Replies

1. 
   FastEddie1 | Jul 03, 2004 04:35am | #1

   One of the composite mfgrs offers a similar product.  Trex I think.  It's 6 inch wide boards only 1/4" thick, designed to be an overlay for a sound but ugly deck.

   I would be concerned about trapping moisture between the layers.

   Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!"  Then get busy and find out how to do it.  T. Roosevelt

2. 
   NickNukeEm | Jul 03, 2004 05:13am | #2

   Moisture will get trapped, and it will cause eventual problems.  How is the edge of the deck treated, is it visible?  Won't it look somewhat hillbilly with a second layer riding double-decker?  What about stairs?  You could be changing the tread height at the top of the stairs, resulting in a tripping hazard.  The other issue is decreased air circulation (perpendicular laid over 45* decking will cover over some of the gaps in the lower layer) though I'm not sure of the impact.  Just things to think about.  Ripping the old stuff up might be a pain, but the deck would be better served if it were, in my opinion.

   I never met a tool I didn't like!
1. 
   BobbyJ | Jul 03, 2004 04:51pm | #6

   Thank you for your input, I appreciate all the advise given. As far as the edge of the deck is concerned, the existing deck has a skirt board that is flush with the top of the existing decking and covers the end grain. By running one full board of the new decking around the perimeter, with a 3/4" overhang, we eliminated the "hillbilly factor." The new decking will butt up to the new border. Also the stairs need to be redone anyway due to the fact they are not even close to being level and the riders are several different heights. As far as the build-up of debris in between the boards, wouldn't regular power washing blow that clean? Thanks again for the response. Happy building!

1. 
   Sphere | Jul 03, 2004 10:54pm | #7

   In case ya take the good advice and decide to remove the existing..a good old fashioned mattock or grub hoe is THE tool for taking up the old..the handle is so stout you'll not break it, and with 2x4 scrap as a fulcrum, you can apply some awesome pry power

   The thin blade also gets 'tween the boards easy enough, and if ya need to , a good swing will chop/split a new purchase spot.

   Just a friendly tip, do as you wish 

   Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

   Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations. 

3. 
   MojoMan | Jul 03, 2004 02:23pm | #3

   Ed and Nick raise the same concerns I would have. The comment about effect on stair rise is an important one that not everyone would think of right away. The point about the esthetics of two layers is also a good one. Perhaps you could use flashing as is done on roof-overs to hide the edge of the old decking.

   Other than not wanting the work and expense of removing the old decking, why do you want to do this?

   Al Mollitor, Sharon MA

4. 
   Shavey | Jul 03, 2004 03:56pm | #4

   Something else to think about is when the new decking is layed over the old decking at 45 degree angle that creates a situation where soot, dirt, and what ever else blows across your deck can find a place to build up in between the new and the old decking boards .Now this will certanly cause the growth of mold once rain water does its job over time.My advice is bite the bullit, spend a couple hours or so taking off the old decking and also while your there inspect the tops of the joists to make sure they are sound. One other thing to consider is that you may need to add some additional support under the deck if you do decide your going to put another layer over the old.

5. 
   Piffin | Jul 03, 2004 04:17pm | #5

   Don't do it. Every year for the next ten years, you will discover another reason to wish you had never let this idea pass through your mind.

   Start with the fact that PT for a decking surface is one of the worst choices you can make. I is butt ugly, will shrink and check and make slivers for your feet.

   you will trap water and dust which will grow mold even if the chemicals do not allow the wood to rot.

   Many of us who handle the new PT havew learned that it is more likely top cause skin reactions.

   The new PT accelerates corrosion in the framing connections below so you may have to re-fastenand reframe in a couple of years.

   Wood/wood connection of the plies will cause a multitude of squeaks when walking across it.

   You will need longer fasteners just to install it and the flex of the twin plies will cause several of those to snap off over time.

   It will look butt ugly

    

    

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