Old deck boards- what to do to smooth them?

I sanded my deck, then pressure washed it. Replaced screws/nails that were not flush, then covered with a deck sealant. I didn't see many good reviews of the deck cover either. If you want a long-term solution, try replacing your boards with the composite decking - it never fades or splinters. It's a bit expensive but should last for many years - and you can check around for discounted pricing, discontinued colors, at ReStore locations, etc.

Our deck was pretty rough, just as you described with nails, ragged wood, etc. We removed as many of the nails as possible, placed deck screws to the boards. We then swept and pressure washed the deck. Finally we painted with a heavy deck paint made for weathered decks. We chose deck paint as the deck wood was uneven in color, had splinters and was also very slippery when wet. We are exceptionally pleased the final results. The deck is now uniform in color, looks fresh and new, is now safe and not slippery. We bought the deck paint from Menards who specially matched the color. We bought the paint in 5 gal containers, on sale. We did not have to use any other prep products. So far so good! We are happy.

We also used deck paint, Behr from Home Depot. Years later, it still looks good.

Any chance you could just flip the boards over, and use them that way?

sometimes the underside, is as good as the day it was installed, , and, , they will all fit! If the screws won't go all the way in, predrill the holes, with just a slightly smaller than the screw, WOOD drill bit, Then the screws will go in all the way. Good luck!

I'm so sorry to read this, especially knowing the hard work and time that goes Into deck painting. I hope you complained to the maker of the paint! Ours is still beautiful (not to rub it in)...we used Behr. Seriously, I'd be calling or writing a letter, only to make myself feel better (especially knowing how much deck paint costs)!