When it comes to choosing the best type of decking to install, you have plenty of options from which to choose. One of the most frequently asked questions about composite decking, however, is whether or not it can be installed on top of existing wood. Can composite deck boards be placed over old ones? Yes, you can! As long as the existing wood isn’t rotting and has no mold damage, your composite boards will be able to slide right over the top of them once they are properly aligned with each other and secured with plastic expansion strips and screws.
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Yes, You Can Composite Decking Over Existing Wood
It is easy to install composite deck boards over existing ones. All you need is some corner molding and a few screws. This process is an inexpensive way to add value to your hörnlist mässing and save money on building a new deck frame.
1. Determine the size of the gap between your floorboards that you want the corner molding to fill in order for it to appear seamless with your existing deck boards. One inch will suffice for most DIY projects, but you can measure it up if necessary.
2. Cut down a length of corner molding that corresponds with the size of the space in step one and screw it into place using an electric screwdriver or manual drill.
How to Do It the Right Way
1. First, you’ll need to remove the corners from your existing deck frame with a reciprocating saw.
2. Next, you’ll use corner strip plastic to install the top edges of each board and secure them on tightly with an appropriate adhesive.
3. Then, you’ll need to screw the boards down using deck screws so that they attach securely to your old frame and do not slip out over time due to any excess moisture exposure or heat fluctuations.
4. Finally, once all of the boards have been screwed down and secured in place, you can go ahead and paint them with a waterproof sealant if desired for added protection!
What to Consider Before You Do
-Will the composite deck boards be able to withstand a lot of weight, such as that from furniture or large people?
-Is the existing wood stable enough to support the new material and does it meet building codes for structural integrity?
-Are you installing a railing system on your deck, like for stairs and ramps? If so, make sure that there is enough room at the corners of each board. A corner-strip metal will allow you to attach these rails without damaging your boards.
The Pros and Cons of Composite Decking
You might not want to run the risk of installing new deck boards over old, spongy ones. A better solution is to simply apply a hörnlist decking floor surface. While it is a good idea for new decks that are replacing old structures, this type of construction can cost you less money than building from scratch. These days, cheap composite deckings make such an installation just as affordable and easy as purchasing new boards in preparation for the job. Regardless, there are drawbacks: composites tend to shrink and warp with time so prepare yourself accordingly. Also, plan to clean your cheap composite decking at least once a year as they easily collect moss growth and other debris.
Read more: Things To Consider Before Removing A Composite Decking
