Decks are the perfect way to elevate the look of your home and are a perfect spot for gathering with friends and family. Even if your deck is built with the sturdiest material, it will still need some type of regular maintenance.

If your deck is a couple of years old, it likely needs some kind of deck repair. You might be thinking it would be expensive, but that’s not the case. Repairing decks can help you save money, as it can be a DIY project for a small area. 

In this detailed how-to guide, learn how you can repair a deck! Let’s dig in.

Step-by-Step Guide On How To Repair A Deck

Repairing a deck doesn’t have to be hard or complicated, which is why we have brought you a step-by-step guide to make things easier for you. Let’s start

Step 1 → Remove Nails & Screws

If you are facing a cosmetic deck or balcony issue, it’s easier to first remove the plank, flip it, and refasten it. Or if you are repairing a damaged joist on your decks, it is essential to support it from one side, or it can collapse. However, when you start fixing a deck, you will have to remove all the screws and nails from the deck. You can use a pry bar, a screwdriver, screw extractor drill, or nail puller to remove screws and nails from the deck. 

Step → 2 Inspect the Joist & Remove Rotten Wood

Once you’re done with removing nail and screws from your deck and balcony, you will need to inspect joist underneath the wooden planks for signs of rotten wood. If you are not aware of the rotten wood, you can take the help of experts for terrace and balcony deck repair services. Once you have located the rotted area of the wooden plank, use the hammer and chisel to remove rotted wood portions.

Please note: Cosmetic repair can be done with the help of wood putty. However, for structural repair, you will need to have additional joists.

Step → 3 Reinforce The Joist

The most important step for repairing a deck is reinforcing a joist. In some cases, you can fix a damaged joist by adding new wood to the side of the damaged joist. This method is also known as sistering.

To repair the joint, it is necessary for the new piece to be the same size as the existing one. For example, if your existing piece is 2 x 8, then the new one should be of the same size. The sister joist should be as long as possible and fit tightly against any parts that cross the joist you’re fixing. Place it right next to the damaged joist. Use 16d (3 1/2-inch) galvanized nails, spaced every 2 feet, to attach it, or use 3 1/2-inch galvanized deck screws instead.

Step → 4 Replacing The Joist

If you need to replace a complete joist, start by supporting all the surrounding framework before removing anything. You can use concrete blocks, sturdy wooden posts, or any other suitable bracing that suits the job. If you’re working at a height, you’ll probably need scaffolding.

Before removing the joist, take measurements. It might come out in pieces, so measure first.

Remove any fasteners you can. For the rest, use a reciprocating saw to cut through them. Install new joist hangers once the old joist is removed. If it’s an older deck and there were no hangers before, now’s a good time to add them to all the joists. However, this step is the most important and requires expert help, so we recommend contacting balcony repair contractors for this step to ensure everything goes smoothly when replacing the joist. 

Step → 5 Replacing The Joist

Cut the new deck boards using the same type of wood and a circular saw. If your old decking looks gray, you can make the new boards match by weathering them. Just mix 1 cup of baking soda with 1 gallon of warm water. Use a scrub brush to apply the mix to the new boards. Then rinse it off and let it dry.

Step → 6 Apply Wood Stain

You must use wood stain that matches the color of the rest of your deck or balcony. You must apply the stain to both sides of the board and its edges. 

Step → 7 Attach New Deck

Place the new decking in position and ensure the gaps between the boards match those already present.

Check the type of fasteners used previously and try to use the same type. Ensure you select deck screws or nails that are compatible with pressure-treated wood. Even if your deck boards are made of composite or another material, the frame underneath is likely pressure-treated pine.

Need Experts’ Help For Repairing Deck & Balcony

Finding it a bit hard to repair the deck by yourself? No worries, you can contact Paradise Construction. We have all the expertise and modern tools to repair decks and balconies.

Call us now at +1 718-238-9191 and book your appointment with us today!