Replacing boards on porch: how difficult is it?

Question

My husband and I are handy with repairs and enjoy doing things ourselves when we can. We're thinking about replacing a few rotting boards on an old porch but we have no experience there. How difficult, generally, would such a repair job be for talented (ahem!) amateurs like us? Or should this be an experts-only undertaking? Thanks.

Answer 1

there is no such thing as that-if some are rotted others are going too-to keep it real get Osmos=green wood -special treated done--you got money-get an expert to size up the situation-and give you suggestions-ok this is the situation-your heart is like an adamant stone-you wont let the truth in-but

Answer 2

This process really isn't that difficult in most cases, however there are some things to be aware of.

Before you begin:
1. Examine the boards you are going to replace and determine what all has to be 'taken up' to gain access to them.
2. Examine the supporting structure (floor joist) to insure they are not roting as well. This will help you determine how much work you will really have to do.
3. Measure the boards to be replaced to insure that you can locate and purchase the same size/type. If these are tongue and groove board the sizes can be very important.

Once you get all these questions answered, you can then begin the repair process. If you find that some of the boards have sections that are fitted under other parts of the home and/or porch that will make removal difficult see if you can replace just a section. In some cases you can use a skill or jig saw to cut out the bad sections of the boards, then nail a 2x4 support at each end of the cut out section that 'splits the difference' between the remaining board and where the new board will be placed. Then cut the new board to fit the hole and drop it in place.

Hope this helps and good luck.

Answer 3

If you are talking about replacing the deck or flooring boards on a porch, then yes you could do it yourself with little experience. Unless the boards have been painted, it will be difficult to match the old boards in color and they'll stick out like a sore thumb! If it's treated wood (greenish wood like a typical deck) this is very obvious. I'd suggest using what is called a "cat's paw" to pull the nails or fasteners out of the boards to be replaced. If you try and pry from the sides you are going to make indentations in the other boards that you want to leave in place. A cat's paw is a small pry bar with a rounded hook on one end that is split to grip the nail. You drive it under the nail head with a hammer and then just pry it up enough to use a claw hammer and remove it the rest of the way. Sometimes this can be a little time consuming, but the end result will be visually moe appealing. Good luck and watch out for splinters!

Answer 4

Take the measurements of the boards that need to be replaced and have then cut to size.
Remove the old boards and clean joists (remove nails, dust etc)
Take the chance and inspect the old joists and repair if required.
Refit the new boards.
All you are trying to do is return the deck to the original condition so note what you are doing when you dismantle the old parts and replace in reverse order.

Answer 5

You shouldn't have any problems. Just make sure you use treated lumber so it will stand up to the bugs and outdoor weather. I would screw the new boards into the joists (versus nails) to ensure they remain in place and not pull up due to weather changes (expanse and shrink with changes to moisture content). If the boards are rotted, check underneath to inspect the state of the joists (they run the opposite way from the porch boards). Good luck

Answer 6

nah go for it pretty straight forward if you find any rotting (dry or other ) replace what is needed or add extra bracing use common sense

Answer 7

actually quite easy,rip out measure new ones, cut and replace..