How to save these rotten steps

Seema
by Seema

We’ve these steps in our backyard. Wood started rotting. Is there a way we can save these?

  9 answers
  • Amanda Amanda on Jul 17, 2018

    Hi Seema. You could try to paint them with the deck restore product. You will have to clean them off well first. I know Rustoleum has a good deck restore product. You can even have it tinted. Good Luck!

    • See 1 previous
    • Pat Cervello Pat Cervello on Jul 17, 2018

      I agree about the restore products. I've had nothing but trouble. Started peeling within the year and 'm having a real hard time getting the rest off. Never again!

  • Oliva Oliva on Jul 17, 2018

    Make sure there are no carpenter ants or similar, already inside, before starting your project. You may find it easier to replace with individual concrete steps, or Trex.

  • William William on Jul 17, 2018

    Replace them. Once they rotting and falling apart nothing can be done. Do not use any of the deck over products. Will cause more problems.


    There is a problem with the deckover products. They are known to crack and peel within two years. Hard to remove. Many Hometalkers have used them and regret it and have mention their misfortunes in discussions. Many people had o replace deck boards and even complete decks. There are class action lawsuits against the manufacturers. Also notice they are not advertised anymore. You can do some online research and find more cons than pros. I have been advising Hometalkers not to use the products and to spread the word. Some have tried scraping and sanding with fair results.

  • B. Enne B. Enne on Jul 17, 2018

    The top one is beyond repair for sure. It looks like dry rot. Knock on the others, if they sound hollow, they are rotting inside out, and not worth repairing.

    I had 2 decks look like that within a year of noticing small damage. We thought they were salvageable, not realizing that once we saw the damage on the outside, they were already rotten on the inside.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Jul 17, 2018

    Hi Seema,

    They are in need of replacement. William has many good points and his advice is sound.

  • Amanda Amanda on Jul 18, 2018

    I didn't realize so many people had problems with the restore products. I have a few friends that have done this and it turned out great. One has had no issues and they did it over 5 years ago. Good to know. I was considering it myself.

  • Fiddledd224 Fiddledd224 on Jul 18, 2018

    I would sand thoroughly and paint with a deck paint.

  • M.H. M.H. on Aug 13, 2018

    https://www.hgtv.com/design/decorating/clean-and-organize/how-to-save-rotting-wood


    Thus home and garden article looked informative for you. Best of luck to you! 😊 -M

  • Seema Seema on Aug 13, 2018

    Thanks everyone. I was thinking about getting it replaced. Searched many wood epoxy products. But in the end decided on replacing it. Appreciate all the great advice.