Hello All – First time poster.
I have a “refurbish it or tear it out” question that’s probably too wordy. My deck is 28 years old and needs attention to say the least. I am curious if it can be refurbished while salvaging the floor joists and ledger board. It’s a 10x30 with approximately 7’ clear underneath.
The issues:
· 4x4 notched posts were used with a single 2x12 rim joist, and they double as guardrail posts.
· Posts and rim are pulling away from floor joists (a “handyman” prevented further movement with threaded rod long before I moved here).
· Floor joists supported by 2x2’s on ledger.
· Guard railing needs replacing.
· Decking needs replacing.
I *think* the floor joists and ledger are in decent shape. I’ve poked around with a screwdriver between deck boards and haven’t encountered any soft/rotten wood. The ledger board is bolted to the house and appears in good condition, but it is somewhat twisted on one end (don’t know if that’s an issue).
If the deck is rebuildable my plan would be as follows while utilizing existing floor joists and ledger board (open to suggestions also):
· Dig & pour concrete piers and place (5) 6x6 posts 2 feet inward of the existing rim joist to construct a drop beam to support the floor joists. The beam would be doubled 2x12’s. Any necessary bracketry / attachment methods would be used (hurricane ties, etc). I feel like this would be superior to the current buried 4x4’s and allow me to safely demo the 4x4’s and old rim joist since it’s 2 feet in and supporting the deck.
· Retrofit joist hangers on ledger board (what’s the best way to do this with the 2x2 in place?)
· Add blocking between joists.
· Diagonal bracing on bottom of joists.
· 4x4 guardrail posts bolted to outside of joists with necessary brackets, etc.
· New decking.
Or…. Is it best to tear it out and build all new? If this one can be rehabbed, I can do the work myself as time allows. If everything must go, I’d probably hire it out.
Stairs need replacing too, but I’ll leave that for another conversation.