Renovating a Wood Deck to Composite

Remove the original decking. If the deck boards were screwed to the frame, use a drill to remove the screws. If nails were used, start at one of the edges and use a pry bar to lift the deck boards from the frame, then remove the nails.

Repeat this process until all of the deck boards have been removed and you are left with the wood frame.

Reinforce the frame using the same material the deck was originally made of. Measure the current joists and use the measurement to cut new lumber down to the appropriate size. If any of the deck boards are in excellent condition, you may use them to reinforce the deck frame by using them as joists.

Add more joists to the deck frame. Joists are typically 2-by-4 inch planks. Most decks are built with joists every 16 to 24 inches. Because you are replacing the original deck boards with composite planks, which are considerably heavier, the joists must be 8 to 12 inches apart. Add the new joists between the old ones and secure them with wood screws.

Install the composite boards. If necessary, cut the boards with a jigsaw to allow space for existing rail posts or other obstacles. Drill two screws every 16 to 24 inches -- the screws should be side by side.

Line up abutting boards so they are perfectly flush with each other and meet in the center of a joist-- you may need to do this if you have boards that don't quite span the length of the deck. In cases of abutting joints, use two screws on either side of the seam so that both boards are secured to the same joist with a total of four screws.

Repeat this process until you have replaced all of the old planks with new composite ones. If desired, treat the composite planks with a stain formulated specifically for composite wood. (This is not necessary if the composite came already stained.)