How to Replace Deck Boards: 8 DIY Steps
Swap out worn boards for a fresh look
- Cat’s paw or claw bar
- Locking pliers
- Pry bar
- Power drill with drill bits
- Tape measure
- Pressure-treated deck boards
- Deck sealant
- Pressure-treated 2x4s
- 3-inch galvanized deck screws
- Deck stain
Decks are constantly exposed to the elements, from the blaring sun to pouring rain to heavy snow and everything in between. Over time, decking can wear and even pop off, meaning it’s time to replace deck boards. The process can be simple if your deck’s structure is sound. Just follow these steps to remove old deck boards and cut, lay, secure, and finish new ones.
Assess the Condition of the Deck Joists
Before you tear up your deck or invest in materials, ensure its structure is in good condition. If the joists or other structural elements are damaged, you'll need to make more extensive repairs or a full replacement. Signs can include widespread rot, warping, mold, or termite damage on the joists or posts.
If your deck is too low to the ground, you may be unable to assess your joists without removing damaged surface boards. If this is the case, move on to the next step.
Remove Damaged Deck Boards
Photo: photovs / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesRemove any rotted, warped, cracked, seriously damaged, or dangerous deck boards. Drive a cat’s paw into the wood under any nail heads on each board and pull back on the handle to remove each nail. Use locking pliers to grab the nail shank if the nail head comes off. If your boards are screwed in, reverse the screws using your drill.
With fasteners removed, use a pry bar to gently lift the board, taking care not to put pressure on surrounding intact boards.
Seal the Joists
Your joists will likely have holes from previous fasteners. Treat these with a clear sealant to protect them from future rot.
Fasten Support Cleats to Joists
Cut two one-foot cleats of 2x4 lumber. Drill two pilot holes in each cleat using a drill bit slightly smaller than your screws, then screw one into each joist at either end of the deck. The top of the cleat should be flush with the joist. The purpose of these cleats is to support the ends of the new board you put in place. Repeat this process for every board you removed.
Measure and Cut Replacement Boards
Measure the length of each removed board with a tape measure and mark where cuts need to be made using a speed square and pencil. Use a circular saw to cut a matching replacement board to the same length. Ensure the width of the new boards is the same as the existing boards.
Install the Replacement Deck Boards
Photo: tab1962 / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesLay your first board in place and use a drill bit slightly smaller than your screws to drill pilot holes centered over your support cleats and at every joist that the board spans. Drill 3-inch galvanized deck screws into each hole to secure the board.
Trim Boards as Needed
Ensure that the edges of your new boards are all flush with one another and with the existing boards. Use a speed square, straight edge, and pencil to measure and mark where you need to do any trimming.
Use your circular saw to do most of the trimming, and use a reciprocating saw and multi-tool to make cuts close to your home or other structures.
Finish the New Boards
Photos: AVAKAphoto / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images; Oleksandra Troian / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images; Liudmila Chernetska / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images; poramesstock / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images; alexandrumagurean / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesUse a stain of your choice to finish the new boards as directed on the product’s packaging. You may need to apply multiple coats. Once your finish has dried, apply a clear sealant to protect the wood from moisture.
Avoiding Deck Board Replacement Mistakes
Deck board replacement isn’t complicated, but it does require some skill. The price of lumber can make mistakes costly, so here’s what to avoid during your project:
Using good boards as leverage: When prying up old, nailed-in boards, don’t use good boards as leverage. This can end up damaging them and creating more work and costs for you.
Replacing wood with composite: Composite decking is more flexible than wood and has specific structural requirements. If your existing joists are spaced too far apart, for example, a composite deck could collapse under a normal load for a wood deck.
If you're interested in composite decking, consult a local deck builder to determine whether the project is a feasible DIY or if you need to hire a pro to help make adjustments or rebuild the deck structure.
When to Replace Deck Boards
The best time of year to replace deck boards is in the early fall. This is mostly due to the relatively low heat and humidity, allowing for comfortable working conditions for you and the best drying conditions for wood, stains, and sealants.
Plus, if you decide to skip the DIY and hire a pro, you can take advantage of lower demand for deck-building services. The busy season for deck builders is spring and summer, and some contractors offer end-of-season discounts in the fall.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
The cost to repair a deck as a DIY project varies greatly by the deck’s size and the number of boards needing replacement.
You may pay as little as $250 for the materials to replace a single board or over $1,900 for the lumber to replace all boards in an average-sized deck. If you hire a local deck repair contractor to replace deck boards, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $4,000 on average.
Despite the higher price tag, there are some key advantages to working with a pro. Making a mistake during DIY board replacement may cause problems with your deck, meaning additional costs for lumber and other materials. Hiring a contractor ensures that the job will get done properly the first time, minimizing your risk.
You can either nail or screw deck boards according to your preference. We recommend using 3-inch galvanized deck screws in this guide because screws offer superior holding powder over time. If you’re using screws, you can minimize the risk of cracking the boards by drilling small pilot holes before securing the boards to the deck joists.
Deck boards should be spaced no more than three-eighths of an inch apart. This is enough space to allow water and small debris to pass through without collecting on the surface, but not enough to create a tripping hazard. Certain materials, like pressure-treated wood, shrink over time, so they may need less space at installation.
Wood decks need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years on average. Natural wood is highly vulnerable to infiltration and damage from moisture, which can occur rapidly due to exposure to outdoor elements. You can protect your deck and maximize its lifespan by sealing it every year or two.
It is cheaper to repair a deck than to replace it. Deck replacement costs at least $7,900, though in some cases that cost can reach $12,500 or more. Consider replacement if a deck is pulling away from the house or there is widespread rot or insect damage.
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