Troubles With That Old Deck and How to Navigate the Remodeling Nightmare
Steer Clear of These Four Blunders in Deck Refinishing and Remodeling: My Regretful Experiences Shared
Hey there, folks! Let's dive into the world of deck remodeling and uncover the common blunders that can make your backyard dreams turn into nightmares.
When I bought my humble abode, I was all lit up about the back deck. But, lo and behold, during the snowstorm tour, I couldn't exactly assess the deck's health beneath the three feet of the white stuff. It all seemed fine at first, but after a couple of summers, that deck turned from a fun spot to a potential hazard.
One fateful summer, I almost took a rusty nail to my bare feet, and my partner chopped through a board while firing up the grill. This was our first big home renovation project! Decks, patios, pathways, and other outdoor living essentials are great, but they require proper maintenance, as the previous homeowner had neglected my deck.
The deck remodel wasn't as easy-peasy as it seemed on those home renovation shows. But, we powered through and ended up with a pretty deck! Here are some tips to avoid the same pitfalls I encountered during my deck remodeling experience, and hopefully, your project will go swimmingly.
Potential Disaster Areas in Your Old Deck
As mentioned earlier, my deck was essentially a recipe for disaster due to inadequate construction and finishing. The joists were spaced too far apart, wood was never stained or sealed, and it had water damage from my drip irrigation system. As a result, boards snapped, rusty nails rose, and the deck became a tripping hazard, forcing us to rebuild it.
Deck Remodeling Mishaps
The initial stages of the deck overhaul included ripping up the old surface, replacing rotted joists, and doubling the joist count. (I even managed to recycle the old lumber into a raised garden bed!) The old deck was built incorrectly, with joist spacing that was insufficient to support the decking thickness.
Tips to Foster a Beautiful, Safe Deck Oasis
- Plan ahead and allocate ample time for the project — each phase of the deck remodel takes longer than you might expect.
- Stay diligent and don't procrastinate. Finish and protect your deck as soon as possible to avoid making things worse later on.
- Investigate any terms or techniques you're unfamiliar with. My ignorance regarding the "wet edge" technique during staining could have improved my deck's appearance.
And hey, remember — don't be too hard on yourself! Sure, there are things I'd do differently, but the work is complete, and I have a fantastic space for hosting friends and growing low-maintenance patio plants. Here's hoping that my missteps will help your deck project avoid some of the traps I fell into!
Kathleen WaltersMoving along from her days as a Park Ranger with the National Park Service, Kathleen Walters joined our platform as a Content Editor in 2024. With a knack for tending to her front yard pollinator garden, she brings all her green-thumb knowledge to the table. Kathleen earned a master's degree in Public History from Wright State University and a bachelor's from Miami University. The lush Huffman Prairie remains one of her favorite places to explore local flora.
Your remodeled deck can seamlessly blend with your 'home-and-garden' space, creating an inviting 'lifestyle' extension of your home. Prioritize maintenance to prevent issues similar to Kathleen's experience, like rot and rust, and be proactive in addressing potential hazards, such as improper joist spacing or water damage.
