Opinions on deck condition
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Opinions on deck condition
Hi Guys,
I'm looking to make my deck nice again and would like some opinions on what I'm seeing.
First, the rail posts are rotted at the base where they enter the concrete. I was thinking I would pull them out, concrete and all, then replace them using a pre-made pier block. Yay or nay?
Second, my deck boards aren't rotting, but they are showing some weathering. Can these be refinished?
I'm looking to make my deck nice again and would like some opinions on what I'm seeing.
First, the rail posts are rotted at the base where they enter the concrete. I was thinking I would pull them out, concrete and all, then replace them using a pre-made pier block. Yay or nay?
Second, my deck boards aren't rotting, but they are showing some weathering. Can these be refinished?
Last edited by PJmax; 09-18-18 at 05:23 PM. Reason: removed duplicate pics
#2
Forum Topic Moderator
I'm not fond of those pier blocks although they might be ok if your climate is mild enough. It's best if the deck footer goes down to the frost line. I also don't like to embed the posts in concrete which is why your posts rotted out. It's better to pour concrete and insert a post bracket.
I'd clean up the decking and apply another coat of solid deck stain.
I'd clean up the decking and apply another coat of solid deck stain.
#3
Group Moderator
Personally I find removing deck boards in good, re-usable condition to be difficult and time consuming. In my case not worth the savings of buying new lumber. Add to that that your posts are also rotten and I'd be seriously looking at rebuilding the entire deck. With the deck out of the way construction of the new deck can move more easily and quickly and you'll have a new deck. If you try your approach of pre-cast piers and saving deck boards you'll be investing a lot of labor and still have an old deck.
#4
Member
Thread Starter
I'm not fond of those pier blocks although they might be ok if your climate is mild enough. It's best if the deck footer goes down to the frost line. I also don't like to embed the posts in concrete which is why your posts rotted out. It's better to pour concrete and insert a post bracket.
I'd clean up the decking and apply another coat of solid deck stain.
I'd clean up the decking and apply another coat of solid deck stain.
How would you suggest cleaning the boards?
#5
Member
Thread Starter
Personally I find removing deck boards in good, re-usable condition to be difficult and time consuming. In my case not worth the savings of buying new lumber. Add to that that your posts are also rotten and I'd be seriously looking at rebuilding the entire deck. With the deck out of the way construction of the new deck can move more easily and quickly and you'll have a new deck. If you try your approach of pre-cast piers and saving deck boards you'll be investing a lot of labor and still have an old deck.
The cost of replacing everything is way out of my budget. Cheap labor I got (me). Money? That's a different story.
#6
He.s stating, if the boards are in decent shape, the amount of time and risk of damaging during removal probably are not cost effective.
I would agree, not a lot of anything you are going to salvage from that deck, it's life time has come and gone!
I would agree, not a lot of anything you are going to salvage from that deck, it's life time has come and gone!
#7
Forum Topic Moderator
The pier block simplifies things for me. Why do you dislike them?
How would you suggest cleaning the boards?
How would you suggest cleaning the boards?
I generally wash the deck - wet the wood, spray on a bleach solution with a pump up garden sprayer, let set but not dry then rinse with a pressure washer. A garden hose can be substituted for the pressure washer. Cleaning often removes most of the peeling stain but you might still need to do a little scraping.
#8
Group Moderator
Yes, deck boards can be quite difficult to remove especially without damaging them. Usually galvanized or ring shank nails are used so they don't come out easily and in your case at least some are screws. So, now you need to try and back out all those screws who's heads with paint in the Phillips making it even more difficult. It can be done but only when labor is free. If you've got the time but not the money. Knock yourself out. Just don't expect to strip all the deck boards off in a few hours. After that work you will still have old deck boards that are deeply cracked and have paint peeling.