Things You'll Need:
- Circular saw
- Pliers
- Nails
- Hammer
- Composite deck board
- Paint, stain, or sealer
- Paint brush
- Safety glasses
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Step 1
Set a circular saw to make a cut 1/16 inch deeper than the thickness of your deck. Use the saw to cut a straight line about 1/2 inch to the right of the center of the damaged plank. Continue this cut down the entire length of the plank, then make a similar, parallel cut 1/2 inch to the left side of the center. The 1-inch-wide section of deck between the two cuts should then be easy to remove by hand.
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Step 2
Remove the two remaining sections of the board by pulling them using pliers placed at the end. Try to slide each section toward you to free it from the adjacent boards. If this doesn't work, use a hammer to gently pry each section free. Work very slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the tongue and groove connectors on the nearby boards. Once you've removed the two remaining pieces, use your hammer to remove any remaining nails that were holding the board in place.
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Step 3
Secure the two boards located on either side of the opening you've created. Nail through the tongue or groove at a 45 degree angle to secure these planks to the joists or framing below. This will increase the stability of the deck to help support the replacement board you will be installing.
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Step 4
Purchase a composite board that is the same size as the one you removed. If your deck is painted or stained, apply these coatings to the new board before you install it. Paint or stain all faces, sides and edges of the board, not just the top face. Allow the board to dry for two to three days so that you won't damage the finish during installation.
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Step 5
Start at one end of the deck and slide the new board into the opening. Align the tongue and groove connectors with those on adjacent planks. Use a hammer or mallet to tap the end of the board and force it into place from one end.
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Step 6
If Step 5 is not successful, install the board from the top of the deck, rather than from one end. Use a circular saw to cut off the bottom of the groove connector on your replacement board. Leave both the top of the groove and the tongue in place. Hold the board at a 45 degree angle so you can place the tongue into the groove connector of the adjacent board. Press the board flat so that it rests between the adjacent planks. Face nail the board at either end to help secure it in place.
