Do-It-Yourself Deck Repair

Replace any missing screws or nails. Over time, the pressure on a deck from foot traffic can loosen nails and screws. These can either be pounded back in or tightened. Areas that have a lot of foot traffic, such as stairs, are better suited for screws. If you find that the nails on your deck continually work their way out, replace them with screws.

Seal the deck surface with weather sealer. If you are finding rough spots on your deck, or the wood is warping, this is a sign that the deck was not properly sealed or has not been sealed in a long time. Apply a weather sealant yearly to your deck to fix this problem.

Replace boards as necessary. From time to time, the wood boards on a deck may split or crack. If left untended, these boards can cause injury. Remove the board in question and replace it with a new one. Don't forget to weatherproof the new board so it does not warp.

Tighten deck railings. Once again, due to frequent use, the railings on a deck can work their way loose. These will need to be tightened regularly. If the railing is nailed in place, replace the nails with screws. Use a cordless screwdriver or drill to insert or tighten screws.