Questions tagged [decking]

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18 votes
6 answers
78k views

How to remove screws from old decking

I have some decking in my back garden and some of the planks need replacing. However, the screws are difficult to remove. Some have rusted/weakened sufficiently so that I've managed to remove the ...
Matt Hogan-Jones's user avatar
14 votes
4 answers
66k views

Why mate two boards instead of using one thicker board?

I need to build a footbridge across a creek and, due to soft and low land around it, will need a long span crossing the creek. I found this tutorial by Ron Hazelton where he makes a bridge with a 12' ...
Tango's user avatar
  • 518
10 votes
4 answers
3k views

Is my wooden deck salvageable? Repair tips and Stain vs Paint questions

Here is my deck condition. Couple questions: What do I need to do to prep a deck in this condition? Was planning on washing with oxi clean and dish soap and orbital sanding. I'm guessing some wood ...
FalcoBalco's user avatar
8 votes
4 answers
2k views

Bridging one deck joist over a formal pond

I have built a small formal pond out of concrete block. I have also constructed a deck frame which part crosses the formal pond. Visually, I intended for it to appear that the water disappeared away ...
Chris Evans's user avatar
6 votes
3 answers
1k views

How to efficiently use my decking boards (and look nice)?

I am planning on building a deck with composite boards. The plan is to have a 3x2m platform, however the decking boards I like come in lengths of 3.6m only. I am wondering how I can best use boards to ...
physicsboy's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
2k views

Where can I find information on making footbridges with a long span?

I have a creek I need to cross with a footbridge. While the creek is only about 3' wide, the main span of the bridge will have to be somewhere between 14-17' feet long, due to low, wet, and loose ...
Tango's user avatar
  • 518
6 votes
1 answer
27k views

How do I build a corner bench for my deck?

I am totally new to DIY and wanted to take my first steps with a simple project - a corner bench. I have decking outside already, and want to use the same decking wood for my bench. Something similar ...
GWed's user avatar
  • 187
5 votes
3 answers
5k views

Can a square deck be cantilevered on all 4 sides?

All the code books and specs I can find in terms of allowable cantilever distance is always shown from one edge only that is also the end that is furthest extended from the house. Perhaps all the code ...
Tony DiNitto's user avatar
5 votes
2 answers
1k views

Recommended footings for deck built on rock with 5-10% grade?

I'm looking to install a 30' decking platform (for a yurt), 3' above grade, on a plot of land I own. The site has a mild grade (5-10%), made up of metasedimentary rock, with ~1" of organic matter ...
inneedofadeck's user avatar
5 votes
4 answers
1k views

How to install 2x10 joists of slightly different sizes?

We are trying to install the joist hangers and the joists, but the 2x10s are slightly different sizes. The problem is that some of the boards are 9.25" and some are 9.5" and some in between. So if all ...
Dan Friedman's user avatar
5 votes
4 answers
45k views

Do deck coatings work as claimed?

Home improvement stores have been stocking products in the paint section that appear to put a thick coating on the deck boards, giving them the appearance of synthetic decking. They claim to offer ...
RI Swamp Yankee's user avatar
5 votes
3 answers
334 views

How to build a decking in a corner that’s 75 degrees

I am looking to build a decking in the corner of my garden. In the corner it’s about 75/80 degrees so not a true right angle. All the examples I’ve seen online talk about building the base as a square ...
User1's user avatar
  • 375
5 votes
2 answers
13k views

How can i remove my rusted and stripped deck screws from my deck boards?

I am planning on replacing my wood deck boards with azek..some of my deck screw are rusted and stripped.can i use a reciprocating saw with a metal blade to cut between my deck boards and joists to cut ...
Jamie's user avatar
  • 51
5 votes
1 answer
93 views

How to fill this hole between balcony deck and brick wall?

What materials do I need to fill this hole on my 2nd floor balcony? It's deeper than it looks. There's nothing for bondo or caulk to adhere to do not sure how to create a backing.
FalcoBalco's user avatar
5 votes
1 answer
541 views

How do I restore this deck?

I have a deck that faces south and gets hit by the sun pretty hard, pictures here: Aside from replacing the whole thing, which I don't want to do, I'm wondering what would be a good way to repair it....
Ben's user avatar
  • 163
4 votes
7 answers
62k views

How can I reliably crimp aluminum ferrules without a specialized tool?

Is there another way to crimp aluminum sleeves without having to buy a $40+ crimping tool that I will only use for this one project? Or at least is there a crimping tool that has another use? I don'...
rbhat's user avatar
  • 2,043
4 votes
2 answers
1k views

How can I join vinyl decking to metal door frame?

