Get matched with top deck maintenance specialists in Newville, AL

When it comes to rotten deck wood, there really is no fixing it in the traditional sense—it needs to be removed and replaced. While you can certainly do this yourself, we don’t recommend it as some of the issues causing wood to rot could have spread throughout your deck and an untrained eye may not be able to notice. The good news is that replacing deck wood isn’t the most expensive project, and can seriously increase the quality and aesthetics of your home.

It is possible to repair wet, rotted wood, but it depends on the extent of the damage. If the wood is severely decayed, it may be necessary to replace the affected sections entirely. However, if the rot is relatively minor, you can attempt to repair it. Start by removing any wet or decayed wood, allowing the area to dry thoroughly. Then, you can apply a wood hardener or consolidant to strengthen the remaining wood fibers. Finally, use epoxy wood fillers to fill in the damaged areas, shaping and sanding them to match the original wood surface.

To maximize the utility of space under a deck, it’s important to keep this area dry and clean. One way to prevent the area from becoming too wet is to install an under-deck draining system. This affordable home upgrade channels water away from the deck and provides usable space for storage or a functional area below a second-story deck. Not only will this be a useful maintenance upgrade, it can boost your home’s property value.

Typically, most residential wooden decks are designed to support approximately 40 pounds per square foot, including the deck’s weight and any items placed on it. While this is fine for typical use, it is usually not enough to hold the weight of a hot tub filled with water and people. To safely support a hot tub, your wood deck will likely require reinforcement. Therefore, it’s best to have a contractor or a structural engineer assess it before hot tub installation.