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how do you repair a rotted deck post

by Prof. Richie Feest Jr. Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

How do you repair a rotting deck post?

  • Draw a line around the column about 2 inches above the rotted area and install a temporary brace under the deck, porch, or roof.
  • Using a chisel and hammer or a Saws-All, chip out the damaged wood below that mark.
  • Use a brush or spray bottle to coat preservative on the exposed bare wood.

The best way to repair rotted deck post is to replace it. If the post has been sunk into the ground and backfilled, you'll need to excavate the entire post, remove it, and install concrete in a sonotube to above grade. You can then mount a new deck post and post bracket on top of the new concrete support.

Full Answer

How do you replace a deck post?

Things You Will Need

  • Floor/pole jack (at least one)
  • Drill
  • Ratchet set
  • New four-by-four or six-by-six post
  • Post box bracket
  • Four anchor bolts
  • Concrete drill bit
  • Lag bolts and nuts
  • Concrete form
  • J-bolt

More items...

How to stop deck post leaks?

What to Put Under a Second Story Deck to Keep It From Dripping Onto a Patio Below

  • General Information. A second story deck that is made of wood flooring includes gaps between planks and around the perimeter of the deck.
  • Aluminum. Aluminum provides a structurally-strong under deck system. ...
  • Vinyl. A vinyl under deck system provides an affordable option. ...
  • Steel. Steel panels are another option for your under deck system. ...
  • Alternatives. ...

How to replace deck posts?

Repair or replace posts or footings by raising the beam with a hydraulic jack and 4x4 post, then shoring it with adjustable steel posts. Buy a hydraulic jack and rent the shoring posts for the project.

How to replace a deck support post?

How to Replace Damaged Deck Posts

  1. Identify the Damaged Deck Posts. If you are going to replace one deck post you might as well replace all of them that are damaged. ...
  2. Brace the Deck. In order to remove deck posts the deck has to be braced so that the stability is not further jeopardized.
  3. Remove the Post. ...
  4. Replace the Deck Post. ...

Why does a wood deck post rot?

What is a deck post?

Can you cut a post off at the base?

Can you repair a deck post buried in concrete?

How do you fix rotting wood post without replacing it?

0:397:32DIY Porch Post Repair Fix Your Rotted Wood Post - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe other side could simply be repaired with wood filler.MoreThe other side could simply be repaired with wood filler.

How do you repair a deck post?

1:004:17How to Replace a Deck Post | This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThere's actually a cone at the top there's a nut. When. I tighten the nut the cone pulls into theMoreThere's actually a cone at the top there's a nut. When. I tighten the nut the cone pulls into the cylinder expanding the sidewalls locking it into position. All right set the post base into position.

How do you repair a wooden deck post?

5:0915:43Fixing Rotted Deck Posts - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo my posts ended up measuring a little under seven and a half or about seven and a half so I'm justMoreSo my posts ended up measuring a little under seven and a half or about seven and a half so I'm just gonna cut them off eight inches they'll give me plenty of room to get it in and get it nailed.

How do you repair rotted wooden post?

3:417:27How to Repair a Rotted Porch Post | Ask This Old House - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey'll make a nice strong fit I also cut the top and the bottom piece on an angle parallel to oneMoreThey'll make a nice strong fit I also cut the top and the bottom piece on an angle parallel to one another that way when the weight from above pushes down on to our patch it squeezes.

How do I add a support post to an existing deck?

Cut a treated post to fit between the post base and the top of the rim joist. Set the deck support post into place and tack it to the post base with 8d or 10d galvanized nails (as seen in photo). Place a level alongside the post. When it's plumb (straight), tack it in place to the rim joist.Feb 7, 2019

How do you reinforce deck support posts?

Reinforce post connections Strengthen post connections with carriage bolts. Drill holes, knock the bolts through, then tighten a washer and nut on the other side. Ideally, posts should sit directly under the beam or rim joist to support the deck.Jun 24, 2019

How much does it cost to replace a deck post?

