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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.

Often, cracked deck boards are just an aesthetic problem and do not need replacement. However, longer or deeper cracks may be a problem, especially if they are on the end of the board. You can fill minor cracks with caulk, epoxy, or sealant to prevent further damage and improve their appearance. Replace boards with more serious cracks, which could become a safety hazard.

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.

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.