How to Replace Deck Boards

Outdoor living is where it’s at. If you’re lucky enough to have a nice wood deck over time you’ve probably noticed some wood rot here and there. Well, fear not because Lou’s going to show you how to replace deck boards in this installment of our Fix It in 15:00 series. - - - - - - - - - - Here are the tools you’ll need to replace deck boards: • Circular saw • Pry bar • Tape measure • Pencil • Deck screws • Safety glasses • Hammer • Screw gun or drill - - - - - - - - - - Now it’s time to lay out the steps of how to replace deck boards: • Determine if the board(s) is actually rotted through by poking at it with a screwdriver • Using the screw gun or drill, remove the existing screws holding the rotted board in place • Take your hammer and pry bar and carefully pry out the damaged board without damaging the boards around it • Measure the opening to size up the new board before cutting or if the old board is intact after removal, you can use that to trace the lines for cutting on the new board • Using the circular saw go ahead and cut the new board to size • Place it in the opening where the old board was to make sure it fits properly • Take note of the floor joists – these are the spots where you’ll attache the new board with the deck screws • While the board is in place, use the pry bar to create a small gap on either side of the new board the entire length – this allows moisture to drain properly • Use the new wood screws to attach the new board to the floor joists Allow the new board(s) to settle and dry for a couple of weeks before staining or painting. - - - - - - - - - - 🏠HouseSmarts is your one-stop resource for home improvement information and guidance. 📺 SUBSCRIBE for more helpful tricks and high-quality videos. - - - - - - - - - - More at www.housesmartstv.com • Instagram: @housesmartstv • Twitter: @housesmartstv • Facebook: @housesmartswithloumanfredini - - - - - - - - - - fix it in 15 how to replace deck boards circular saw pry bar deck screws