Having a deck as an outdoor spot to hang out is such a cool idea. It exudes pure chill vibes and a welcoming feel every time you come around. It’s perfect for hosting small and intimate gatherings with families and friends. You can design it with lights and nice patio furniture sets.

Over time, with the changes of weather, dirt build-up, and age, the deck boards might get bad. Sometimes it leaks or breaks. Or when you step on it, it wiggles a lot more than before. This is a sure sign that it needs replacing. Here’s how you can replace your deck boards.

Replacing Damaged Deck Boards

Before you start this project, you must have basic knowledge of carpentry and its tools. Please take note that it’s not easy, unlike any other craft projects. This will take time and patience.

Step 1 Gather all the materials and tools

It’s advisable to create a checklist so you won’t miss out on any tools you need.

  • Tape measure
  • Speed square
  • Drill
  • Circular saw
  • Cat’s paw
  • Extension cord
  • Hammer
  • Hearing protection or earplugs
  • Safety glasses
  • Sawhorses
  • Pry bar
  • Nail set
  • Miter saw
  • Hammer
  • Jigsaw
  • New deck boards
  • Galvanized nails and screws

Step 2  Taking out the damaged decks

  • You need to cut out all the bad pieces of deck boards. You can mark those deck boards beforehand so you won’t miss any single piece that needs to be replaced.
  • Pick a new set of deck boards that closely matches your old ones. The type of wood you used for the deck should also be the same. It will be weird and unclean to see a different type of wood being installed.
  • To check if it’s the same wood you’re about to purchase, you can seek assistance from one of the store personnel and ask them to cut you a little piece. Try smelling the wood to identify what kind it is and study the internal characteristics as well. Some cured wood can trick us into looking at the same as we have on our deck. But truth be told, it’s a different wood.
  • Then, take your jigsaw and take out the damaged deck board cutting it from the joists at both ends. To do a perfect cut, make sure you’re using a speed square to observe efficiency and consistency.
  • Position the saw blade at an angle of a few degrees to have the new deck board fit tightly and replace the old board.
  • Then use a cat’s paw to pull any nails buried on the old decks. Perform this task with caution.
  • Use a hammer to lift the nail until the rest of its body comes off from the wood. Set the nail aside or discard it in a safe place. Never leave it unattended lying on the deck.
  • Take out the rest of the nails as well as the old deck boards. Set aside the old deck boards.

Step 3 Measuring the new deck boards

  • Your basis for measurement is the missing gaps of the deck where you originally took out the bad ones earlier. Take your measuring tape and start measuring from the tips of the gaps. Take note of your measurements and check off each board you measured. Make sure to label them so you won’t get confused later on.
  • For the measurements, allow at least ⅛” to be deducted from the exact measurements. This will help you to snug in the new deck boards into the gaps.

Step 4 Cutting the new deck boards

  • Take your circular saw and speed square and start cutting your new deck boards according to your measurements. Also, ensure that you’ve squared up your wood to get rid of the wood’s ragged cuts on the tips.
  • Mark your measurements onto the deck boards by positioning a tape measure to the end of the board. Draw a little “V” letter where you need to cut the wood. Have your speed square handy to help you cut the wood correctly.
  • Then have your circular saw well aligned so it can cut the line in half. Let the excess wood fall safely. Make sure your feet are far from where the excess wood falls.

Step 5 Installing the new deck boards

  • Finally, you’re on the last part of this deck renovation project. Before you proceed to install your newly cut deck boards, you need to clean the area first. Depending on where you live, check the gaps and the overall deck for dried leaves, dust, waste, or garbage that can block your way. It’s important that when you install the deck boards, there’d be no garbage inside the gaps. You want to throw those away and clean it up.
  • Verify the new deck boards first if it fits inside the gap. If it does, then start installing it using your drill. Drill at two holes on each joist at least 1” from the board’s sides.
  • Then, insert your screws using a screwdriver from those holes. The screws should be long and strong enough to bury deep down for at least 2” into the joist. Keep screwing those until only its heads are left on the deck board.
  • Repeat the same process for the rest of the new boards.

Note: It’s highly recommended to use screws instead of nails since they offer better durability and longevity.

There you have it, a newly renovated deck!

