How to Replace Decking Boards

Decking boards are a very nice addition to any garden- they not only make your garden look nicer but also provide a multi purpose area that the whole family can enjoy. It can be an extension of your living room, a place to entertain guests and a place to relax and unwind.

But if your garden decking is not properly installed or is perhaps getting a little old and tired you can perhaps look at replacing decking boards to make it look even better. In order to replace a bad deck board you will need a power screwdriver, pilot drill bit, a power drill, and rustproof deck screws.

If your decking boards are screwed down, simply unscrew the damaged or tired board, cut a replacement that is the same length and then screw it down with rustproof deck screws. It is best to replace the entire decks boards in order to ensure stability and safety and a deck board should span at least three joists.

Complications with replacing deck boards

Decking boards that are nailed down can be quite tricky to remove and in doing so can damage the surrounding areas of the deck. It is often advisable to seek the services of a professional to help in these circumstances, unless you are a really confident DIY wiz and are confident of dismantling this without damaging anything that it is attached to.

Decking Design Flaws

Another flaw that you should watch out for in your decking is a systematic problem that may occur during the installation process. Proper precautions are need to ensure small gaps are maintained between decking boards, as moisture can easily find their way into the gaps and the warmth of the sun can make it breeding ground for fungi and dry rot bacteria if you are not careful.

Replacement Decking

For older decks that may require multiple deck board replacements, it might be better to consider a total decking replacement. But if the underlying structure is still in reasonable shape, you can still replace the decking without demolishing the whole structure. You can opt to replace your deck with all new wood or replace the boards.

Decking Contractors

Consulting a decking contractor can be very useful in order to get tips and ideas on how to properly install decking boards, options you have for your space, and the potential benefits of each course of action. At the very least, talking to a contractor will help you determine if replacing your decking boards is something that you can do on your own or if you need to hire professionals to get the job done.