How to Change From Wood to a Composite Deck

Many home owners are considering making the change from traditional wood decking to newer composite materials. Among the appealing characteristics of the composite decking are its low maintenance requirements, easy cleaning, and lack of the warping or splinters that are common in natural wood. The process of changing from a wood to a composite deck is straightforward and requires only basic do-it-yourself skills.

Things You'll Need

• Composite decking
• Electric drill
• Pry bar
• Galvanized decking screws
• Circular saw

Instructions

1. Remove the wood deck boards by using an electric drill and backing out the screws that were used to attach them. In the case of broken or stripped screws, use a pry bar to remove the boards. Save those boards that were notched or cut in a particular manner and use them as templates for cutting their composite replacement pieces.

2. Inspect the joists and support posts of the deck. There is no need to replace them if they are in good condition. Check the spacing of the joists and how it corresponds to the composite decking manufacturer's specs for this spacing. For those joists that are too far apart, use decking screws and joist hangers to insert joists in between.

3. Start at one end, and measure and cut the first replacement piece of composite decking to fit. Clamp it securely in place, then measure and cut the second piece that will be placed alongside of it. Check at intervals along the length of the two pieces, making sure that the boards are spaced apart at the distance recommended by the manufacturer.

4. Fasten the decking to the joists using galvanized decking screws and an electric drill.

5. Trim the ends of the new composite decking with a circular saw to make them even.

6. Continue installing composite decking. After all of the boards are attached, trim the uneven boards with a circular saw.

Tips & Warnings

• Place wood shims between the decking boards along their length to keep equal spacing between the boards.

References

• How to Replace an Old Deck with Composite Decking
• Composite Decking Has Many Advantages Over Traditional Wood Decks

Resources

• Composite Decks: A Closer Look