Can I just replace deck boards?

If your existing deck is old, shabby and a maintenance nightmare, you don’t have to tear it all down and start over. Chances are that the structural parts are still in good shape. If so, you can simply remodel it with new decking, rails and stairs, and save tons of money over the cost of a complete rebuild.

Is it hard to replace deck boards?

You probably don’t have to rebuild the whole thing. Whether you have one bad deck board to replace or many, the process is the same. We’ll show you how on an old, weathered deck, because you can save hundreds of dollars in lumber by splicing in boards instead of replacing the entire decking.

How much does it cost to replace deck boards?

Replacement boards cost an average between $8 and $11 per square foot.

What is the easiest way to remove deck boards?

How do you flip over old deck boards?

What can I do with old deck boards?

How to Dispose of Old Deck Wood
  1. Sell it. Imagine if you could get rid of all that unwanted wood, and get paid for it!
  2. Give it away.
  3. Trash Pick-up.
  4. Reuse It.
  5. Trash removal services.
  6. Local landfill.

How long should a deck last?

Which material lasts longer? A deck made of untreated wood can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years. Decks made of treated wood and composite materials can last as long as 50 years. Many composite decks come with a 20-year warranty – and often a lifetime guarantee.

When should you replace deck boards?

If you have deck boards that are soft or starting to warp or curl as a result of water damage or rot, then these are signs that the board is no longer structurally sound. In other cases, wood deck boards can dry, splinter, and break without regular extensive maintenance.

Can I reuse old deck wood?

If you’ve replaced an old deck, you’ve got some sought-after lumber on your hands. This type of cured lumber can be used for all kinds of things. Once you’ve removed all the nails and screws, you’re ready to cut and build.

Should you nail or screw deck boards?

For the decking boards, many agree that screws perform better than nails. They have better tensile strength and will less likely to pop out, which is a common problem in decking. Many also agree that nails are better used for the frame of the deck.

How do you restore a pressure treated deck?

How do you rejuvenate a deck?

Is it better to sand or strip wood deck?

Sanding is preferable where less penetration is required and the deck is flat, but the process requires additional labor and time to achieve consistent results. A stripper can often be the best option for larger decks, even though the cost will be significantly higher.

What is the best homemade deck cleaner?

DIY Organic Deck Cleaner Recipes
  1. 1 gallon of warm water. 3/4 cup of oxygen bleach. 1 cup of powdered laundry detergent.
  2. 1 gallon of water. 2 cups of rubbing alcohol. 1 quart of household bleach. 1 cup of ammonia-free soap.
  3. 1 gallon of water. 1 cup of apple cider vinegar. 1/2 cup of lemon juice. 1 tablespoon of baking soda.

Can I use vinegar to clean my wood deck?

Clean your wood deck with a mixture of vinegar and water. Instead of using bleach or a commercial cleaning product that is filled with chemical ingredients, safely clean the wood deck with a vinegar mixture that works just as well without use of harsh chemicals.

How do I make homemade deck cleaner?

Add 2 cups of the bleach to two gallons of water. Pour in 1/4 cup of dish detergent and mix well until it suds. Use a broom or another large brush and cover entire deck. Scrub where there is stubborn dirt and grime and then rinse off.

Once a Year Cleaning

  1. Water.
  2. Powdered oxygen bleach.
  3. Liquid Dish Detergent.

Will bleach damage wood deck?

Chlorine bleach breaks down lignin, which is the glue that holds the wood fibers together, causing visible damage as well as preventing your deck stain or sealant from properly bonding to the wood. Chlorine bleach can also damage nearby plant life, siding, paint, and walkways.

What is the best wood deck cleaner?

The Best Cleaners for Your Outdoor Deck
  1. 01 of 08. Baking Soda, Vinegar and Dish Soap. ThamKC / Getty Images.
  2. 02 of 08. Borax.
  3. 03 of 08. Bleach.
  4. 04 of 08. Pressure or Power Washer.
  5. 05 of 08. Karcher Deck and Driveway Cleaner.
  6. 06 of 08. Oxygen Bleach Cleaner.
  7. 07 of 08. Spray-and-Forget-it Products.
  8. 08 of 08. Tri Sodium Phosphate or TSP.