Removing Existing Decking

Oregon_Rob

We are going to be starting a redecking job. It is a second level deck. Has anyone ever used a demolition hammer or something similar to nock boards loose from the bottom side of a deck? Any other ideas, besides a pry bar and hammer?
We are going to be replacing painted cedar with correct deck

DecksEtc

I'd advise against using anything along the lines of a heavy duty demolition hammer from the underside. If you want to keep most or all of the existing framing you'll have to be careful. If it were me I would remove the existing decking board by board and charge accordingly for the labour. A good nail puller will do the job, especially if you're not worried about having to save the cedar boards.

Having them pay you for a careful and organized demolition would be cheaper than you re-framing the entire deck.

RobertCDF

I have only done 2 rebuilds were we kept the original framing. And in those cases you just had to be careful and use pry bars and stuff. I dont like doing this very much. I tell people that you dont want to put new decking on old frame, especially a composite with a 25 year warranty. Unless the frame was done right/well the new decking will outlast the frame by a long shot.

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Robert Shaw
Colorado Springs Custom Decks
Colorado Custom Decks
Custom Composite Decks

DecksEtc

Robert's right. I didn't get into the usability of the existing frame and made an assumption that it was usable - because you stated you were re-decking it. Another assumption is that the existing frame has the joists at the correct spacing for the Correct Deck - something I'm guessing you have already taken into account.

Like Robert, I usually don't run across too many existing decks where the framing can be reused - only you (and the inspector) can make that determination.

Oregon_Rob

Thanks guys, The deck is only 6 years old and all pressure treated wood was used. I spent a lot of time poking around and it look very solid. There is nothing structuraly wrong with the deck, customer just doesn't want to maintain the wood. We are also going to add a stone inlay near the front door. Oh yeah, the spacing is 16 OC.
Not going to start the job for about three weeks yet, but i will post photos when done.

firemike

I usually use a 6 or 8 foot 2x4 on edge or a 4x4 lever with another 4x4 across 3 or 4 joists as the fulcrum to pry up the boards, usually works pretty slick. Sometimes though the nails pull throgh if the boards are too rotted.

They also make a special pry bar for removing decking. I have seen others use them, don't have one myself. Looks like a 5 foot prybar with a fork-type prying bit on the end (like a fork with the center two tines missing) The end has two "fingers" that straddle the joist, go under the deck board, and go back to a steel crossmember (the fulcrum) A long handle comes off of that. You push down on the lever, it pivots on the fulcrum, and the "fingers" lift the deck board off the joist. If you or a friend can weld, it would be very easy to fabricate one.

nadonailer

Sawzall across the deck to make 3-4' sections, then pry-bar 'em up, its alot easier this way...

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Mike Finley

Yep, same here, recip saw or circular saw (much faster) ran down the decking parallel between the joists.

RYANINMICHIGAN

circular saw cut out 10 inches of board get a bull bar or a 4x4 and put it under on edge and pry them up works great.

Oregon_Rob

ended up ripping beside each joist and knocking out 16" pcs. Worked great and didn't even work up much of a sweat.
Here is a pic of the final product.
correct deck cedar with a stone inlay

Attached Thumbnails

 

RobertCDF

Looks great Rob, I like the stone inlay makes a nice contrast.... Just got me thinking it would be a good idea to use a stone inlay under a grill on the deck. Then you dont have to worry about stains.

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Robert Shaw
Colorado Springs Custom Decks
Colorado Custom Decks
Custom Composite Decks

Woodcrafter74

Oregon,
Nice, what brand did you use for the stone inlay? Rockdeck, or something similar?

pitterpat

Oregon Bob,

How did you charge to rip up the decking? I just got a job referred to me like that, sid you charge by the hr or sq. ft. Also, when you knocked out the 16" pieces did the nails come up with each board.

Mine is differnt in that is is a deck on the ground and there are a few (just saw pictures) that are rotted. What about sawzawing the nails between the board and the nails?
Thanks, Pat

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Pat Harris
A HandyWOMAN Service, LLC
"Why call a handyman when you can call A HandyWOMAN?

Oregon_Rob

I used Dexstone.
The Sawzall would be a lot of work, noise and blades. Most of the nails did not come out, but it didn't take long to pull them. We did sawzall ones that we couldn't get at to pull. I think one guy can pull up 100-150 sq ft. an hour.