(see minimum charge section below):Joist replacement$185.00 – $285.00 (per)Post replacement$225.00 – $350.00 (avg)Ledger replacement$80.00 – $90.00 per lineal footRail tightening (tune up)$250.00 – $350.00 (avg 50 total LF or rail)Rail replacement (wood)$95.00 – $125.00 per lineal foot7 more rows

How do you reinforce a 4x4 deck post?

1:102:29Build a Stronger Deck: Guard Post Connections - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipUse stainless steel fasteners 4x4 wood guard posts can be attached to the deck frame on the outsideMoreUse stainless steel fasteners 4x4 wood guard posts can be attached to the deck frame on the outside or the inside of the rim joist depending on your design. If your post is on the outside.

How do you save rotting decking?

When it is caught early, it may be possible to repair the damage without having to replace your whole deck.Remove any rotted boards and replace them with new, pressure-treated ones.Apply a water-resistant coating over the entire deck, including the support pieces.Even out any spots that create water pooling.

Does post buddy work?

Yes, Post Buddy will work on a round post, as long as your post is set in a concrete base. It's the concrete base which is important, as it provides a firm, below-ground anchor for our system. You will need to position the Post Buddys as close to directly opposite each other as possible when fixing a round post.

How do you repair a cracked wooden column?

Fill the wooden column's cracks and excavated areas with the putty, using the margin trowel's blade to force the putty into the cracks. Mold the putty to match the wooden column's shape, using the trowel's blade as a carving tool along the column's designs. Let the putty dry completely before continuing.

How do you fix a cracked 4x4?

0:271:49How to fix a Damaged / cracked post. (link to the item in description)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo it will hold the crack in place we're gonna screw it from all the sides. So that way this crackMoreSo it will hold the crack in place we're gonna screw it from all the sides. So that way this crack will not develop any further and it will hold the put piece together properly.

Why not pour new concrete on top of old concrete?

On a very windy day, under the right conditions, the wind can blow under the deck or roof structure and lift the deck up if it is not anchored properly. If rebar is not used to anchor the old footer to the new concrete, the deck could lift up and crash down.

What saw to use to cut through cardboard?

A jigsaw was used to cut through the cardboard tube, but a hand saw could have been used as well. I put the piece of Sonotube on top of the footer and used a 2' level to see where it was not level. I took away the Sonotube and chipped away at the concrete footer with an old hammer where it needed to be lowered.

Can you put a post in a concrete slab?

Nowadays, while the code does allow for some posts to be buried, the majority of the options available require the tops of the footers to be above grade. A post can even be put inside the concrete, but the concrete must be above the dirt grade and the footer must be rounded on top to allow water to easily drain away.

How do I replace a 6x6 deck?

1) Jack deck up and replace 6x6's and put rubber sleeve on them. 2) Summary: Concrete three 6x6 support posts under deck, Concrete above ground and a 10 " diameter around existing 6x6 posts. Jack up the deck and brace it. Dig down 20 to 24 inches into the ground. And sleeve that hole approx 6 inches above the ground so there is no chance it will ...

Can you wrap a post in a sleeve?

The first option is more of quick and dirty short term solution. This is because posts can often continue to rot once they get going. So this notion of putting in a new post and wrapping it in a sleeve is a good solution if you plan on resting the post on the footing and burying the post in the ground.

Why does a wood deck post rot?

If you have a wood deck post that is sunk below grade, poorly draining soil such as clay will trap water between the post and soil , which will eventually spell rot – and lots of it. Even a wood deck post on a concrete footing can rot if it is close enough to the ground.

What is a deck post?

A deck post is one of the most important pieces of a deck’s infrastructure – if not the most important. Each post supports a particular load area of the deck – if one fails, that load is transferred to other posts, which may or may not be designed to hold that extra load. When this occurs, decks can collapse and cause injury or worse.

Can you cut a post off at the base?

Ideally, you can cut the post off at the base, making a clean cut with a reciprocating saw or multi tool. If not, you’ll need to remove the post in sections if you still want to repair the post.

Can you repair a deck post buried in concrete?

Deck posts buried in concrete are especially susceptible to rot, and it isn’t a good idea to repair these as you’ll never be able to get the entire post removed from the concrete. The concrete itself is full of moisture – placing wood, treated or not, within the concrete will result in premature rot.

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