Is replacing rotten deck boards a DIY project for a beginner handy person, or should I hire a professional?
Asked by Macit Limoncuoğlu 
5 months ago
Last Updated: August 10, 2024
Hey there! I’m new here and trying to become more handy haha. I’m thinking about replacing some rotten deck boards. Do you think it’s best to hire someone for this job or is it doable for someone with basic skills and the right tools? Thanks in advance!
Give it a shot, they’re not too challenging to switch out and if you run into trouble, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance
That sounds like a fantastic plan! Count me in. I really appreciate all the support and assistance from everyone here.
This is one of the easier do-it-yourself tasks.
It’s really encouraging to hear that. Thank you so much!
The trickiest part is taking out the old boards, you’ll probably encounter some stripped screws but begin by removing all of them from the board you’re replacing. Next, use a flat pry bar to lift it up, making sure to place a block against the hood deck board to prevent any damage. Good luck! 🤙🏼
Great, I’ll start by taking out the nails and then go from there. I agree that removing them seems to be the trickier part.
Understanding how things were assembled in the first place becomes clearer by learning the removal process. I found the demolition process more informative than the reconstruction.
I completely agree! Thank you!
Replacement is simple. The most challenging aspect will be removing the screws.
It appears to be hex head screws, which is a great feature to begin with, making it less prone to stripping. Just find a small tool to use as a pick to remove any debris or paint buildup if necessary, and it shouldn’t take much time at all
That’s awesome news! Thank you so much!! This is incredibly motivating!
It’s pretty simple. If you have a sawzall, just cut between the joists, step on them, and pull them up. For ones with trim, just remove the trim. Tools like a cat’s paw, crowbar, wonder bar, framing hammer, or maul can be helpful too.
Amazing tool
Thank you very much! I really appreciate it! I’ll take care of it this weekend and let you know if there are any updates 🙂
If you’re having trouble getting a screw out, try using a flat pry bar to split the wood next to the screw. Once the wood is split, you can easily remove the screw with a Vice Grip or a similar tool.
Thanks a lot! 😊
It’s a fantastic first project! You might stumble, but you’ll figure it out and gain some insight. YouTube can be a helpful tool! Keep in mind, wood moves and changes in size!
This job can be made easier with a 36-inch pry bar and wood blocking to protect the good decking you are prying against.
If none of the joists are rotten underneath, this job is very simple. If you need to sister some joists due to dry rot in certain areas, it becomes slightly more challenging than a beginner level. Give it a shot. This is one of those tasks where you can’t really make it worse, so it’s a good place to start.
Yeah, once you begin taking out boards, it might end up looking like a patchwork. It can definitely prolong the deck’s lifespan for a few more years at a low cost, but it’s clear that a complete deck replacement is inevitable. The bottom pictures show my ground-level deck, where I had to switch out numerous rotted boards before restaining it. Initially, I thought there were only a couple of bad ones, but as I started pressure washing off the old latex paint from the previous owner, I discovered many more.
Here’s the final product after cleaning, treating for moss/mildew, and restaining.
Hey Kevyn! Thanks a bunch! You’re right, it’s only a matter of time before we need to replace the entire thing. Trying to delay that as much as possible. By the way, your project is fantastic. It looks amazing, and I wish I had the skills to do something like that.
I had never done any deck work before my first two deck repair projects. Just goes to show, there’s a first time for everything!
On my front porch, I began to replace what I initially thought was a single rotten board. However, after pressure washing, I realized that all the boards were in such poor condition that I had to rip out the entire deck. Ended up replacing half of the stringers, steps, and railings. It was a fun project and a great way to learn, but be careful because once you start removing things, it can escalate.
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Sure, go ahead and do it. While you’re at it, consider replacing them with vinyl boards. I did it for the first time three years ago, and it was a simple process. Just make sure to measure multiple times before cutting.
Morris I was so close to doing that too! I managed to find vinyl boards at HD that match the color perfectly. The only issue is they were 16 feet long and my deck is 19 feet 10 inches. HD mentioned they can’t cut them. I’m also not sure how to cut them for the board at the edge, under the railing. I struggle with cutting holes for the railing even with wood. Any tips on what to do?
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