Replacing Broken Deck Boards

If you accept 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 lot'll want to learn how to remove and replace old deck boards. Erstwhile deck boards with areas of curling or cracking are showing signs that the deck plank is no longer structurally sound.

Some decking materials, such as pressure-treated decking or Cedar deck boards, can dry and discolor without extensive maintenance needed. However, when deck boards are giving too much bounce when stepped on or are showing visible cracks or deck rot; replacing worn-downward deck boards is necessary.

For many homeowners, replacing quondam decking can be a great opportunity to switch out old deck boards with long-lasting and durable blended decking. Composite decking brands such as Trex or Fiberon blended deck boards, are crafted from recycled plastic particles and organic forest fibers then capped with a potent capstock. This protects blended deck boards from water damage, rot, and pests for an indelible deck space!

Learn how to remove and replace old deck boards and replace them with new composite deck boards such as this stunning Trex Transcend in Tiki Torch

How to Supercede Deck Boards

  1. Mark the Deck Boards to Be Replaced
    Use a carpenter's pencil or a lumber crayon to note which of the old deck boards y'all'll be removing. There are a lot of worn-down deck planks throughout the deck surface, and once yous get to the signal of actually lifting the boards off, you'll want to be sure that yous have the right board.
  2. Removing Nails, Screws, or Hidden Deck Fasteners
    Backup and remove deck fasteners fastened the damaged decking board using a pry bar, screwdriver or drill. If the decking fasteners can't be taken out, cut the board into pieces and remove the deck lath in sections.
  3. Inspect Joists and Remove Rotted Portions
    Audit the joists underneath for signs of rot, age and water damage. Use a hammer and chisel to take off any rotted sections of joists. Repair and reinforce joists that have soft, discolored areas with a wood putty.
  4. Employ Sealer and Joist Record
    Utilize a thick glaze of clear sealer to the damaged joist, allow it dry, and then employ a 2d coat. In one case fully cured, enhance the joist protection from future water-harm by applying a layer of deck joist tape along the top of the joist.
  5. Reinforce the Deck Joist
    If necessary, cut and mount a reinforcing joist for increased support force. Position the newly cut reinforcing joist tightly against the damaged joist and it's neighboring joist or beam. Then attach the piece with galvanized structural deck screws driven tightly in place.
  6. Secure Reinforcing Joist
    Attach the reinforcing deck joist to the ledger and header joist by toenailing with deck screws or structural hardware.
  7. Fix Replacement Deck Lath
    Use a tape measure to find the specific length of your opening and marking the deck plank to size. Cutting new replacement deck boards from matching decking fabric, using a circular saw.
  8. Attach New Decking
    Position the new decking and attach it to joists with galvanized deck screws or hidden deck fasteners. Make sure the space between boards matches that of existing decking by measuring the deck board gapping.

Now that you know how to remove quondam deck boards, switch to new composite decking to prevent this from happening in the future! Finding out how to remove broken deck boards is wonderful to know, just replacing rotten deck boards with durable composite decking can help you be a pro-active deck owner for a more leisurely space to savour.

Shop Blended Decking Today

For more than in-depth deck framing and building information, read our Decks 101: Deck Framing Guide to become a true deck construction pro and wow your family, friends and guests these jump and summer seasons alee! Acquire more than nearly composite deck brands, deck lighting options, and create the lawn deck infinite yous've always dreamed of!

When choosing your deck blueprint and deck lath layout, we highly recommend getting in touch with ane of our deck designers to help you pick out the blended decking or PVC decking lines, styles, and hardware that match your home's fashion and tin can aid create the outdoor await you want. Requite us a call at one-888-824-5316 to go started today!