Adding Life to Your Decks

October 27, 2009

Decks are more than just an addition to our home used for grilling outdoors. They're actually an extension of your home and should be treated with the same care as your home. Whether you're doing a new deck install or a deck repair on your present deck, regular maintenance is something that needs to done to add life and beauty to your deck. Here are some of the most common deck repair projects homeowners need to do on their decks to keep them looking great.

Refinishing Decks

A big part of deck repair involves refinishing just as you finished the deck with the original deck install. The first step to refinishing is making sure the deck is completely free of dirt, mold or other imperfections. Once it's clean, it can be sanded until smooth, at which time a finish can be applied. The finish can be applied to wood decks with a brush, paint pad, roller or sprayer. Applying more than one coat will add to the longevity of your wood deck.

Replacing Deck Steps

Replacing worn or broken steps will improve the appearance and life of your deck as well as prevent injuries. Before you can put in the new steps, make sure the damaged steps or boards are removed. A pry bar and hammer will make removal fast and easy. Use a square or level to cut new boards to replace the old ones.

If boards are for a wood deck, make sure your replacement boards are sanded and finished. Drill holes into the board to prevent damage to the board and nail or screw the boards to the support boards.

Installing additional Support Boards

Cut matching wood the same size and length of your existing joist, using a square to ensure the ends are cut square. Nail the new supporting joist against the current one. Use long nails, spacing them 18 to 24 inches apart. Finish or stain the new boards so they'll match your deck.