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| Deck Repair |
| Here are the DIY Basics of deck repair. |
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Get your deck back in shape with a little elbow grease. - Dip a paintbrush in water and apply to the deck. If the water soaks in, your deck needs sealing.
- Use a power washer to remove built-up dirt and old wood fibers (figure A).
- Allow the deck to dry overnight.
- Next, sand rough spots with a pole sander and 80-grit paper (figure B).
- Replace any split or damaged boards.
- Consider using a composite decking material on stairs for more durability.
- Drill the stairs into place. Insert a nail between boards to create the correct amount of spacing (figure C).
- With some composite boards, you can push down on the shavings then tap with a hammer to hide the screws.
- Composite material is also great for hand railings (figure D).
- Remove any remaining debris using a leaf blower.
- Add a quality stain or sealant to the old deck.
You now have a revitalized deck, ready to impress (figure E). Web Extra: - Composite decking is often made of fiberglass reinforced plastic (or reclaimed wood fibers and pure plastic resins). It's an alternative to traditional wood decks because it is stronger and resists fading, weathering, rotting and warping without much maintenance.
- Choose a special deck stain and sealer to repel water, resist mildew and prevent fading. Oil-based finishes require less frequent upkeep than water-based finishes.
- Wet surrounding plants and cover them with clear plastic before cleaning the deck.
- By setting the composite screw flush with the deck board, you'll reduce mushrooming. This is the formation of small mounds of waste material near the screw hole surface.
- Do not countersink composite screws.
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