As the Australian summer comes to an end, it’s worth making the most of the warm days before entering the cooler seasons.
Now is a great opportunity to upgrade your outdoor space, DIY decking projects are easier thank you think!
While wood decks are aesthetically pleasing, properly maintaining them requires regular stripping, sanding and staining.
Trex Company Australian market manager Rob Schiefelbein says that resurfacing an aging or decaying wood deck with new composite decking is a doable DIY project.
“This is a project that can be completed over the course of a weekend or two with just a little know-how and the help of a few friends,” he says.
“You get a brand-new deck for a lot less money than starting from scratch, and a lot less hassle through the years.”
Rob says that Trex’s composite decking boards are crafted from 95% recycled materials, offering an eco-friendly and low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood decks.
Ready to resurface?
Follow these simple steps to a new deck surface that you can spend less time maintaining and more time enjoying.
Step 1: Examine the substructure
Before removing any boards, check your deck’s foundation. Start from the ground up by examining the footings, posts and joists. Pay close attention to the condition of the wood. Soft wood indicates rot and should be replaced before proceeding. If the existing framing and substructure are sound, you’re good to go.
Step 2: Remove old deck boards
Remove any existing railing and begin prying up the nailed decking boards leaving the substructure and framing in place. Start from the outside and move toward the house so you have a solid, safe platform from which to work.
Step 3: Level it out
To ensure a level surface for the new deck boards, make sure the joists are flat and even with one another. If any joists are bowed, you may need to plane or cut them.
Step 4: Install new deck boards
Begin laying out the new composite boards. Starting near the house, face screw the first board to the frame. Closely follow the instructions for spacing from the manufacturer’s installation guide. As you progress, check the spacing between the house and the deck boards to make sure they stay parallel with the house. Correct variations a little at time over several rows to avoid large, tapered gaps.
Step 5: Complete with railing
Measure for each post location and cut placement holes with a jigsaw. Then, drop the posts into the holes and bolt them securely. Slide sleeves over the posts and assemble railing and balusters per the installation guide. Finish off by adding your choice of decorative elements, such as post caps and top rail caps.
