Do it yourself

Repair and Restore a Pressure-Treated Wood Deck

Over time, UV rays, rain, frost, and simply walking around will chip away at your pressure-treated wood deck. Want to restore yours instead of replacing it? Read on to learn how to repair damaged boards as well as clean, restore, and protect your deck.

Difficulty level: Intermediate

Duration: 1-8 hours (depending on the size and state of the deck)

Material

Decking Boards Deck Cleaner Water Sealer Joist Hangers (optional)Deck Screws

Tools

Mitre Saw Drill Scrub Brush Stain Brush

Removing damaged planks using a drill

Removing all broken planks from the deck

Measuring the board before cutting

Using a mitre saw to cut the board

Building the assembly support with joist hangers

Checking the assembly support is solid

Securing the new boards with deck screws and a drill

Repair Broken Boards

1.1 - Inspect your deck to get an idea of its condition.
1.2 - Find where the joints are for every damaged or broken board that needs to be replaced.
1.3 - Unscrew each screw to remove the damaged boards.
1.4 - Tip to save money: if part of the plank is still in good condition, you can simply cut away the damaged portion. Then, measure and cut a 2 x 4 to make an assembly support for the remaining and new sections. You can remove some planks to have a better idea of how to reinforce this part of your deck.
1.5 - If the entire board is broken or damaged, remove it and cut a new one to replace it. Ensure the support is sound and solid before laying down the new board.
1.6 - Place the new board and securely screw it to the deck.

Using a hose to spray the whole deck

Scrubbing using a deck brush

Wash Your Entire Deck

2.1 - Use a hose and nozzle to spray water onto your deck. You can also use a pressure washer.
2.2 - Put deck cleaner directly on the boards.
2.3 - Use a scrub brush to firmly scrub the boards.
2.4 - Rinse using water until there are no more bubbles.
2.5 - Wait until every surface is completely dry (following manufacturer instructions) before continuing.

Pro Tip

Vigorously scrubbing with the cleaner removes dirt, helps the wood absorb the stain better, and gives you a longer-lasting finish.

Stain brush with a can of water sealant

Applying the finish with the stain brush

Refinish Your Deck

3.1 - Once your deck is completely dry, apply the water sealer or stain using a stain brush. Use a smaller brush for angles and detail work.
3.2 - Wait at least 48 hours for your finish to fully dry before using your deck.

Pro Tip

Make sure the weather is going to be good before applying your chosen finish. Weather should be clear (not calling for rain) as well as not too hot, too cold, or too sunny. It’s key that the weather be just right.

Soak your brush with your chosen product then start applying it, making sure you have a tight grip (by holding it near the bristles) on your brush. Apply the finish in the direction of the wood grain.

Repair and Restore a Pressure-Treated Wood Deck

Repair Broken Boards

Wash Your Entire Deck

Pro Tip

Refinish Your Deck

Pro Tip

Suggested products

Got a project coming up?

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Repair and Restore a Pressure-Treated Wood Deck

Repair Broken Boards

Wash Your Entire Deck

Pro Tip

Refinish Your Deck

Pro Tip

Suggested products

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