Repair Your Own Deck
I’ve finally passed Painting 101, but I’m not sure I’m ready to take the Repair the Deck course. The experts say it’s a lot 
easier than it sounds, so here’s a step-by-step how-to guide.
- First, go pour yourself a tall glass of icewater (that’s my step, not recommended by experts).
- Remove the rotten boards from the deck- we’re talking about the ones you’re replacing.
- If you have rotten support beams, use a reciprocating saw to cut them (and don’t forget your safety goggles).
- After removing the beams from underneath, measure them so the new ones can be the same length. Also remember to use the same size lumber. The experts this is to insure “fit” … I say it’s because you already know that size will hold up the deck.
- Now take a break and enjoy some more water. Maybe take a quick 30-minute siesta (again, my suggestion because this next part sounds very complicated…).
- Drive wooden sticks into the ground next to the new support beams and attach to the beams by drilling pilot holes. After, use galvanized deck screws to tighten the beam to the stake.
- Measure new deck boards using the old rotten or warped deck boards. Cut the new pieces from the same size lumber with a circular saw.
- Using galvanized deck screws (NOT nails or they’ll come up… just ask one of my buyers that… they’ll tell you). Make sure to pre-drill pilot holes to avoid splitting the wood. You may have to tap in the new pieces to fit against existing boards.
- Clean up your mess. Or have your roommate clean it up because - after all - you just did all the hard work.
- Have your roomie also grill out some steaks for you. Or chicken. Or a vegetable skewer.
Ta-Da! Done! Now you really can relax on your secure, like-new deck.
