
- Remove a nail from any one of the deck boards. If you have a popped-up nail, remove it or any other nails with easy access.
- Take the nail to a hardware store. Find a deck screw that is slightly wider than the nails used on your deck.
- Pry off one of the boards. The easiest way to do this is by inserting the pry board under one end and pushing down to force the wood up.
- Lift the board up and flip it over so the nails stick up into the air. ...
- Hammer down on the end of each nail. Flip the board back over and pry the nails out. Discard them.
- Place the board back into its spot on the deck. Insert a screw into each hole. Use a power drill to screw the screws in tightly.
- Create a new hole if the nail removal destroys too much of the wood. ...
- Repeat the replacement with every board. Use your own pace and order as felt comfortable. ...
How do you remove nails from decking?
The nails need to be pried out by gently prying on the decking boards. You can then ram the boards upward using a hammer or another tool. To prevent damage to the joists, be careful not to exert too much force. Using a crowbar and hammer is the easiest way to remove decking boards. Using two crowbars will make the job easier.
How do you remove deck boards without damaging them?
A majority of decks nowadays are built with screws, which are simple enough to remove with a drill or electric screwdriver. If your deck was built with nails, simply pull out the nails using a claw hammer. Once railings and stairs are out of the way, you can then remove the deck boards.
How do you remove old decking from floor joists?
You can also insert a long board between the decking and joists to pry the old deck boards loose. After all the old decking and nails have been removed, pull a string or extend a straight board on edge across the floor joists to make sure the joists haven’t sagged.
How do you remove railings from a deck?
If your deck was built with nails, simply pull out the nails using a claw hammer. Once railings and stairs are out of the way, you can then remove the deck boards. Take care when doing this as to not hurt yourself or the wood. Railings, stairs, and deck boards are in high demand due to their versatility.

How do you remove nailed deck boards?
0:462:47How-To Easily Remove Rotting Deck Boards That are Nailed to your DeckYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipShow you so again you just wedge wedge the crowbar down and wedge it down and you work your way withMoreShow you so again you just wedge wedge the crowbar down and wedge it down and you work your way with these two wedge.
How do you remove deck nails without damaging wood?
0:020:49365 Days of DIY - Remove nails without damage - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere's a better way to do that and it starts with grabbing a paint stick and laying the paint stickMoreThere's a better way to do that and it starts with grabbing a paint stick and laying the paint stick next to that nail. And then grabbing the nail with the claw.
How do you remove wood planks from a deck?
2:1711:29How To Replace Deck Boards - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you want to put those prongs right in front of the nail head and drive it down into the lumber.MoreAnd you want to put those prongs right in front of the nail head and drive it down into the lumber. And then it will kind of latch itself underneath the nail. Head. Then you want to pull backwards.
How do you remove deck boards with screws without damage?
1:317:44Tutorial: How To Remove A Stripped Screw || Dr Decks - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThat you want to keep looking good you don't want to destroy. You can use a standard drill with aMoreThat you want to keep looking good you don't want to destroy. You can use a standard drill with a lockable Chuck.
How do you remove stubborn nails from wood?
Step 1: Locate the particular nails you want to remove from your wood surface. Step 2: Place your claw end on the head of the nail and catch a tight hold with a supporting hammer. Step 3: Begin prying slowly to lift the nail head from the surface. Pry the nail to the left and the right, back and forth.
How do you get nails out of wood without a hammer?
0:521:57How to Remove Nails without a Hammer - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then simply pivoting it on the the crown of the adjustable wrench just have to squeeze reallyMoreAnd then simply pivoting it on the the crown of the adjustable wrench just have to squeeze really tight. And then just pull out.
How do you remove deck boards with hidden fasteners?
0:110:55TigerClaw Hidden Deck Fastener - Replacing a Board - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUsing pliers remove the prongs on the side of the board with no screws showing. Check the positionMoreUsing pliers remove the prongs on the side of the board with no screws showing. Check the position of the tiger claw the prongs should be straight out horizontally from the deck. Board.
How do you replace all deck boards?
3:269:51How to Rebuild a Deck | Replacing the Deck Boards (Decking) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipReplacing the deck boards is a pretty straightforward process as you remove the older boards you'llMoreReplacing the deck boards is a pretty straightforward process as you remove the older boards you'll just have to put the new boards in place. Sometimes. You'll have to remove.
What kind of nails do you use for a deck?
The best nails for decking are stainless steel nails as they offer the greatest resistance to rust with minimum discoloration to woods such as cedar. However, stainless steel nails are considerably more expensive than other nails.
How do you use a wood screw extractor?
2:093:24How to Remove Stripped Screws with a Screw Extractor - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPress the extractor tip down against the screw head and very slowly squeeze the trigger. You shouldMorePress the extractor tip down against the screw head and very slowly squeeze the trigger. You should feel the bit engaged the screw head and then begin to turn it counterclockwise. Up.
