First Aid for Decks

Make your deck look brand-new by applying some basic deck "first aid."

Problem: Your deck is showing some wear after being exposed to the weather for a few years.

Solution: You can apply some "first aid" to your deck to make it look new again. The job may be time-consuming, but it's easy, and it will save you money in the long run.

Equipment list:
Speed square
Jig-saw
Drill with magnetic square tip bit
Hammer
Cat's paw (tool used to remove nails)
Paint roller with extension handle
Power belt sander
Safety glasses
Safety gloves

Materials:
Square-head deck screws
Deck stain
Wood sealer

Wash the deck

Before making any repairs, you should clean your deck. A power washer makes the job much easier. Power washers can be rented for approximately $50 per day, and you can usually purchase detergents at the rental supply center as well.

• When using a pressure washer, be sure to keep the pressure stream moving. Otherwise you could gouge the wood. Just remove the dirt and old wood fibers.
• After pressure-washing, allow the deck to dry overnight before applying stain or sealant.

Fix nail pops

Occasionally you may encounter a nail that has worked loose from a board. Fixing these "nail pops" is simple.

1. Remove the nail claw with a cat's paw or a hammer.
2. Use a screw that's longer than the nail to reattach the board.

Repair split wood

If you have a board that has split down the middle, you can replace the damaged section.

1. Mark the damaged board next to the leading edge of the first support joist that is completely past the split. Be sure not to mark an area that is directly over a joist, or you could damage your saw when you begin cutting.
2. Cut the board with a jig saw, remove the nails or deck screws, and remove the damaged wood.
3. Use deck screws to attach a pressure-treated 2"X4" support block to the joist. The support block will hold the replacement board in position.
4. Cut a replacement board to size, pre-drill, and fasten it to the support block and joists with deck screws.

• Your replacement board may appear to be higher and wider than the existing wood. However, it should shrink as it loses moisture. After a few weeks, if the board still appears to be higher than its surrounding boards, you can smooth it down with a belt sander. Be sure that all nail heads or screw heads are recessed into the wood before you begin sanding.

Stain and seal the deck

1. Apply the stain with a roller brush.
2. Allow the stain to dry for 48 hours, and then apply deck sealant.