How to Replace Rotten Decking, Continued

• The remaining boards would be secured with an invisible fastening system, which used what are called deck board ties to attach the boards.

• The ties are nailed to the edge of each board and the tabs are slipped up underneath the adjacent board. Then the other edge of the board is toenailed to the joist below.

• They continued this process as they worked their way across the deck. There were three advantages to this fastening system. There were no visible nail or screw heads, no rust marks and no dents from missed hammer blows. Jennifer marked the deck boards where the ties were to be attached.

• Jennifer nailed the ties to each board and then slid each board into position.

• Ron drove plank nails at an angle through the outside edge of the planks and into the joists. This is a technique called toenailing.

• While they were attaching the boards, Jennifer applied wood preservative to the freshly cut ends. This would help prevent the dry rot they saw in the old deck.

6. Cut end boards:

• After all of the deck boards had been attached, it was time to cut the ends to an even length. They snapped a chalk line for their cutting guide.

• Jennifer used a circular saw to follow the chalk line and cut the deck boards.

7. Apply wood sealer:

• The final step was very important. They applied a sealer to the wood to protect the deck from the elements and extend its life.

• Ron recommended using a garden sprayer held about a foot from the deck surface to saturate the wood with a back and forth motion. The sealer was milky when it went on but dried clear.

• Finally, Jennifer used a long handled brush to work the sealer into the wood's surface. After allowing the deck to dry, the project was complete.

RESULTS:

It was a lot of hard work, but the results were well worth the effort. The new deck was beautiful! Because it was Jennifer and David's anniversary, Ron surprised them with a little celebration! After cake and champagne out on their brand new deck, the Cookes could never forget Ron now!