Shoddy workmanship by a lousy contractor has left me with a vinyl deck that allows water to leak into the garage below. I identified the location of the leak - where the vinyl meets the metal frame ...
Curtis's user avatar
  • 165
4 votes
1 answer
242 views

Should I take my deck apart to fix a 1/2" lean?

I am building a 15'x23' deck in Knoxville. I built a sandwich girder at the end using 12" x 16" deep concrete piers, 4x4 posts sitting on galvanized metal brackets and pressure treated 2x10's ...
Dennis's user avatar
  • 41
4 votes
2 answers
1k views

Proper framing for connecting two deck beams together

I'm designing a deck by modifying an existing plan I found. The design features a large triangular projection on the right side, which is supported by a double 2x10 main beam (supported by 3-6x6 posts ...
Andrew Steenbuck's user avatar
4 votes
1 answer
1k views

How to build deck starting in yard, ending on concrete slab?

Here are some photos of my backyard with rough dimensions. Needing help with how to end a deck from cemented posts in yard (at rear of house), to my back door. My trouble area is above the concrete. ...
Brandon's user avatar
  • 41
3 votes
2 answers
278 views

How to protect decking when it's already winter

I have decking that looks in desperate need of some protector or oil. In the UK it's already quite wintery - temperatures are consistently around 5C (~40F), most days are wet. The instructions for all ...
Sam Brightman's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
2k views

45 degree beveled deck board ends butt joint at same joist

I have a large deck with runs 45' and longer where I'm replacing all the deck boards using premium SYP (infrastructure of deck is in great shape, so just replacing deck boards). The project is going ...
atconway's user avatar
  • 387
3 votes
3 answers
3k views

Repairing cracks on deck joists

This year, being a beginner in handyman skills I decided to replace the deck boards and railings of my deck. When I bought the home about 1.5 years ago the professional who checked the house for me ...
cbrdy's user avatar
  • 131
3 votes
7 answers
42k views

Can I get away with 5/4" cedar decking across a 24" span in a children's play structure?

I am currently in the process of designing/building a play structure for my son. The structure will include a 5' high elevated deck, that is 6'x4'. The supports for the decking will be 24" center-to-...
MarkD's user avatar
  • 5,095
3 votes
1 answer
15k views

Composite deck stair overhang vs. flush

I am installing composite decking stair and I found there are two ways to do it: One inch overhang: Flush and show fascia edges: What are the pros and cons of each method? I tend to go with the ...
HP.'s user avatar
  • 1,832
3 votes
1 answer
2k views

"Top layer" plywood subfloor fastened to decking

I just tore out a ton of particle board subfloor that was previously used for carpeting. The entire house has decking (2x6 planks) running on a 45 degree angle over joists with 3/8" plywood over the ...
Jake's user avatar
  • 98
3 votes
2 answers
121 views

Can I use the Simpson Strong Tie EB-TY product with ChoiceDek?

I want to use the Simpson Strong Tie EB-TY hidden deck fasteners with my ChoiceDek decking. The decking is 1 inch thick and has slots in both edges. I am looking at the EBTYLC product in particular ...
DaveB's user avatar
  • 247
3 votes
1 answer
9k views

How tall can I go above ground with a concrete footing?

I am building a 20' x 20' foot deck with a 10' x 12' Pavilion in one corner, away from the house.I need the concrete footings for the pavilion to be flush or just above the surface of the deck. There ...
Steve Harris's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
1k views

How to protect 2x4 deck framing from ground moisture?

I am building a deck on a concrete patio. The patio already does have a roof. It won’t get too wet during a rain and we don’t get much rain during the summer (Northern California). I plan to do the ...
mitchkman's user avatar
  • 511
2 votes
2 answers
2k views

Remove stubborn deck nails

I pried off some deckboards and the nails stayed in the joists. I want to replace the boards, so I need to remove the nails (yes, I could cut them, but I'm curious how to remove them :) ). Using the ...
David Doria's user avatar
2 votes
4 answers
18k views

Will 1x4 or 1x6 boards span 3 feet between beams for a walking bridge?

I have a foot bridge I wish to plank with 1x4 or 1x6 material. The bridge is 3' wide. The planks will be simply supported at each end by 4" beams. Will a 1x4 or a 1x6 3' long support a 200 pound load?...
thomas Sinsical's user avatar
2 votes
3 answers
7k views

What tools should I use to remove the tongue and groove from floorboards?

I have a big pile of high quality tongue and groove floorboards that I would like to reuse as decking timber for a small-ish deck. The trouble is I don't quite know what the best tools to use would ...
singingfish's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
7k views

What tools to cut square post hole in composite decking board?

I need to cut 9 holes in potentially 9 pieces of decking board (composite). I am thinking about using this method: Drill a big hole ~1.5" using hole saw bit (for the door knob) in the middle Drill 4 ...
HP.'s user avatar
  • 1,832
2 votes
1 answer
3k views

Decking fastening schedule?

