I'm in the process of replacing the deck boards with pressure-treated wood and have already sealed the cut ends. The previous boards were installed without any visible nails or screws, and I plan to use deck screws for the new board. My main concern is how far down I should sink the screws to prevent tripping hazards. Should I leave them a little below the surface? Also, should I fill these holes in with wood filler or something similar? Thanks for any advice!
2 Answers
You can definitely use wood plugs or dowels to fill those holes if you'd like a smoother finish! Just insert the screw first, and then drill a hole for the plug to fit into. Alternatively, you can use wood filler to cover the screw holes. Just make sure to sand it down once it's dried to keep it even with the surface!
Hey, OP! Just a thought—when it comes time to replace those new boards in a few years, how will you deal with those plugs? Hope you have a plan!
I would suggest predrilling your screw holes and using a countersink bit so that the screws sit nicely below the wood surface. You really don't need to use any plugs if your deck is made of wood; just letting them sink a bit is usually fine!
Thanks for the tip! For using plugs or dowels, do I need to drill the hole for that after putting in the screw, or should I do it first? Also, regarding the existing screw holes in the joists or beams, should I fill those before installing the new board?