Replace Rotten Deck Boards Yourself!

Rather than calling a contractor and spending a lot of money, I can show you how to replace rotten deck boards yourself and repair your deck. Rotten deck boards are dangerous and pose a significant safety hazard while using your deck. If your deck boards are rotted, they should be replaced with structurally sound lumber to keep you and your guests safe. This is a great do it yourself project that only requires a minimal tool list, and can be done with only hand tools. Replace those rotted deck boards today and enjoy your deck!

Tools I use in my shop (some link may be affiliate links):
TABLESAW: Porter Cable PCB-270TS
Craftsman Fixed-Base 2hp Router
Craftsman Fixed-Base 1hp Router
HANDHELD ANGLE GRINDER: Ryobi AG402 4 1/2"
SCROLL SAW: Delta Scroll Saw- 16" Variable Speed- Model 40-540
RADIAL ARM SAW: Craftsman 10"
JOINTER: Craftsman 6-1/8" Jointer/Planer, Model#113.12163
DRILL PRESS: Delta DP-350 Benchtop
CIRCULAR SAW: SKIL 7-1/4" Circular Saw
BELT & DISK SANDER: Central Machinery 6" disc
BELT SANDER: Central Machinery® 4 in. x 36 in. Belt/6 in. Disc Sander

Dennis Coffey
Replace Rotten Deck Boards

[DreamsofViolet]

I am 69 and have ever done any carpentry work but need to replace rotten deck boards. Your video is AWESOME! It gave me exactly the instructions I need to go ahead ad tackle this project! Thank you So very much for posting this video! Many Blessings!💫💯👋👍

[caven]

What a time we live in where if you didn't have a dad to teach you these things you can just find one on YouTube lol

[jamesgaines]

Great video! One helpful tip on installing bark side down is make sure the end of your board is “smiling”. The deck should be all smiles at then end. Heres a Little helpful jingle i was taught lol.

“If the board is making a smile, then its bark side down. If they are making a frown then flip it around”.

[ironhorsegladiator]

Liked and Subscribed cause good people like you make us not pay a contractor or a handyman $400 per board!

[debiperkins]

Having just stepped through my back deck, to almost my hip…..I am replacing my small pool deck. I purchased a Cresent Bar. It is awesome!! I am a 64 year old widow, and it is the bomb!!! Thanks for the info.

[brunoserwaczek]

Like how you commented especially emphasizing safety issues. Appreciation from 🇨🇦

[mitchheaden]

I just finished redecking mine. It's a 12×16. I used a circular saw to cut the boards in half and then the prybar to get the boards up. It saved me a ton of time after I struggled getting the whole board up.

[MsLovelychick]

This made me feel like I might actually be able to fix my own deck.

[andrewljacob]

You've explained and documented this process so well. I've done minimal carpentry in my life, but I feel ready to tackle this. Cheers!

[KenGaskins-nmgx]

Thanks Dennis! Out here in the San Francisco Bay Area, and it's highway robbery to have a new deck put in, and a real pain (somewhat expensive) to do it myself.
Your work and demonstration here is still having an impact. Love the pressure washing stain idea with sealant. Will likely paint it too!

[tanishaw]

I've done a lot of DIY projects..I'm all for saving money. ..but never done anything that requires cutting wood. The few times I needed wood cut I had the guys at Lowes do it for me. But this video gave me the confidence to replace my two rotten deck boards myself. Just ordered me a saw on Amazon...Thank you!

[Henloco]

Hello, thank you for the video. I am a carpenter in the Philly area, just wanted to look over a quick tutorial only to replace two boards, nothing crazy, but your video explains everything spot on, and to the point! Thanks man, I would have forgotten the pry bar

[brendachadambura]

What a brilliant and helpful video! You addressed all my concerns about doing this by myself and added some expert tips. Thanks so much Dennis. So appreciate it!

[derrickpatrick]

Good Information and Thanks for explaining the "bark-side" wood installation method.

[FastEddie]

Excellent video! Should anyone be interested, I used a hydraulic jack from the bottom side of my deck and was able to target each 5/4 board to be removed. I lifted one end, and then from the top side pried out the rest of the shoddy board. Happy Canada Day!

[ghost-eyik]

Thanks for this. I'll be fllowing your instructions in about 10 minutes after a cup aof javva.Your chill demeanor didn't hurt neither in this presentation sir.

[iandonaldson]

Such a great Tip: blunt the nail first, to reduce risk of it splitting the wood. Did not know that!

[enolastenson]

Thank you so much. You explain very well how to repair and replace the deck boards. My husband and I will be tackling this within a few days.

[transether]

Thanks for posting; very helpful. One twist for my job is that the boards run diagonally -- at a 45 degree angle. Just purchased a 10 inch sliding miter saw that should allow me to handle that aspect of it. But your video has given me the confidence to complete it.

[SWein]

So helpful! I am optimistic about taking care of some rotting boards at home. Thank you!