How to Replace Old Deck Boards

Introduction

When exposed to the elements wooden decks can warp and rot to the point that the boards become hazards. In order to remove these hazards, the rotted boards must be replaced.

Before using this guide, check to see if any deck boards need replacing. Look to see if the boards are splintered, cracked, or warped (the wood is no longer even). If any of the deck boards look like that, those are the onces that will need replacing.

By following this guide you’ll end up bringing back the structural integrity of your deck as well as improve the appearance of your deck too!

What you need

Step 1 Deck Boards

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Mark which boards need replacing.
Once the boards that are to be removed are marked, measure the boards.
Write down the measurements for later.
When buying new boards, remember that deck boards come in different sizes. The most common sizes are 8ft, 10ft, and 12ft. You'll need the size slightly larger than what you measured.
For example, if your board is 9ft you will need a 10ft board.

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Step 2

Once the new boards have been obtained, apply paint primer on all sides of the new boards.
When painting make sure to paint in the direction the primer you previously put on is located to avoid streaking and uneven application of primer.
Wood is among the more difficult substrates for a paint topcoat to adhere to. Primer is important because it seals the surface and improves paint adhesion.

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Step 3

Stir the paint thoroughly. Paint can and does separate.
By stirring the paint you end up ensuring that the color and consistency of the finish will look great!
When painting make sure to paint in the direction the paint you previously put on is located to avoid streaking and uneven application of paint.

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Step 4

Mark the length of the old board on the completely dried new board.
Before cutting bring the blade down to make sure the blade lines up with the mark made on the board.
Once the blade and marks line up, cut the board with the saw.
Take extreme caution when using a miter saw. Wear safety goggles to protect your eyes. Wear a mask to avoid breathing in saw dust.

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Step 5

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Use the Dremel tool in order to clear the old paint from the drive of the screw on the boards previously marked.
The drive of the screw is where the screwdriver will fit.
Use the electric screwdriver in order to remove the old nails.
Once all the nails are out you can lift the board out and sweep any rotted wood or debris from where the boards were.
The nails may be rusted, make sure not to leave them where you may step on them.

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Step 6

Once the old boards are removed, mark roughly where the middle of the support board is.
You can put the new boards down where the old boards were once you have marked where the middle of the support board is.

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Step 7

Using a steel square mark how far apart you want your nails to be.
Make sure the mark is dark enough to see.

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Step 8

Once the holes for the nails are marked drill a hole deep enough for the nails to go into.
If the hole for the nails is not deep enough the nail will not be screwed into the support beam and the deck board won't be secured.

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Step 9

Once the holes for the nails are done, you can screw in the deck screws using the electric screwdriver.
Take your time screwing the nails in. If you go too fast the nail can split the board. Thus ruining the board.

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