How to Replace Deck Planks in Your Deck

Keeping your deck in good condition is very important if you want to make good use of it and enjoy it for years to come. Once in a while you may have a deck plank that needs to be replaced. Deck planks, at times, may end up breaking or cracking for several reasons. It could be due to severe weather, heavy use, or portions of your deck may not have been properly treated when it was originally constructed. Replacing deck planks is actually fairly easy. Here is a step by step process for you to follow.

The first thing you need to do is collect the supplies and tools you will need for replacing the deck planks in your deck. Some of the tools you will need include a carpenter's square, pencil, measuring tape, deck screws, chisel, hammer, screwdriver, circular saw and dust mask.

Next, find the decks planks that need replacing and measure them so that you will know what you need to get for replacements. You will want to measure the length and width as well as the thickness of the planks that need replacing. You should replace the damaged planks with new deck planks that are of the same dimensions and materials as the old ones. If you have a stained deck and want the replacement plank to match the deck, you can pre-stain the new plank before installing it. Use the same stain that was used on your deck, and do your staining at least one day before you plan to install it. This gives it enough time to dry.

Your step is to remove the old deck planks that need replacing. Using your screwdriver, loosen the deck screws out of the deck joists. Once you have the screws loose, remove the plank. Repeat this procedure for each plank that needs to be replaced.

The final step in the process is to install the new deck planks. You will need to use your circular saw to cut replacement deck planks that are the same dimensions as the old damaged planks. When operating a circular saw, you should always wear a dust mask and safety goggles.

Once you have your new deck planks cut to size, place your replacement deck plank in the spot where the damaged plank was and use two to three deck screws to attach the plank to each joist. Check to make sure that your replacement deck plank is completely attached to your deck. Replace each deck plank using the same process.

Keeping your deck in good shape is not difficult to do. If you see that a deck plank or two needs replacing, just follow these steps. The small amount of time it will take you is well worth it, as it will keep your deck in great shape so that you can continue to enjoy it in the years ahead.