DIY Network

Deck Showing Its Age? Here Are Some Solutions

advertisement

Deck repairs are time-consuming but they generally are relatively easy and can save money in the long run. (SHNS photo courtesy Home & Garden Television)

Home & Garden Television

Problem: Your deck is showing some wear and tear after being exposed to the weather for a few years.

Solution: You can apply some first aid to your deck to make it look new again. The job may be time-consuming, but it's easy and will save you money in the long run.

Equipment list:

speed square
jigsaw
drill with magnetic square tip bit
hammer
cat's paw (tool used to remove nails)
paint roller with extension handle
power belt sander
safety glasses
safety gloves

Materials:

square-head deck screws
deck stain
wood sealer

Instructions:

Wash the deck:

• Before making any repairs, you should clean your deck. A power washer makes the job much easier. Power washers can be rented for about $50 per day and you can usually purchase detergents at the rental supply center as well.

• When using a pressure washer, be sure to keep the pressure stream moving. Otherwise, you could gouge the wood. Just remove the dirt and old wood fibers.

• After pressure washing, allow the deck to dry overnight before applying stain or sealant.

• Occasionally you may encounter a nail that has worked loose from a board. Fixing these "nail pops" is simple. Remove the nail with a cat's paw or a hammer. Use a screw that's longer than the nail to reattach the board.

• If you have a board that has split down the middle, you can replace the damaged section. Mark the damaged board next to the leading edge of the first support joist that is completely past the split. Be sure not to mark an area that is directly over a joist, or you could damage your saw when you begin cutting.

• Cut the board with a jig saw, remove the nails or deck screws and then remove the damaged wood. Use deck screws to attach a pressure-treated 2-by-4 support block to the joist. The support block will hold the replacement board in position. Cut a replacement board to size, pre-drill and fasten it to the support block and joists with deck screws.

• Your replacement board may appear to be higher and wider than the existing wood. However, it should shrink as it loses moisture. If the board still appears to be higher than its surrounding boards after being in place for a few weeks, you can smooth it down with a belt sander. Be sure that all nail or screw heads are recessed into the wood before you begin sanding.

• Apply the stain with a roller brush. Allow the stain to dry for 48 hours, and then apply deck sealant.