Save this decking, or scrap it?

Hockney

So I bought a house and johnny-ex-owner wasn't too hot on looking after the decking out the back.

The rot has set in. Some boards are brittle to walk on and one collapsed under my weight. Most boards towards the lawn end are in reasonable shape, I'd be confident walking on them.

I'd like to get a few Summers out of it before eventually ripping up the lot and putting in an Irish-weather-friendly patio.

I'm not sure whether what's there is beyond redemption or not. Gut feeling is that is that if I replace the top banister on each side, replace 3 or 4 of the rotted boards, sand the lot down and Ronseal it, it may come up quite well. Then again I know nothing about wood or decking or belt sanders.

Photos below, what say ye DIY forum?

If ye reckon it should be saved, how should I go about it?

Charlie19

It doesn't look too bad and definitely looks professionally erected. If you can repair the weakened boards and paint it up, it will get you out of a hole.

Decking isn't really appropriate for Irish weather and is far too much work to maintain but saying that, If you can make it safe and it looks decent. I'd keep it, which will give you more time to plan your own ideas.

Prenderb

Check out the subframe as best you can. If it's in good condition, I'd say replace the boards and you'll get a couple of years at least out of it.

iano.p

If it's good and strong sub frame just replace the rotted boards. Would last a few more years then.

arthur daly

Just scrap it,again you fiddle about patching that one you would have a new one built and the fact old and new boards will look terrible mixed

arthur daly

Just scrap it,again you fiddle about patching that one you would have a new one built and the fact old and new boards will look terrible mixed

TheLastMohican

A repair job, pressure hose and a couple of coats of sealer should give you a few years more. But composite decking is the way to go. Almost maintenance free, looks great, doesn't fade and you can get a 25 years guarantee.

bulleyes

Considering you've just bought the house, there are going to be many more projects to Zap your cash without repalcing an entire decking. Fix it up for a couple of years and then decide what to do for the long term.

Hockney

Thanks for the replies all.

Should I sand it all down or would a power washer do a similarly good job?

iano.p

Hockney wrote:

Should I sand it all down or would a power washer do a similarly good job?

A good power washer and a deck brush would clean it right up. Give it a good few coats of deck oil afterwards.

Charlie19

iano.p wrote: »

A good power washer and a deck brush would clean it right up. Give it a good few coats of deck oil afterwards.

This. But I'd also use bleach with the deck brush.