How to Replace Damaged Deck Boards

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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If you have only a few cracked or rotted sections on your deck, replacing a board or a section of one could be the answer. Just make sure to use the same type of decking and the same stain or preservative as was originally used, so that your guests won't know for sure what you've done other than make your deck look a little newer and nicer.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

2-by-4 Scraps
Deck Stain Or Preservative
Nail Set
Replacement Deck Board(s)
3-inch (7.5-cm) Galvanized Nails Or Screws
Belt Sander
Drill With 1/2-inch (12-mm) Wood Bit
Hammer
Jigsaw Or Keyhole Saw
Pry Bar
Tape Measure

Replacing one section of a board

Step1

Use a jigsaw or keyhole saw to cut through the decking directly next to the two joists on either end of the bad section (see A). You may need to drill a hole in the board first to be able to start the saw blade.

Step2

Cut a 2-by-4 cleat to fit in the space next to the joist (see B). Start one or two galvanized nails into the cleat before putting it in place, and then attach it flush to the top of the joist.

Step3

Cut a length of decking to fill the space. Attach it to the cleats with galvanized nails or decking screws. For nails, use a nail set to put their heads below the surface.

Step4

If the new board is not flush with the deck surface, sand down any high spots. Apply the same stain or preservative you used on the rest of the deck.

Replacing entire boards

Step1

Remove any damaged boards by prying up slowly from the end with a pry bar or, if necessary, by cutting the board in pieces as in step 1, above.

Step2

Measure and cut a board to the length you need. If the decking will overhang an end joist, cut the boards a few inches long, then use a saw to trim the new boards flush with the adjoining decking after installation. Attach each board as in step 3, above, and apply stain or preservative to match the rest of the deck.

Tips & Warnings

If a deck board has no structural problems such as cracks or rot but simply has an impossible-to-get-out stain or some gouges in the wood, you may be able to carefully remove the board (you'll probably need the pry bar), flip it over and reattach.