How to Fix Damaged Deck Post Footings

Builders use pressure-treated lumber when creating deck posts. Pressure-treated wood resists moisture damage, ensuring durability and longevity. However, pressure-treated posts do sometimes develop damage. Old posts, for example, can start to rot. Posts can also split or crack. Insect infestations also pose threats. Damage severe enough to compromise the structural integrity of the deck necessitates replacing the post.

Things You'll Need

2-inch by 4-inch boards
Drill
Screws

Saw
Sledgehammer

Instructions

- 1
  Cut two 2-inch by 4-inch boards to a length that will span at least four of the deck’s flooring joists.
- 2
  Place one of the boards across the bottom of and perpendicular to the flooring joists, right next to the damaged post. Temporarily screw the board to the joists. The board will brace the floor while replacing the posts. Place the other board on the ground, directly below the first board.
- 3
  Remove the screws from the deck post base support.
- 4
  Measure and note the length of the post. Cut two more 2-inch by 4-inch boards to measure at least 4 inches longer than the length of the post.
- 5
  Wedge the boards between the first two boards in an upside-down V-shaped formation. Tap the bottom of the boards with a sledgehammer to raise the deck floor approximately half-inch.
- 6
  Unscrew or unbolt the top of the post from the corresponding deck beams, which runs directly under the joists.
- 7
  Cut a new post to match the length of the original. Fit the new post into place and return the base support screws to secure the bottom of the post.
- 8
  Tap out the V-shaped boards to drop the deck floor back down. Reattach the top of the post to the deck beam.
- 9
  Unscrew and remove the brace board from under the joists.

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