6 Quick Tips For Redecking Your Deck

For home improvement enthusiasts, redecking is an exciting opportunity!

While several steps are involved, the process is pretty straightforward once you have the right tools and measurements.

If you have a basic understanding of installation and finishing, you can do a pretty solid job of not only tearing down your old deck but laying a new one as well.

Let us take a look at 6 quick tips for re-decking your deck.

1. Use Proper Tools To Remove The Old Deck

The first step in installing a new deck is to remove your old one.

You might need quite a few supplies, depending on how the existing one is installed.

First, remove the handrails and the screws holding down the deck bars. You can use a screwdriver or a pry bar if they are firmly nailed down to the frame.

You can also use tools like a wrecking claw to get the tougher boards out.

If you don’t want to deal with too much manual labour and don’t plan on using your old boards, you can use a circular saw to cut the boards and then use a hammer for the screws.

2. Remove Treads And Risers

Once you remove the deck boards, you have to remove the treads and risers from the steps.

You can use a heavy-duty pry bar to pry them loose and carefully remove fasteners like molding, glue or nails.

3. Deck Post Removal

Depending on whether your deck posts are attached to the frame or dug in concrete, you will either need to dig them out or use a jack.

It can be harder to remove them from concrete bases - you will either need to break the concrete with a hammer or do additional work to remove the lower attachments.

A floor jack or hydraulic jack is probably the easiest and fastest way to remove these posts, so if you have one, don’t hesitate to use it.

You can also cut them out if you are using a different location for your new posts

4. Mounting New Deck Posts

After marking the spots for your new deck posts, cut the posts to the desired size and shape.

Install post brackets which will serve as an anchor or foundation for your posts. Drill holes for the poles and secure them in place.

Always make sure you use standard grade brackets which are constructed from good quality steel to make the foundation firm and secure.

Use structural screws instead of nails and these will hold them down properly instead of coming loose.

5. Laying down New Deck Boards

Before laying down new deck boards, don’t forget to double-check your measurements.

Lay them out and get an idea of the layout before you commit to installing them permanently.

While laying down boards, it is recommended to leave a small gap for proper water drainage and to prevent rotting.

Use high quality deck screws to attach your boards securely to the joists.

Once installed, don’t forget to clean your deck and remove any leftover dirt or debris.

You can also seal and treat the wood for extra protection and longevity.

6. Adding A Step

Make sure you have all your measurements ready before moving to the step part of your deck.

This includes the height of your step, the number of treads and risers.

You can either build the steps or get ready-made kits which have everything cut out for you.

One important thing is to make sure you are building the steps on a solid platform which does’t have too many uneven bumps or holes.

If you are unsure about any procedures, you can consider hiring a deck installation service to re-deck your deck.

It can prevent costly mistakes and help save a tons of time, material and energy.

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