Today’s Fix-it-Friday Segment is replacing a rotten deck plank. If you have a wooden deck, this is a fix you will need to tackle at some point in time during the life of your deck. It is truly an easy fix even if you weren’t the original deck builder/installer and with the right tools can be done in a snap! There are actually two ways to accomplish this task – either by cutting the bad board out with the cut over the joist or next to the joist. I used and will show you the over the joist method. With a little planning and careful cutting you can remove the bad plank, install the replacement, and obtain professional results with very little cost to you!
As always, use and follow all manufacturer’s listed safety precautions and recommendations associated with the tools you use with this fix.
Rotten Deck Planks at a joint.
Tools you will need for the fix.
Either remove the screws using your cordless drill (or if unable) use a “cats paw” pictured below to pull the screws out.
With your framing square, make a pencil mark on the deck plank at the center of the joist below. (You will be able to see the joist through the gap.)
Using your circular saw:
Set the blade depth slightly lower than the depth of the deck plank (so you don’t cut the joist below the plank) and make your cut. In the “center” only, not all the way to either side of the plank.
You will use your Sawzall to complete clean cuts on either end of the plank.
Below – The Deck Plank is removed and 1/2 of the joist is exposed and ready to accept new Deck Plank. Measure the opening and cut the new plank…remember to leave a slight gap at the joints 1/16-1/8 to allow for wood swell.
One additional tool you will need – your cordless drill and hardware…some deck screws to re-attach the new deck plank.
Ahhh! a Job Well Done…Admire your work! 🙂 and smile when you think about the money you saved by fixing it yourself!!
Below -Pictured are Deck Planks replaced on the Deck Stairs using a similar method to the method described above.
