Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - decking replacement questions
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cmishh
04-24-09, 07:11 AM
Hi..
I have a deck that acts as a front porch at my house in Michigan. The actual decking is long in need of replacement. Wood is rotted in some areas, splitting in others and quite a few of the nails/screws have rusted or come loose where the decking isnt even secure in spots.
My plan is to just replace the decking, as there doesnt seem to be any issue with the framing underneath. My concern is that there are pre-exisitng nail and screw holes on the framing, is this going to be an issue in securing new decking? Plus do you recommend screws or nails and how long? The guy who put this in used both. Any suggestions on type of wood? Let me know when you get a chance.
Thanks
I have a deck that acts as a front porch at my house in Michigan. The actual decking is long in need of replacement. Wood is rotted in some areas, splitting in others and quite a few of the nails/screws have rusted or come loose where the decking isnt even secure in spots.
My plan is to just replace the decking, as there doesnt seem to be any issue with the framing underneath. My concern is that there are pre-exisitng nail and screw holes on the framing, is this going to be an issue in securing new decking? Plus do you recommend screws or nails and how long? The guy who put this in used both. Any suggestions on type of wood? Let me know when you get a chance.
Thanks
merlesdad
04-24-09, 11:03 AM
The choice of nails and screws will be debated by everyone who answers. My opinion is screws.
As for the decking material, Unless you are prepared to take care of wood year after year (especially in MI where winter can really take a toll) even if it is treated, or redwood or some other species, you may want to consider a product similar to Trex. I am not advocating the brand, there are many to choose from that are similar. I am only advocating the concept. A composit material that will not break down or is subject to weathering. You can see similar brands at the orange box or the blue box and most lumber yards.
Anyway thats my opinion and I'm sticking to it.
As for the decking material, Unless you are prepared to take care of wood year after year (especially in MI where winter can really take a toll) even if it is treated, or redwood or some other species, you may want to consider a product similar to Trex. I am not advocating the brand, there are many to choose from that are similar. I am only advocating the concept. A composit material that will not break down or is subject to weathering. You can see similar brands at the orange box or the blue box and most lumber yards.
Anyway thats my opinion and I'm sticking to it.