Rebuilding and renovating a deck

2017, Summer & Fall - By J. Jones

Old deck torn down; New pilings in place

The old deck has been torn down and new pilings and ledger board installed.

Backstory: The old deck on my house was beginning to show its age, but the vast majority of the boards were still usuable. So I decided to enlist the help of my father in tearing the old deck out, salvaging as many of the old boards as I could and rebuilding and expanding the deck. I designed and approached the project in phases. Phase 1 was rebuilding the original deck. Phase 2 was a 10' x 8' extension. Phase 3 was a 8' x 8' sunken section for grilling and small groups.

The same board but one end cut off and run through a planer.

In order to cut down on cost I decided to use a planer to salvage as much of the existing deck as possible. Besides the deck boards I planed the railing pickets, ledger, and runner boards

Joists and some decking boards installed

Hot summer afternoons

After installing the joists, I began installing some of the planed decking boards. Their age and exposure to the elements gave them a rich tone and unique patterns. These boards were also previously nailed down and the old nail holes lent them as "character", as my father said.

Phase 1 is finished. The decorations and color theme courtesy of my wife.

After I finished Phase 1, I let my wife have free reign over the color scheme and layout. I think it turned out very well.

Beginning of Phase 2

After sinking the posts for the 10' x 8' extension, I temporarily attached the joists with wood screws. Once I had them placed, I came back and permanently attached them with lag screws. I also doubled the joists, one on each side of the post.