A natural wood deck is an attractive as well as relaxing addition to any home. But, wood deck naturally succumbs to wear and tear over the years, especially with changing weather conditions every so often, with heat and rain beating down on it. What happens when a plank or board on the deck gets damaged or turns rotten? You can actually replace it by yourself without requiring the help of a professional. For this project, with difficulty level deemed just right for the slightly-experienced handyman, you will need a jigsaw, a circular saw, a power drill, a framing square, 3-inch deck nails or screws, a tape measure, and eye protection.

Step 1. Plan the cuts and make them. Planning is important, as you will definitely want the replacement to look as natural as possible. This includes cutting out the damaged parts of the plank as cleanly as possible. You can do this by cutting out the section between one or two spacings between the joists. First, find the damaged portion between two joists, and determine which cut will look more natural. With your eye protection in place, use a framing square to guide the edge of your jigsaw, and cut the damaged portion out. Do the same for the other edge of the damaged plank, and remove that section of the deck board.

Step 2. Now that you have removed the damaged plank, you can now install the supports at both ends of the opening for the new board. Cut two sections measuring 12 inches in length from your 2 x 4 pieces of lumber using a circular saw. These will function as your support blocks. Place one of these support blocks right in the center beneath the opening by one of the joists; be sure to pull it tightly against the underside of the boards. Nail the block to the underside face of the joist using two 3-inch spiral shank galvanized nails. Do the same for the other side of the opening, nailing the second block to the face of the other joist.

Step 3. With your support blocks fastened securely, installing the new plank comes next. Cut the new plank to the right length, ensuring that you make a right angle on all ends. Check the grain pattern on the new plank, and place it with the bark side down, with the grain pattern rings curving upward, as this will help you avoid cupping as the plank succumbs to wear and tear. For deck materials that have not been pressure-treated, and are not redwood or cedar, treat the wood with a preservative before installation. Then, make pilot holes with your drill on the new plank right into the support structure; fasten the plank using 3-inch galvanized deck screws or nails. Once you have them set in place, you can now grab a deck chair and enjoy the rest of the day in your newly-repaired deck!