Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - How do you repair cross bracing?

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panamamike
10-20-09, 10:48 AM
I don't have much experience in DIY, but I have a job I'd like to try and tackle. It involves replacing the connecting block which holds a deck cross brace together. It looks like a 4x4 wooden square that would be fastened to the middle of the cross.

The current blocks have rotted or failed. I know I should consider having a full deck replacement, but I'd like to try and prolong the life of the deck.

Any advice on how to execute this repair would be much appreciated. Any gotchas I should look out for would also be helpful.

Regards,

Mike

lefty
10-20-09, 12:05 PM
panamamike

Welcome to the forums.

Simply remove the bolts that are going through the 2 cross brace pieces and the 4X4 block. Remove the block. Install a new block about the same length, drill holes the proper size through it and reinstall the bolts.
panamamike
10-20-09, 01:05 PM
panamamike

Welcome to the forums.

Simply remove the bolts that are going through the 2 cross brace pieces and the 4X4 block. Remove the block. Install a new block about the same length, drill holes the proper size through it and reinstall the bolts.

Thanks for the response.

O.K., question about your response.

I don't have to worry about any load issues? Didn't know if I should be careful when removing the blocks. Unfortunately they aren't bolted in rather nailed in. I'm planning on using screws. Any suggestions regarding using a better way to fasten?

Regards,

Mike

lefty
10-20-09, 05:18 PM
There are no load issues to worry about. The cross bracing simply prevents the deck from moving laterally.

Nail or screw the blocks into place to hold them, then through bolt them with a 1/2" bolt.
panamamike
10-27-09, 01:35 PM
There are no load issues to worry about. The cross bracing simply prevents the deck from moving laterally.

Nail or screw the blocks into place to hold them, then through bolt them with a 1/2" bolt.

Thanks for the advice!

Mike