How to protect deck from rain?

[Innov8tive]

I think this decking has had its day possibly? I'm considered that the wood is now grey in a lot of parts due to weather, time, wear and tear. Rather than giving it a clean and sealing it, I feel it's probably best to get a new deck which is not something I'm experienced in so will probably get a professional for that. 

The other issue with this deck is when it rains, the entire deck gets wet even though it has a roof but rain comes in sideways and wets the deck.  

I'm considering getting it entirely covered in unless Bunnings has other viable solutions to stop the rain from coming in and protecting the deck? 

This is a longer term project but just checking to see if there are other solutions to consider besides getting the deck closed in. 

 

 

 

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Innov8tive,

From what I can see, your deck doesn’t look too far gone and I wouldn’t recommend replacing the boards just yet. The timber overall appears solid with no obvious signs of decay or rot. I do notice a few boards that have sunken slightly, which usually indicates that the joists underneath might need attention. If that’s the case, you could remove the affected boards, inspect and repair any joists as needed, then replace the boards. That’s a fairly straightforward fix if there’s only minor rot.

If the joists are in good condition, your deck could look almost new with a proper sandback and a fresh coating of decking oil. Hiring a floor sander can make this process quick, and once sanded, applying decking oil will restore the timber beautifully. You generally only need to consider replacing boards if they’re splitting, cracking, or decaying.

Regarding the rain, it’s normal for decks to get wet when exposed to the weather. As long as you keep up with an annual coat of decking oil, water shouldn’t damage the timber. Totally enclosing the deck is an option if you want to use it more during wet weather, but from a timber health perspective, rain on the deck isn’t a problem. 

Here are some helpful guides: How to sand a deck, How to restore a deck and How to oil your deck. Also, check out this project from @Jason on Deck renewal using a floor sander.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[Innov8tive]

@MitchellMc 

There's a lot of good news and helpful news. I'd be ok with boards being replaced as some of them need replacing that's for sure. I'm glad the deck isn't too far gone. As for working with joists - I don't feel confident as I've not done that before so maybe best to get someone to do that part. The rest I'm comfortable with. 

I also just want to clarify about getting the deck closed in and the rain. I want the deck closed in because it will be an entertainment area. If we have guests I don't want to cancel cause of rain and bad weather constantly so to have an enclosed deck would be better. 

It wasn't for the purpose of enclosing the deck while it's being worked on. So was wondering if Bunnings sold things to have an enclosed deck. 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Innov8tive,

If you're not comfortable working on the deck frame, then getting someone in for that part seems reasonable.

We certainly sell the materials that would be required to close in your deck, but unfortunately, any permanent or even semi-permanent roofed structure would likely require an application to your local council for building approval, which would require an engineer or draftsperson to draft up plans for the construction.

There are things like gazebos that could be used to offer weather protection on your deck, but if they are installed in a permanent or semi-permanent fashion, it is likely you would still need to submit construction plans to your local council for approval.

Depending on the area, maybe something like this Marquee 3 x 6m Non Permanent Party Pavilion Gazebo, which could be set up and taken down as needed, would be a simple option.

The alternative is to have things assessed, plans drawn up and then build a roofed structure to cover the deck, which would almost certainly require the assistance of a professional.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob