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bladeofglass OP t1_iy1f6i1 wrote

Reply to comment by 604_heatzcore in Help me plan this deck repair by bladeofglass

By redo it all do you mean to re do the whole railing+stringers+treads? If so, I am assuming to leave the newel posts as they are if they are not rotting?

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604_heatzcore t1_iy1l5gq wrote

Ya anything that's not rotting you can salvage or reuse some how but the reality is when u demo it alot of stuff is gonna get damaged or you will be spending alot of time tediously removing it.. so sometimes it's better to just re do it. If the stairs are composite board those can be reused. Generally when u see lots of rot around like that chances are other areas are rotted just hidden behind paint.

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bladeofglass OP t1_iy1lyb2 wrote

Good points. Thanks. One more Q: Once I remove the composite treads, do I reinstall them using screws at new locations? Then do I need to fill the holes where old screws were? (sorry, new to this stuff).

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604_heatzcore t1_iy1m3zn wrote

Nah. It would just be for aesthetics composite will likely outlive you. I personally would though if u can find a matching filler

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bladeofglass OP t1_iy1ptlt wrote

Another Q: what kind of lumber do I need to replace the riser? If it matters, this is near Boston MA.

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604_heatzcore t1_iy20o9r wrote

Just don't buy spf.(spruce pine fir) Cedar at the very least. Treated wood is best but it doesn't take to paint as well as the latter due to the coating and its usually damp. Check your local hardware store there's some special boards that they use for fascia that holds up well and usually comes primed

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bladeofglass OP t1_iy3g5jt wrote

Thank you for the reply. I know zero about lumber and only now beginning to learn, so this was very helpful.

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bladeofglass OP t1_iy44ku9 wrote

Took some bad parts out. Photo 5 in the post now. Looks like the rot was starting from the bottom where it was touching the soil. Some roots of the plan were creeping behind the front white fascia!

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What you wrote about the wood selection still holds? Looks like I need something that can touch soil. Wonder if there is any thinig I can treat the wood with to make it last longer.

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Edit: typos.

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604_heatzcore t1_iy4k217 wrote

You definitely can. It's called cut and seal. It's basically copper azole which is what they use on treated lumber.
Creosote is the best but I think it's illegal now as it causes cancer.

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bladeofglass OP t1_iy4sduf wrote

That is great to know. Thank you for all this wonderful info.

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