Replace Playhouse Decking

Home repair expert Henry Harrison helps a homeowner replace the rotting decking in a child's play fort that has become a safety hazard.

Before

All About

Product Ideas

More Product Ideas

Materials and Tools:

workbench
sawhorse
ladder
circular saw
handsaw
power drills
pencil
straight edge
hammer
carpenter’s square
clamps
chalk line
work gloves
safety glasses
dust mask
composite decking material
outdoor deck screws

Steps:

1. Put on safety gloves and remove any railings that impede access to decking. They're usually just attached with screws.

2. Remove old decking. Remove and replace one section of decking at a time so you can use existing decking as a platform. Be sure to dispose of old screws properly as you don't want rusty sharp metal objects in the sandbox or lying around the play set.

3. Mark for cutouts in the boards at the corners using a carpenter's square.

4. Cut most of notch out using a circular saw, but do not go beyond the intersection of the lines you drew. Use a handsaw to make the final cut and remove the notch. Always remember to wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with power tools.

5. Don't worry about cutting planks to length until after they're installed.

6. Begin working front to back, replacing old decking with composite deck boards. Install all planks, spacing them equally. Use the width of a nail shank or a carpenter's square to space planks.

7. Mark the position of the joists on the end planks, using a carpenter's square to line up with the nail heads.

8. Snap a chalk line between the points where you marked the joists to create a guide for driving in screws.

9. Drill pilot holes with a countersinking bit along the chalk lines. Drill two holes in each board at each joist position. Drive 3-1/2 inch galvanized deck screws into each hole.

10. Use the chalk line once again to mark the outside edge of the deck to even up the planks. Starting with a plunge cut, use the circular saw to cut along the line and even out the planks. Clamp a straight edge to the deck to serve as a guide for the saw.

11. Replace railings and admire nice new deck.