Deck

Question

I'm back on about my deck and all I want to do is add new decking to this old deck and wonder if it could be done? the old is nailed in not screws so I couldn't see if other side is good. Just help me figure out that I can or can't put new decking on top of the old? Thanks,Betty

Z · Answer

Betty, did you mean to add photos?

The Garden Frog with C Renee · Answer

Betty I pulled my boards up because they were nailed too. I carefully did it with a long pry bar. And most of the nail holes lined up on the joists because you are only flipping them and then I screwed them in. Take a few boards off at a time so you can put them back in about the same spot plus you will have walking space. Hope this helps. 
I would not advise and it would not be good to put old decking on top of new-removing the old is always best. check out your home/lumber store to find out how much decking boards are and get the same lengths. for under $200 bucks you could do new boards if taking them off does not work- if I remember right you had a 10x8 foot deck

Carolyn Faye Blizzard Lanier · Answer

I don't think I would try putting new decking boards on top of the old, you need to remove the boards first I would only do a few at the time so you will have some boards to stand on while you are putting the other ones down, use a pry bar to pull the old one up and I would use screws to put the news on…Good luck.

Sonja Kirby · Answer

@ Betty..i have watched my husband build on to ours and others ..and rememeber him saying:in such a project ,make sure of the foundation..the floor joices must be in good condition

Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com · Answer

There are many ways to fix and make the deck look good. If the deck boards are in good shape only dried out and cracked, Reset any loose nails, power wash and paint using a product such as Restore. If your in for a challenge, you could pull the boards and turn them over if you find they are good. But that is a lot of work, and you will destroy many in the attempt to pull the nails and boards up. 
As far as covering over, not suggested or recommended. You will be adding a lot of additional weight onto the supporting members to start off. You will also have difficulty in putting the new nails down, as they all need to be set into the underlying joists not into the old deck boards. Doing this wrong will cause the new boards to loosen up quickly. 
Also putting wood on top of wood will promote decay. The moisture trapped under and between each board will begin to destroy the lumber, even if its treated. This moisture that will have a hard time drying out will also attract insects looking for a place to nest in a damp environment. 
I would look into the deck restore method. Its a bit of work, but if you follow the directions and prep properly the results are pretty good. We recently did a deck with the Restore product line and it came out looking really good. We did need to put two coats as they say and the coverage is about half of what they say on the can, but the final job turned out looking good and the client was happy.

Betty · Answer

OH>? I believe my is in good shape except old and been power washing once too often. Thanks,Betty

Betty · Answer

Thank You, this also help me decide to do it the right way. Might get it done before Xmas. loll

Kathy · Answer

If you can afford it, I highly recommend composite decking instead of wood. Lowes and Home Depot both sell it. You don't have to work on it so hard in the future. If you can't, go with turning your deck boards over. Remember to seal all the wood before the next winter, whether you stain, paint or what. Even though you are up north, don't forget the sun is harsh, too.

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