How to Repair a Split Deck

A deck split is caused when a deck is not completely sealed by a deck stain, and moisture gets trapped underneath the wood. This moisture causes the wood to stretch and bend, and ultimately an unsightly deck split results. Repairing a split deck requires re-sanding and refinishing the afflicted region, and is not an overall lengthy process. It is important to note, however, that a once a deck has suffered a deck split, that spot or region will never look completely perfect, even after being repaired and repainted. Taking proper care of your deck can ensure that deck splits do not happen.

Things You'll Need

• Deck stain
• Deck stain brush
• Sandpaper
• Broom
• Paint bucket

Instructions

1. Sweep dust and debris away from the region you are going to be working on. Dirt and dust could get under the new coat of paint and cause cracking in the future.

2. Scrape the split region with the sandpaper until the area is smooth. The smoother you can make the split region, the better the repair will look.

3. Pour deck stain into a paint bucket, and apply it to the now smoothed-over split region using a deck stain brush. Never dip the deck stain brush directly into the deck stain container.

4. Apply two coats of stain for a badly split area.

Tips & Warnings

• While refinishing the split region will make it look a lot better, it will never look brand new again. You may want to consider replacing the wood planks in a badly split area.

References

• Bob Vila: How To Repair A Split Deck