How do you drill out a screw without extractor?
Drill at least as deep as the screw length. Use an awl or nail punch to wiggle the screw loose enough to grip with needle-nose pliers and pull free. Now you can clean up the ragged holes with a 1/2-inch drill bit and fill the new hole with a dowel or plug (or both if the screw is long).
What tools do I need to remove decking?
Types of Deck Board Removal ToolsWrecking Bar.Demolition Fork.Pry Bar.Duckbill Deck Wrecker.Crescent 44” Indexing Deck Removal Bull Bar.GreenTek Demo-Dek Deck Removal Tool.Angel Guard Deck Demon.Pallet Buster Deck Wrecker Tool.More items...
How do I remove a wood board?
0:263:58How To Remove Wood Boards From A Old Deck - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou would remove the first like set of six screws. By prying with a pry bar which took a lot ofMoreYou would remove the first like set of six screws. By prying with a pry bar which took a lot of muscle. And then you would pull up on one of the boards.
How do you reskin a deck?
0:384:16Resurface Your Existing Wood Deck with Trex Composite DeckingYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBegin by removing the railings. And posts to allow for free access to the deck boards carefullyMoreBegin by removing the railings. And posts to allow for free access to the deck boards carefully dislodge and discard the boards being cautious of nails or screws while leaving the substructure.
Why are my deck boards warping?
If you have started to notice that a few of your deck boards are feeling a bit soft or starting to warp due to water damage or rot ; you'll want to learn how to remove and replace old deck boards. Old deck boards with areas of curling or cracking are showing signs that the deck plank is no longer structurally sound.
What is composite decking?
Composite decking brands such as Trex or Fiberon composite deck boards, are crafted from recycled plastic particles and organic wood fibers then capped with a strong capstock. This protects composite deck boards from water damage, rot, and pests for an enduring deck space!
Can you replace deck boards with composite?
However, when deck boards are giving too much bounce when stepped on or are showing visible cracks or deck rot; replacing worn-down deck boards is necessary. For many homeowners, replacing old decking can be a great opportunity to switch out old deck boards with long-lasting and durable composite decking. Composite decking brands such as Trex ...
How Do I Remove Rotting Deck Boards?
To remove deck boards, you will need a claw hammer or drill to remove the screws and nails. You may also want to have an extra tool on hand to help with digging out nails in the wood.
What is the Best Method for Replacing Boards?
I always start by marking the panels I need to remove with a carpenter’s pencil. You might miss a few or remove the wrong ones if you skip this first step.
What is the best way to remove a deck?
A majority of decks nowadays are built with screws, which are simple enough to remove with a drill or electric screwdriver.
How long does it take to remove a deck?
If you're not comfortable with the idea of taking apart your deck on your own, a contractor can have it removed quickly, generally within one business day.
What to use to remove concrete footings from deck?
If your deck’s concrete footings are too difficult to remove by hand, utilize a Bobcat, backhoe, truck, quad, tractor, etc. to get the job done.
Can you get rid of a deck?
Getting rid of your deck doesn’t mean you have to destroy its materials in the process. The lumber used in decks is often valuable and can be reused for a wide range of projects. Not to mention, deconstructing a deck is a job you can finish on your own with some elbow grease and a few basic tools.
Is it a one size fits all project to remove a deck?
Removing a deck isn't a one-size-fits-all project. There's more than one way to get rid of your deck, just as there's more than one reason to do so. The condition and material of your deck, as well as your desired budget and timetable, all come into play when deciding which deck removal process you're going to choose—do it yourself, ...
Can you deconstruct yourself?
For those who want to save a bit of money and don't mind getting their hands a little dirty, you can do some of the deconstruction yourself, then hire a contractor to do the tougher work.
Can you remove deck boards?
Once railings and stairs are out of the way, you can then remove the deck boards. Take care when doing this as to not hurt yourself or the wood. Railings, stairs, and deck boards are in high demand due to their versatility. Weathered wood is perfect for all kinds of DIY projects.
How to straighten crooked deck boards?
To straighten a crooked board, attach one end of the board to the deck joists, and then pry the other end into place before securing it.
How much space between pressure treated deck boards?
Pressure treated deck boards which have been kiln dried after treatment (KDAT) will expand slightly in width after installation, so use an 8-penny nail as a spacer to leave a 1/8” gap between the boards .
Do treated boards shrink?
Regularly treated boards will shrink after installation, so you may want to butt them tightly together to allow for that. Occasionally a bow in the wood will require you to secure one end and pry the other end into place before securing it.
Can you bow a deck?
Occasionally a bow in the wood will require you to secure one end and pry the other end into place before securing it. On the open end of the deck, we’re letting the boards just run long so we can come back later and cut them all at once for a good straight line.
