Can you deck over an existing deck?

Yes, you can place any decking over an existing wood decking, even composites.

How often do decks need to be replaced?

The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors estimates decks made from wood planks will last about 15 years, while structural wood will give you 10 to 30 years. Composite decking will last anywhere from eight to 25 years.

How much does a deck add to the value of a house?

The addition of a wood deck costs an average of $13,333 and the average resale value of it is $10,083. This means homeowners could recoup about 75.6% of the cost once it’s time to sell the home.

What happens if you have a bad deck?

Over time it has warped, shifted, and split. You’re dealing with splinters, loose boards, protruding nails, soft spots, or worse. A bad deck doesn’t just bring your house’s value down, it can actually collapse and bring you down with one stray step.

Is it better to rebuild an existing deck or start new?

The great benefit of a rebuild project in lieu of starting new is that your existing deck becomes the blueprint for the rebuild. Each old member is the exact template for the new member – dimensions, length, drilled holes, notches, etc. In a shorter time with less money and greater ease, you will have a solid deck you can enjoy for years to come.

When is the best time to restain a deck?

If your deck sucks up moisture like a sponge, or has begun to fade, flake, or is looking dingy, it’s time to restain it – normally every 2 to 5 years. Before applying a new stain over old, you need to clean or strip the decking. Stripping the stain off a deck can be done using a caustic compound that is applied to the planks.

Can a 20 year old redwood deck be repaired?

Reputable deckbuilders have to have a method of assessing the usable life of a deck, and a policy for determining when its safe to repair rathere than replace it. When California contractor Andrew York, owner of Pro Deck Construction, gets a call about repairing a deck, often enough it’s “20 years old and the redwood is worn out.

How do you repair a damaged deck at Home Depot?

Apply a thick coat of clear sealer to the damaged joist. Let it dry, and then apply a second coat of sealer. Cut a reinforcing joist from pressure-treated lumber. Treat all sides of the reinforcing joist with a clear sealer and let it dry.

How long does it take to restore an old deck?

Restoring a deck yourself will cost a third as much. A deck rejuvenation project like this can be done in two days, but it’s best to spread the work over two weekends to ensure the wood is completely dry before you apply stain. Use a pry bar to pull damaged boards. Remove fasteners and lift the board straight up to avoid damaging adjacent boards.

What should I use to protect my new deck?

Along with making sure you waterproof between the house and deck, it’s good to protect your substructure during your new deck building. The substructure includes the beams and deck joists that support your deck boards. Choose a joist and beam tape such as Trex Protect® to cover the wood and shield it from moisture.

Can you build a wooden deck that is not square?

Building a square or rectangular wooden deck is a big job, but building a deck that is not square, whether by accident or by design, is a much more challenging task. If the deck is slightly out of square due to improper installation of the posts and joists, the deck boards can be adjusted to conceal the problem.