Wood Deck

Wood Deck Repair Tips

Wood Decks are an addition to the beautification of the homes and a proper repair and maintenance has to be done on a regular basis to keep them in good condition. Regular repairs of the wood decks ensure their long durability and strength. Timely repairs save more time consuming, difficult and expensive repairs in future.

Simple Deck Repairs -

To begin with, a careful inspection of the entire deck is to be done. Check if the railing is fastened properly, if there is algae growth on the surface and if any part of the deck or framing needs to be replaced. Further, these steps for a deck repair can be listed -

1. Scrub Deck - A thorough cleaning of the deck surface is to be done to remove any algae growth. Dirt between the cracks can be removed using a garden hose with power nozzle and an old knife. Deck cleaners and restorers (to restore the original wood color) can be used. They can be sprayed or scrubbed and then washed off.

2. Secure the nails - The wood keeps expanding and contracting and the nails may pop out above the surface and they need to be driven below the surface.

3. Sand wood - A power sander or the belt sander can be used to sand the rough surfaces. Extra attention needs to be given to the splintered areas and handrails.

4. Secure Boards - This can be done by drilling holes and driving nails and screws to fasten any loose ands of the boards.

5. Repair Stairs - Replace any damaged stair boards with new boards and secure them properly with nuts and screws.

6. Secure the railing - Smaller nails and screws are not sufficient. Drill clearance holes through the post and secure them with stronger and longer bolts.

Repair of Wood Rot -

Repairing a decayed wood would not be much difficult if correct tips are kept handy. Giving an example, it is better to clean epoxy up as we go along, as it dries very fast and is hard to remove. More tips can be given as -

1. Building deep holes in layers (about ½ inch) thick and slightly overfilling a surface.

2. Shaping the filler with any tool that is proper for contoured surfaces and corners.

3. Using wide variety of rasps for flat and contoured surfaces.

4. Rasping is less time consuming than sanding if there is a to much of hard, dried material to be removed.

5. Driving nails into large, damaged areas and letting the heads stick up a bit so that they can be embedded in the filler but remain below the finished surface.

Every individual wants to have the right blend of utility and aesthetic beauty encompassed in his home. He wants his home to be designed in such a way that it can satisfy his requirements of storage and other necessities and also look graceful and attractive. In the same breath, to make the deck look beautiful and also be useful to him, having a lattice in the wooden deck is a great option.

Why Have Lattice?

Lattice walls can be installed under the wooden decks to create storage space for outdoor equipments, tools and and materials. The installation of such latticed walls would not only create that much needed space but also make it look uncluttered, cover the mess and look attractive. Thus having a lattice walls can solve two problems at the same time. Wood or vinyl lattice screens too work well in hiding garbage or dumping area or the underpinnings of a deck.

Vines can also later be trained up the lattice which would provide further screening.

How to make a lattice?

While making a lattice the following steps need to be considered:

While building and installing the lattice panels:

1) First cut 2"x2" supports to size and attach them to the posts using exterior-grade deck screws. It is necessary to include supports for the tops of the lattice pieces.

2) Then measure and cut sections of U-molding to fit each space. Make an inside miter cut on each corner.

3) Cut the lattice panels to the required size with a circular saw. While making the measurements, allow 1/4" on each side to allow for expansion and contraction of the panels.

4) Snap the molding onto the lattice. Set the panel and molding in place, pre-drill pilot holes through the molding and secure the lattice with screws.

Tools required for building a lattice

The following is a list of tools required for building the lattice:

a) tape measure b) carpenter's level c) string level d) posthole digger or shovel e) circular saw, jigsaw f) drill, screws g) hammer, nails h) quick-setting concrete i) two 4x4 treated posts j) 4x8 treated lattice

Conclusion: A delicate lattice work can make the deck look very pleasing. Apart from this it would also solve the problem of storage space without making it look unattractive. Thus having latticed work done for the decks is definitely a great idea.

Wood Deck