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Attach a 2X4 cleat to each outer joist and position the new boards into place. For the final board, you'll need to trim the bottom of the groove.A deck or porch can provide a serene escape, but its upkeep can be a real challenge. Exposed to the elements, decks may show signs of wear even shortly after construction. DIY repairs usually include cleaning and regular maintenance. Here are some tips:
Deck-Repair Tips
- Regularly inspect your deck for popped nails and loose boards or railings. Replace popped nails with coated screws, and fix any loose railings to prevent accidents.
- To clean dirt from a wooden deck, use a mild household detergent mixed with water. Rinse thoroughly.
- Use mineral spirits to eliminate sap stains. Rinse well afterward.
- To fight mildew, scrub the deck with a bleach-water solution (1 cup bleach per gallon of warm water). Rinse the area and let it dry. You can also use commercial brighteners by following the product's instructions. If mildew keeps coming back, your deck might be too shaded. Trim any nearby trees or bushes to let in more sunlight.
- Deck stains make maintenance easier and extend the wood's lifespan. Apply deck-specific stains right after installation, except for pressure-treated wood, which should age for six months before staining. Reapply the stain every 1-2 years (ensure it contains a sealant). Follow the manufacturer's guidelines. If the deck has been painted, remove the paint before staining.
- Avoid clear finishes like varnish or shellac on wood decks. These don’t hold up well to sun and moisture and need to be removed if peeling occurs.
Replacing Worn Deck Flooring
Step 5: Secure the boards at both ends by adding 2X4 cleats along the inner faces of the joists at the sides of the gap. Cut a 2X4 piece to match the length of the hole for each joist. Before installation, treat all patching materials with wood preservative, ensuring full coverage on all surfaces. Allow the preservative to dry according to instructions, then attach the 2X4 cleats to the side joists with their top edges flush.
Step 6: If the old boards were rotting, take measures to stop further decay. Lay heavy plastic on the ground beneath the porch, ensuring it overlaps six inches along the sides. Place a few stones or bricks to hold the plastic in place. To prevent rot effectively, apply wood preservative to all exposed wood beneath the porch. These preventative steps will help maintain your porch’s integrity for years.
Step 7: After securing the cleats, insert the new floorboards one at a time, with each end resting on the cleats along the joists. Start with the first board, inserting the tongue first, and then lock each subsequent board’s tongue into the groove of the previous one. Nail each end of each board to the cleat using two or three 16d finishing nails. For the last board, lock the tongue in and set the groove side over the tongue of the adjacent board. It won’t lock, but by trimming the groove’s bottom, it will fit. Once all nails are in, countersink them with a nail set and fill the gaps and nail heads with water putty. Avoid wood plastic, as it lacks strength. Water putty dries solid.
Step 8: To complete the repair, allow the water putty to dry, then lightly sand the patched area. Apply a primer coat of porch and floor enamel to the patched section and let it dry. Finally, touch up the porch with additional paint as needed.
If you prefer relaxing on your deck over spending your weekends sanding and varnishing, follow these simple tips to maintain your deck’s beauty.
Publications International, Ltd.
Most grill repairs, whether for charcoal or gas, involve replacing parts. Large hardware stores typically carry replacement grates, burners, lighters, tanks, control knobs, and other components in the barbecue section. Before buying replacement parts, ensure you have the exact part or its measurements, along with model numbers. Fortunately, many parts are universal and fit various brands of barbecues. Before replacing the parts or finishing your repair, don’t forget to clean the grill. Here are some quick cleaning tips:
- To remove burnt food from grill racks, place the racks in a large plastic bag. Combine 1 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup ammonia and pour over the racks. Close the bag and let it sit overnight. Rinse thoroughly before cooking on the racks.
- A grill will steam-clean itself when wrapped in wet newspapers or sprayed with window cleaner while still hot.
- Use crumpled aluminum foil to wipe the grill while it’s still warm to clean it.
- For a protective coating on the grill before cooking, apply vegetable oil and wipe it off once the grill is cool enough to touch.
- A beer can opener makes an excellent scraper for cleaning barbecue grills. File a notch in the end opposite the sharp point.
