[dignan99]

Hi All,

About to embark on a simple deck repair. Repairing the deck planks and treds on the stairs.

I have NO tools, and am planning on going on a bargain hunt via craigslist.

What are the essentials I will need to do this type of job.

As I understand it right now I ill need:

1. Table Saw(will a circular saw do just as well)
2. A drill(preferably 2, one to drive and one to remove screws, saving some time)
3. Hammer, crowbar, prying tool.
4. Screws/Fasteners
5. Measuring tape
6. Level
7. Chalk

Anything I am missing?

Now the deck is rotting in some area, but the rails and structure are decent. It is currently painted white.

Should I replace the treds and planks with:

Wood(which I would pre paint white? Do I only buy pretreated?)
Wood(stained)
Trex composite which doesn't come in white?

I am looking for a 5 year fix or so, with little maintenance and not too much investment.

Depending on how I do on this small project I will tackle other home project of greater difficult once my confidence with the tools goes up.

-G

 

[jpelzer]

Speed square, circular saw, jigsaw, safety glasses, gloves. Wouldn't bother with the table saw for this particular project. When you say pretreated, do you mean preprimed? Preprimed will probably be easier (saves time) but it's not a big deal either way. Trex is likely not worth it.

 

[dignan99]

Pre-treated I think I just wrote what I read. Since it the lumber said pre-treated I assumed that there would be a non-treated lumber.

Pre-pried will be important, so I will more then likely do that.

Thank you.

Now I just need to know what a speed square does and how to use it.

Also...since I do not have a bench to use a circular saw, would a chop saw be a better option for me?

-G

 

[jpelzer]

A chop saw is a great tool, but you'll need the circular saw to even out the ends of the deck boards when you have them all laid out and secured, so I'd say not needed, but not a bad thing to own.

I don't think you necessarily need pressure-treated wood for the whole deck, especially if it's going to be painted. I know my deck is regular lumber except for the member in ground-contact. Though I sort of wish it was, since I've been fighting carpenter bees this season.

 

[dignan99]

OK...

I'll get both. A circular and chop saw.

Any chance you can recommend a brand etc?

I have seen a couple of 6 tool dewalt packs on craigslist and was thinking that might be a good option.

 

[Scuba_Dave]

My deck will be over 8' off the ground & I'm still using PT
Tool list sounds good
I use a skil saw rather then a table saw
BUt the decks I've been building I simply use the full length of the wood. Next one off the 2nd floor will be 6x12 - more fo a balcony since it's on the side of the house

I'm leaving mine natural as the side of the house will be natural wood shingles. I want it to blend in

 

[Maintenance 6]

You should definitely use pressure treated lumber for anything that will be outside in the weather. As for the two drills, get one drill and one impact driver. It will make life much easier driving deck screws. For a circular saw, get a 7-1/4" / 12 amp, minimum. Dewalt and Skil, I have experience with. Be careful buying used power tools. I never had much success and gave up the practice years ago. If you are serious about learning to use this stuff, then I'd avoid some of the low buck home handyman tools. You don't need contractor quality, but you may want something better than the once a month birdhouse builder.

 

[DangerMouse]

also:

quick-change drillbit adapter for fast bit swaps.
drillbit/countersink combo bit sized to your screws.
extra drive bits. (i'm always misplacing the durn things...)

DM

 

[dignan99]

Thanks for all the advice so far.

Tool wise, if I don't use craigslist, where can I get the best deals on tools?

Sears, Home Depot, Loewes, online store???

Since I am so new at tool purchasing it is tough for me to decide. Many of you have said Dewalt is a great brand...

-G

 

[DangerMouse]

support your local hardware store! normally better quality supplies and tools.
check for 'made in USA' label.
buying quality always pays off in the long run....
if for nothing more than for the lack of frustration when the china junk breaks, strips out, bends in half...you get the idea.....
i like all my DeWalt tools... compound mitre saw, cordless circular, etc.

DM

 

[rwa]

get a couple of saw horses and 2 six packs ... make that 3 six packs since it's your first project

 

[dignan99]

Alright...

Will be starting project either this weekend or this week...

I play to do it this way:

1. Measure are and determine # of 2 x 6's needed
2. Prime and Paint all of the planks
3. Cut Planks to fit area with Chop Saw
4. Remove and replace planks using Speed Square, Drill/Driver
5. Move onto treads
6. Repaint rest of deck to match.

Hows that looking everyone?

What kind of lumber should I get? A friend suggested getting pre-treated since it will last longer and not as dangerous since I am painting it.

 

[jdhar]

regarding tools, check out Amazon for some Makita kits... they have some really good deals going on. I just bought their 18V Lion pack and am very happy with it so far.. I do'nt know how it fares against dewalt, but for doing stuff around the house, it looks pretty good.

 

[vsheetz]

Two of my often go-to tools -

Superbar
http://www.amazon.com/Vaughan-B215-Original-SuperBar-15-Inch/dp/B00002N5VN

and a 2 lb sledge...
such as:
http://www.amazon.com/Proman-89010-...ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1245481632&sr=8-5

 

[Maintenance 6]

Alright...

Will be starting project either this weekend or this week...

I play to do it this way:

1. Measure are and determine # of 2 x 6's needed
2. Prime and Paint all of the planks
3. Cut Planks to fit area with Chop Saw
4. Remove and replace planks using Speed Square, Drill/Driver
5. Move onto treads
6. Repaint rest of deck to match.

Hows that looking everyone?

What kind of lumber should I get? A friend suggested getting pre-treated since it will last longer and not as dangerous since I am painting it.

Use pressure treated. You can still paint it and it will last for years and years

 

[bleedpurple]

I'd skip the pretreated if this only for five years. The pre-treated or pressure treated is usually somewhat wet and does not accept paint well initially. I've also had it warp pretty badly if it isn't secured quickly. If you buy the lumber and let it lay around for more than two weeks you might be surprised at how much it will warp.

You also need hearing and eye protection. Ear plugs work OK but ear muffs tend to be more comfortable and work better in my opinion. Some of the saws are quite loud. The loudest power tool I own is my Sears circular saw. I wish I could find the decibel ratings of saws as I'd definitely buy the quieter one.