A house backyard is the perfect spot to spend evenings or early mornings. However, what can make this relaxing time a major pain is a dull and damaged deck. If your deck looks old and cracked, it may cause inconvenience. In this article, we share tips on how you can repair an old deck and make it look new.
Deck repair: Steps involved
Analyse the damage
Before starting with the deck repair process, first analyse the degree of the damage. Make a note of every damage you see, from loose screws and nails to rotten or damaged wood. This will help you repair the deck efficiently, making sure you do not forget anything in the process.
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Necessary tools
- Safety gear such as safety glasses, gloves, mask etc;
- Separate clothes that you wouldn’t mind getting dirty.
- Power washer
- Hammer
- Screwdriver
- Circular saw
- Pry Bar
- Deck cleaner
- Stain and paint brushes to apply stain
- Measuring tape
- Sandpaper
- Nails and screws
- Clean the Deck
Before starting the deck repair process, make sure you have the list of necessary tools ready. The first step is to clean the deck thoroughly. Make sure there is no furniture over the deck and remove the plants, if any. Use your power washer to clean the surface and let it dry before starting the next step.
Inspect and repair
Once you have removed all the dirt and dust from the deck surface, check for damages and start repairing them:
- For loose nails or screws: If you see any loose nails or screws, you can either use a hammer to push them down or replace them with different screws to achieve more stability.
- For rotten or splintered wood: If the wooden boards of your deck are rotten or splintered, use a circular saw to cut out those sections and then install new boards in their place. Make sure these new boards match the old ones in colour, width and thickness.
- For loose railings: If your railings are loose, you should tighten and secure them with screws and bolts.
- For support posts: If the support posts are damaged or rotten, you should replace them with new ones.
Sand the deck
Sanding the deck provides a finished look while eliminating all the rough patches and tiny splinters. It also adds an extra shine to the wood once you have stained it. For large areas, you can use a belt sander; for the smaller ones, you can use a handheld sander.
Stain or seal the deck (If needed)
You can also stain your deck or just seal it, depending on your preferences. If you want a shine, you can go for a sealing solution, but if you wish to change the colour of your deck, you should stain it. Make sure you choose the right stain that matches the colour of the wood, and even if you wish to change the colour, make sure it matches the overall aesthetics of your backyard.
Apply even coats with the help of a paintbrush or a roller. Let the stain dry for a while, and do not step foot on your deck while it dries.
See also: How to repair fence?
Final touches
Now that you have completely transformed your deck and made it look newer than ever, you can put the furniture back in its place and also add plants or LED lights to enhance the look even more.
It is also important to note that repairing your deck isn’t enough, but you also need to regularly maintain it and keep checking for any minor damages so you fix them instantly.
FAQs
Is it necessary to clean the deck before starting the repair process?
Cleaning the deck allows better inspection of faults and damages, while the stain also sticks better to a clean deck.
Is it necessary to use a pressure washer to clean a deck?
A pressure washer removes every dirt particle and excess grime buildup, which is hard to do with normal washing.
Is it necessary to wear safety gear?
Yes, it is absolutely necessary to wear safety gear so you do not end up inhaling excess dust or a tiny splinter does not hurt your eyes.
How often should I stain my deck?
Although it depends on the wear and tear your deck suffers, you should stain your deck every two to three years.
What should I do if the deck railings are wobbly and unstable?
If the deck railings are wobbly and unstable, loose screws might be the main cause, and you should tighten the screws properly to ensure maximum stability.
Why is deck repair important?
Replacing a deck that is weakened or damaged is crucial for safety, increased lifespan and enhanced visual appeal of the deck.
What is the purpose of a deck?
A deck is an elevated structure constructed outside a house as an extended living space.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
