Repair or replace decking

G-Man

I want to replace some decking boards as previous owner had left large planters and leaves accumulate for years.. Where decking is bad its bad and top boards need to be replaced. Where its good it's fine solid and sub frame looks fine and solid no rot.

Site is well ventilated on 4 sides and lots of sun, but the existing boards where not damaged are very grey

The existing boards appear to be 120mm x 24mm ... Its somewhat of a hard size to get. most hardwares are now only doing 125 or 150mm

is replacing just some (25%) of boards going to be grief and look crap... Should I just replace them all..

I am capable of doing the work, and like reuse / repair rather than replacing, but I have no clue about life of decking, so advice appreciated.

NSAman

are they bad as in rotten or just discoloured?

power hose them. If it’s just discolouration/grey. Sand them and seal them with a colour water repellent protector.

my decks were horrific in the house when we bought . Some boards were rotten, the rest grey. Once rotten boards were replaced and the above done, they looked famtastic.

policarp

What area is the decking?

G-Man

Area is square about 5M x 7M..

I replaced some already with old boards from a second .. deck eqaully old but being removed. However I am wondering now is false economy .. a lot of picking of nails and selecting lengts, but the old boards do match in well and power washing should bring them back good.

The end of about half the boards where it was underneath some metal flashing is bad to about 6 inches. ... Dirt accumalated underneat and kept it wet. I have altered the flashing, so it wont trap again. I did not notice this coverup until I had already replaced some of the planter damaged ones, so now I migt have enough boards to splice in and its mostly ends .

I better check joist underneath the flashing well.

RainInSummer

Grab a sample of Netrol from Owatrol and give it a go.

ILIKEFOOD

I replaced with some new decking that wasn't the exact size as original.. after a power wash i did a dark non slip stain from Screwfix...looks well enough.. replace the deck Vs spending 60 quid on materials.. another year or two out of it suited my needs at the time.. don't know where you are but I got great value from Larry byrne timber yard in Wicklow.. he had two different deck sizes significantly cheaper than elsewhere... As you've mentioned the power wash does wonders.. I say get as much life out of it as you can...I'll be going for composite next time round..

G-Man

Ok.. Worst bits done using old boards... Its grand , sneak another fre years out of it.

I do appreciate it was all built with nails. if I am doing it every few years it is worth having a nailer.