Remodeling the deck

[FN Phat]

I am going to be starting a remodel of my deck. I will attach pics of the current condition of the deck and will track the progress. I plan to replace two ceiling fans, replace all the rails and pickets, widen the staircase, replace another staircase, add another staircase that will lead to a future stained concrete slab (with a pergola over), sand and paint the decking, and paint all the vertical lumber.

Please feel free to add suggestions and/or comments once pics are added.

[pellegrino]

You mean you're painting the deckboards? Or do you mean staining them?

[kccougar]

Hey, Me too! Me too!

I've got an older redwood deck that really should be completely replaced, but I'm hesitant to commit the money to do it. I stripped it of much of the paint last fall but didn't get to refinishing until it got too cold and my paint guy said I should wait until late spring/summer if I wanted the new finish to last.

So my deck is now in really bad shape. I need to finish the stripping then repaint rather than stain (I think it needs the cover up). Unless of course, I decide to redo the whole deck.

I'd like a trex deck, but we're talking over 400 sq ft of deck. I'll take some pictures too.

[wuapinmon]

I'd like a trex deck, but we're talking over 400 sq ft of deck. I'll take some pictures too.

http://www.gardenstructure.com/composite_decking

In case you were unaware.

[FN Phat]

You mean you're painting the deckboards? Or do you mean staining them?

I am not sure yet. I would like to stain them, however, if I can't prep the planks well enough I will paint them. The planks are in bad shape and I will access the situation after I sand them (one by one with a belt sander. I was thinking about renting a plate sander but decided against it due to some of the boards cupping. All the plate sander would do is sand the edges of the planks.

[pellegrino]

I am not sure yet. I would like to stain them, however, if I can't prep the planks well enough I will paint them. The planks are in bad shape and I will access the situation after I sand them (one by one with a belt sander. I was thinking about renting a plate sander but decided against it due to some of the boards cupping. All the plate sander would do is sand the edges of the planks.

Painting isn't a bad option, so long as you make sure you get a paint that was made for it. The only reason I wouldn't paint is because it would likely show scuffs and scratches sooner than stain. Sounds like a lot of work, I don't envy you.

[FN Phat]

Painting isn't a bad option, so long as you make sure you get a paint that was made for it. The only reason I wouldn't paint is because it would likely show scuffs and scratches sooner than stain. Sounds like a lot of work, I don't envy you.

Wait until I post pics tomorrow. It is a ridiculous ammount of work.

[kccougar]

I've got the same problem. On a new deck or one in good condition, I would choose stain. However my deck wood is not in good shape and it was painted before. Since I highly doubt I'm going to be able to remove all the old stuff, I'm going with paint again.

Most exterior paint is not intended for foot traffic, but there are deck paints out there. I will post pics of mine this weekend as well.

[FN Phat]

Pics of the deck:

As it sat this weekend:


Left side view:


Right side view:


As you can see, I have my work cut out for me. I am hoping that by the end of this holiday weekend it will be done. That is a big if due to a french drain that I will be installing in the front yard this weekend as well.

I have put in about 4 hours of work so far and have the rails a few posts and a staircase demo'd. I have had my boy helping me for the duration of the project.

Knockin' back daddy's ol' cough syrup:


My Little Man:

[pellegrino]

Are you going to screen it? I have a friend who made removable screens for his deck so that in Oct/Nov and March/April/May when there are no mosquitos he can sit out there and enjoy the view, but then screen it off during the summer and enjoy being outdoors w/out any bugs.

[FN Phat]

Are you going to screen it? I have a friend who made removable screens for his deck so that in Oct/Nov and March/April/May when there are no mosquitos he can sit out there and enjoy the view, but then screen it off during the summer and enjoy being outdoors w/out any bugs.

Not this go 'round. If this doesn't work well for us, the next step is enclosing the deck, installing 18" ceramic tile and making it a sunroom! In an effort to save money, we are going the deck route.

[Jarid in Cedar]

Looks great FN. Can I fly you in for a few projects that I chronically procastinate?

[Surfah]

I like the weathered look.

[kccougar]

That's a terrific deck. I love covered porches. Can't wait to see the finished product.

[cougjunkie]

I would recommend a weed whacker as well.