Hey everyone! This is my first time posting here. I'm in the process of replacing the old boards on my deck, which were originally attached with deck screws. I'm running into some issues: many of the screws are stuck, and I end up stripping their heads (they're square holes), or they're embedded in rotten wood. Some screws are still holding the boards in place, though. Should I just pry the boards up with a crowbar? I'm worried about damage to the beams underneath. Any advice would be appreciated!
3 Answers
You might want to invest in a deck board removal tool—it'll save you loads of time! Just remember, how well your joists hold up can impact your strategy. If you're still planning to pry, be cautious about how much pressure you apply to avoid damaging the beams.
Honestly, you might find that some screws are just not coming out. I've been there! You could use that removal tool and then cut the heads off with an angle grinder. Just be sure to place your new screws a bit forward or backward of where the old ones were to avoid any trouble.
Make sure you're using the right size bit for those square holes—likely a Robertson. It might also help if you switch to an impact driver instead of just a regular drill; they can give you a lot more torque and help with stubborn screws!