Tip
Some deck owners choose to replace wood deck boards withcomposite materialone board at a time.
This approach will help you avoid tearing down a perfectly good deck just because the deck boards need replacing.
Examine the damaged section of the deck board and select locations to make the cuts.
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It’s better to stagger the joints in decking boards from row to row to create a natural look.
Identify the two joists on either side of the damaged area.
Remove the Damaged Board
Put on eye protection before cutting.
Use a jigsaw and coarse wood-cutting blade to cut along the marked lines.
Sever the damaged board exactly flush with the edges of the joists.
Otherwise, simply follow the line carefully for a straight cut.
Remove the board section.
Treat and protect exposed portions of joists where rot was removed by using two coats of clear sealer.
Add the Joist Reinforcement
Add a reinforcing joist from pressure-treated lumber treated with a clear sealer.
Position the new joist tightly against the damaged joist.
Attach the new joist with 16d nails or 3 1/2-inch deck screws driven every two feet.
set up the Support Cleats
Cleats provide support for the replacement piece of decking.
The top of the cleat should be flush with the top of the joist.
Fasten the cleat to the joist with four 2 1/2-inch deck screws driven through the pilot holes.
Repeat with the second cleat and the other joist.
This alignment will help prevent cupping as the board weathers.
Finish the Board
Stain or finish the new board before installing it into place.
Use the same throw in of lumber in the patch as is found in the rest of the decking.
Combine 1 cup of baking soda with 1 gallon of warm water.
Apply the solution with a scrub brush, then rinse it off.
Let it dry before installing the board.
Drill a pair of pilot holes at any other joists that the replacement board spans.
Replacing a few boards is pennies compared to replacing a deck.
You should not put new deck boards over old ones.
The old ones may be rotting and dangerous to keep in place.
The fungus causes the wood cellulose to rot away.
Dry rot affects wood that is unprotected or poorly sealed.
