Please help, what would you do? Deck issue

15 years ago

We have a large deck with built in benches. The foundation of the deck is great the issue is the wood. It is dry, splintering and just not the correct wood that should have been used to build a deck, but that is what was here when we moved in a couple years ago. We do not have the $ to pay someone to replace it. It is to the point where the kids cannot walk on it because they get hugh splinters.

Do we have any other options then replaceing the whole thing? We tried 2 years ago having it sanded and stained and it was no better.

Any advice? Thanks

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Comments (8)

john_hyatt
15 years ago
By foundation do you mean the framing and the cement piers? J.
zebfam
Original Author
15 years ago
It is a ground level deck
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john_hyatt
15 years ago
Hmmmmmmm let me try again....

If your cement foundation and your wood framing,ya know all the stuff under the decking, is in good shape then its worth trying to reskin it with new decking, the stuff on top. Just gutta get real basic sometimes. J.
john_hyatt
15 years ago
Of course if the idea is to get a temp fix until the money comes in a Person could sand down the bad places and install cost effective outdoor carpet. J.
edmontoncustomdecks
15 years ago
Hey John. Great idea for temp fix. I have to share my experience with the outdoor carpet thing. It really speeds up the rotting of the deck boards because of moisture trapping. Personally, I would never do it to an uncovered deck, but if temporary, maybe. If the deck is going to be replaced in a year or two, why not. Just keep in mind it is a temporary fix.

Les
Edmonton Custom Decks
john_hyatt
15 years ago
HI ya Les! I was thinking this is a Lady poster and I might have come on stupid and not understanding the Kids and the money thing.

I agree the carpet should act as a water traper, the decking sounds like older cca pt stuff so really the water/rot is not going to hurt it a whole lot more than the Sun has already has.

Side Note>> I looked over a lagre Redwood 2x4 project that needed some help the upper area about 10x20' had been covered in OD Carpet for 5 years or so granted part of it was covered with a big overhang but still...I said the same thing so I removed the stuff Suprise Suprise not only was there no rot/mold the color was still red! Its A Funny World. J.
zebfam
Original Author
15 years ago
Yes I am a "lady" :)

The wood framing is in fine condition, the major issue is the floor boards. My husband has talked about replace the floor boards himself but in my opinion it is going to look horrible since the floor would not be a match with the benches?
fnmroberts
15 years ago
Try flipping the boards. Chances are the underside will be good. You could do the same thing with the benches. Your only cost will be new screws and time.

I suspect, by your description of the splinters, that you have PT decking. Lots of it sold, bad product for a deck in my opinion because this is what happens. Flipping the boards should provide a couple extra years. An application of decking sealant to replace lost oil in the wood is recommended too.

Please help, what would you do? Deck issue

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Please help, what would you do? Deck issue

Comments (8)

john_hyatt

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