How To Repair Deck Boards
No matter how well built your deck is, eventually age and the elements will take a toll on the structure. When that happens, you may start to notice discoloration, rotting boards, and other signs of deterioration. In some cases, safety must be considered and the deck should be completely replaced. In other cases, you may be able to extend the life of the deck with a few minor repairs.
Inspect The Deck
Before you decide if your deck is ready for another season of grilling and entertaining, we recommend performing a thorough inspection of the deck. Things to look for include:
Ledger board pulling away from the house
Rotten or water damaged posts
Joists that are in bad shape (you can push a screwdriver into the wood)
Rotten or water damaged boards
Holes on the surface
Missing nails
Railings that are wobbly or broken
Analyze the results
Upon completion of your deck inspection, if you’ve found evidence of the ledger board pulling away from your home, posts are damaged, your joists are in bad shape, or other indications that the structural integrity of the deck is suspect, we highly recommend replacing the entire deck or at least consulting with a deck builder.
Railings that cannot withstand a person’s weight must also be addressed to ensure the safety of your family and friends.
If you discovered missing nails, boards that need to be replaced, or holes that need to be patched, your deck probably has some life left in it. Simple repairs may be all it needs to keep it in use. If this is you – your next step is to determine if you’re going to tackle the repairs or hire a company that specializes in deck repair?
How to repair or replace a deck board
One of the most common deck issues is missing or damaged boards. While the process of fixing this type of damage is fairly straightforward, you’ll have to decide if you have the time, tools, and skills necessary to complete the repair. Also, you’ll need to expect the unexpected. Once you start diving in, other issues may be revealed that need to be addressed. In the steps below, we’ve outlined the process for repairing/replacing a deck board but please note that this is a simplified version. Every deck is unique and may require less or more work to complete the job.
Step 1: Remove the nails & the broken boards
The good news about removing nails or screws in boards you’re replacing is that you don’t have to worry about being careful when you pull or rip them out. Grab your hammer and pry bar and go for it! If you’re planning on saving some of the board, you’ll have to use more finesse and go gently.
Once the nails have been removed, you’ll want to pull up the board. Again, a pry bar may be handy but you might also need a circular saw to accomplish this. If the latter is necessary, use caution near surrounding boards.
Step 2: Measure, cut, and install new board
In his written work, Second Frutes (1591), Giovanni Florio wrote “Alwaies measure manie, before you cut anie.” In other words, measure twice, cut once! To ensure a proper fit, be sure to measure and cut the replacement board precisely. While a bit of gapping is necessary to allow for water drainage, gaps that are too big will lead to trouble down the road.
Once you have your board cut and ready to go, place it in the hole and secure it with nails or screws. You may want to use a nailset to tap the nailheads below the board’s surface.
Step 3: Stain, seal, or paint the replacement boards
To protect the new boards, you’ll need to stain or seal them. Or if the rest of the deck is painted, you’ll want to paint the replacement boards to match.
Hiring a deck builder
If the thought of repairing your deck is intimidating, the damage is too great, or you simply don’t have the time or tools to take on this home improvement project, we recommend hiring a pro for the job.
At Serve One Construction, we offer deck building and repair services in Vestavia Hills, Mountain Brook, Homewood, and Hoover as well as throughout the Greater Birmingham metro. Locally owned and family-operated, Serve One has been building custom decks and repairing decks for over 10 years and have fully insured and experienced builders ready to help you.