I'm screwing down a deck of 5/4 x 4" cedar, over joists 16" O.C. It's a covered deck, so it won't get very wet. Is 1 screw per joist/plank intersection enough? Or 2?
Jay Bazuzi's user avatar
  • 11.7k
2 votes
2 answers
265 views

How can I replace missing parapet wall "joint caps"?

My home has a fiberglass roof deck with parapet wall surrounding it. The parapet wall is covered in aluminum (at least I think its aluminum) that matches the vinyl siding and color of the fiberglass ...
Joe Krill's user avatar
  • 123
2 votes
1 answer
5k views

Do I sand or power wash the deck?

Greetings community of fixers, I have an aging deck that will be torn down and replaced within (hopefully) 5 years. In the meantime, I'm trying to determine the best course of action to keep it ...
Peter Kovach's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
2k views

How can I repair decking and a joist damaged by a small fire?

Whoops. My deck caught fire and now I need to replace the burnt parts. From what I can tell, I need to pry up the deck boards to access the burnt joist. Then replace the decking that was damaged on ...
Ryanthehouse's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
219 views

Maximum Span of Deck Joists [closed]

According to the following, a deck using 2x10" joists, spaced 12" apart, can have a span (distance from attachment to house to row of footings) of 16'. https://www.decks.com/how-to/articles/...
dberm22's user avatar
  • 424
2 votes
2 answers
602 views

Wood beams for pallet rack wire decking

What size, type, and grade of lumber would I need to use as joists to support wire decking used for pallet racks over an 11-foot overhead span? 42D" x 46W" wire decks supporting up to 2,500 lbs. are ...
TomEE's user avatar
  • 121
2 votes
1 answer
844 views

Create a constant 5 mm gap between decking and side panels

I have some decking for which I've built the frame, and the main "floor" decking already but haven't done the sides for yet. The decking goes right up to the edges of the subframe that it sits on. ...
Max Williams's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
92 views

Is running a porch column all the way to ground footer instead of using posts underneath a bad idea?

My current porch is like this The columns are rotting and the deck was poorly built, posts aren't directly under columns and most are just on dirt. I intend on doing a rebuild. With the columns I was ...
user6912880's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
574 views

Composite Deck Pooling Water

I recently bought a home with a composite deck staircase and landing. Today I noticed that the landing pools water and the spacing between the boards seems to be extremely tight. Is there a reasonable ...
jak119's user avatar
  • 21
2 votes
1 answer
2k views

How would I add tile to a raised deck?

Does anyone have experience with the products designed for laying tile on top of a wood framed deck? (e.g. Slica Systems) It seems to me that over time even slight warping or shrinkage of the wood ...
user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
909 views

What's the proper way to add spacers between deck beam and joists

I have a 20 year old deck. One of the foundation posts (4x4) has sunken about an inch. The 4x4 post goes into the ground where it is affixed in concrete. The 4x4 post is notched at the top and two ...
PaulG's user avatar
  • 131
2 votes
3 answers
9k views

Can I use knee bracing to cantilever a deck further than code allows?

I live in Florida and currently have a deck support by ten 9" round, 10' high pilings. The outer ledge boards are double 2x10x10 bolted to the piling which are notched to accommodate the double 2x10s. ...
gary darpel's user avatar
2 votes
0 answers
77 views

How can I replace a pergola ledger that's right under-roof?

I was thinking about replacing my older deck/pergola. I’m planning to do a similar build of the existing deck and feel somewhat confident with the framing and posts. However, I could use some guidance ...
Breuer's user avatar
  • 21
2 votes
0 answers
470 views

Melting snow on the deck leaked into the house. Is my deck flashing incorrect or insufficient?

Last fall I had a small deck built to replace three masonry stoops that were falling apart. The sheathing behind the stoops was not flashed and was rotting. The contractor did a good job as far as I ...
Oleg Dulin's user avatar
1 vote
2 answers
3k views

Is my plan for replacing 4x4 deck posts with 6x6s reasonable?

We're planning on resurfacing our deck this summer. As preparation I got an inspector to take a look at the substructure to make sure it is still in good shape. The good news is that for the most part ...
Mike Nitchie's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
1k views

What's the easiest way to fix these deck joists?

Today I found some deck joists are either cracked or completely out of shape. I was wondering do I have to remove all the boards to replace these joists? There are two joists that seem to be really ...
John Xu's user avatar
  • 13
1 vote
4 answers
320 views

Deck screws undetectable and boards are rotting

I have a rotten deck, but the previous owners painted it in a Hardrock-type covering making the screws impossible to find. How should I remove the boards with this complication? Do I cut it off with a ...
Chris's user avatar
  • 11