall condition of your joists.
Why do deck boards stand up higher than the boards around them?
This is because new treated lumber is often still wet, while older boards have long since dried out. New boards will most likely sit down as they too slowly dry out.
How to attach screws to a replacement board?
Attach screws at all joist locations. Where the replacement board butts up against an original board, “toenail” the screws by driving them at an angle. This will make sure that they sink into the joist they’re sharing with the next board in line.
How thick is a deck board?
Deck boards are almost always what we call treated 5/4 (“five-quarter”) lumber, which measures 1″ thick and 5-1/2″ wide.
How thick is a 2x6 deck?
However, some decks are topped with framing lumber, typically 2×6. This lumber is the same width as 5/4 deck boards, but it is 1-1/2″ thick. Be sure to look at the edges of your deck boards to determine their thickness. (I have seen two-story decks that had different kinds of lumber for upper level and lower level.)
How to cut replacement lumber?
Use a circular saw and speed square to cut replacement pieces to the lengths specified on your list. Be sure to “square up” the ends of your boards first, since treated lumber often comes with ragged cuts on the ends.
How to make a cut on a board?
To make cuts, pull and mark measurements by hooking your tape measure onto the square end of the board, drawing out the tape blade, and placing a little “V” mark at your desired cut location. Use your speed square to draw a straight line through the point of the V.
Concrete Post Anchors Are Showing
Unless your deck sits directly on the ground – and most of them don’t – it is anchored into the ground using strong posts that are set into concrete.
Rotting Posts
Problems with posts are some of the most dangerous, especially when the deck is off the ground.
Rotting Wood
There is a difference between one section of decking needing to be replaced and the whole thing starting to crumble.
Gaps
If you notice a gap between your deck and your house, it’s time to get a new deck. It’s not safe anymore!
Mold
Mold can grow wherever there is moisture and organic matter. You can keep mold at bay by regularly cleaning your wood deck.
Stains
Stains are an indication that a deck needs to be replaced if you don’t know its age.
Bringing it Home
If you don’t know the age of your wood deck, particularly if it’s a second story deck, check for these signs to your deck needs replacing.
How to match weathered wood to deck?
Select a wood that is the same species and color to try to match your deck. It is hard to match the look of weathered wood, but you can try to match the color by getting the same species and type of wood as the rest of your deck. If you built the deck yourself, you should know what species of wood you used. Otherwise, contact the contractor that built it to find out.
How to measure the length of a board?
Use a measuring tape to determine the length of your boards. Measure the entire length of any individual boards that you’re replacing by hooking a measuring tape on one end and pulling it out all the way to the end of the board. Measure each individual board that you plan on replacing, since the length of each board may be different.
What is a joist on a deck?
A joist refers to the horizontal pieces of wood that support your deck boards underneath.
How to cut a board at a 90 degree angle?
Tip: You can save some money by getting a larger length of lumber and cutting it yourself if you’d like. Use a circular saw and saw horses to trim down an oversized board. Use a speed square as a straight edge to keep your cuts at a 90-degree angle.
How much space between boards for a wood table?
The width and depth of each board should be identical. Do not include the space between boards in your measurement. You typically leave at least 1⁄8 in (0.32 cm) of space between boards to give the wood space to expand a little when it gets wet.
How to measure lumber width?
Hook your measuring tape on the bottom of a board and slide it all the way to the top to note the depth. Measure the width of a board by looking at the distance from one edge of the board to the opposite side. This will determine the size of lumber that you need to get. Write your measurements down.
What should the width and depth of each board be?
The width and depth of each board should be identical.
How long does a deck last?
No homebuilding material will last forever, especially exterior materials. Age will always remain a factor in the need for a deck replacement. Weather and climate will take its toll on your deck. A typical wood deck can last anywhere from 15 to 40 years. This will depend on the materials used and the quality of routine maintenance performed. However, if your deck is showing signs of age and is over 20 years old, you should begin considering a deck replacement.
Why do my deck boards bow?
Joists can become unsecure and detach from the ledger board as time passes. This can cause boards to become loose and move around. The decking itself can also weaken from water damage, rot, or pest damage, which can cause the boards to begin bowing.
What is a ledger board?
The ledger board is what connects the deck to the side of your house and holds it in place. If your ledger board becomes compromised, your entire deck becomes compromised. If you notice loose fittings or rot appearing on your ledger board, solicit the advice of a professional immediately.
What does it mean when a deck is loose?
3.Loose Railings. Loose railings are not always an indicator that your deck needs to be completely replaced. However, they are a serious safety risk that requires attention. And if loose railings are coupled with other issues, it could mean it’s time for a replacement deck.
Why is my deck rotting?
Rotting wood in your deck is a serious issue. Wood rot moves quickly and spreads from one area to another. It weakens the structure of your deck and causes it to deteriorate over time. High amounts of rot indicate it’s time for a deck replacement. And even a little wood rot that goes unchecked will eventually require you to invest in an entirely ...
What is the purpose of deck posts?
The posts are what hold up your deck. They carry a great deal of weight, which makes their integrity vital to the support of your deck. If you notice large cracks or rot damage in the posts, you may have a problem. If you notice water pooling around the base of the posts, seek the advice of a professional on the best method for diverting water away from their base.
Where are the hardware and fittings on a deck?
The hardware and fittings will primarily be on the underside of your deck. You should take the time to assess the base of your deck to make sure none of the fittings are loose, completely missing, or covered in rust and deteriorating. The older your deck, the more likely this is to occur.