If your wood deck looks old and worn, you might want to replace it with composite decking instead. If you want to build a new deck, you may need to remove the old wood deck first and then rebuild a composite deck. so, can you install composite decking over wood decking?

Yes, you can install composite deck boards on top of a wood deck that is already there. But it needs careful thought and planning to make sure the installation goes well. There are some advantages to this method, but there are also some disadvantages that could happen.

This post will show you how to install composite decking on top of a wood deck that you already have. To help you understand, we will also carefully look at the pros and cons of doing that.

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Things You Should Think About

We now know that putting composite deck boards on top of a wood deck is not a bad idea. But there are some important things to think about before you start the project.

Keep in mind that if the old wood decking is in very bad condition, then it will affect the longevity of the composite decking. You need to look at the wood decks very carefully to find out what kind of wood it is, how long it has been used, and how damaged it is. Then, figure out if you can install composite decking boards on top of the wood deck that you already have, ensuring it’s compatible with composite fencing, garden deck, and outdoor WPC decking.

Another important thing is the space between the frames. For composite wood decks, 400 mm should be left between each board. You might need to add more boards to get the center distance down to 400 mm on some longer wood decks.

Heavily Rotted Wooden Decks

Before you start, check the current wooden deck to make sure it is structurally sound and doesn’t have any rot, decay, or other damage. You can install composite decking right on top of wood decking that is still in good condition. It is important to note that the condition of the old wood decking will affect the condition of the new composite decking.

You probably won’t be able to install composite decking on a wood deck that is too rotten to be fixed. Even though composite wood doesn’t usually rot. If you put it on a wood deck that is rotting, on the other hand, the support structure it needs may start to rot over time.

If the old deck is already badly rotting, water will get under the new composite decking and make it rot even more. This can put people’s safety and the durability of the new decks at great risk.

Different Kinds of Wood

Not only that, but you should also find out what kind of wood was used to build your deck. Cedar, mahogany, and oak are the woods that don’t rot easily.

If a composite decking board is installed on top of a deck made from these woods. Then the new composite decks probably won’t last any less time.

Replacement of Old Wood Deck

If the old wood decking is too damaged to be repaired, then you can’t install composite decking directly on top of the wood decking. You’ll need to install new composite decking after the old decking has been completely removed.

Just run a screwdriver through a few boards to see how bad the wood deck’s rot is. When you inspect the old deck the wood is loose in many places and easy to push in. Then you will have to remove the rotted wood deck and then install a new one.

If you put down composite decking boards on top of a wood deck that is badly rotting. Then the frame of the composite decks might start to rot too. Because of this, the new composite decks may not last as long as they should.

Deck Height Will Go Up

It’s important to know that putting composite decking on top of a wood deck will make the deck taller. Because of this, the height of fences, stairs, and other features may need to be changed. Also, make sure there is enough airflow and drainage so that wetness doesn’t build up between the old wood deck and the new composite decking. This is because mold, mildew, or rotting of the old deck framing can happen when water builds up for a long time.

Lastly, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s fitting instructions and suggestions to make sure the deck is safe and lasts a long time. Of course, you can install composite decking boards over a wood deck that is already there, but you need to plan and get ready very carefully.

How to Install Composite Decking on Top of a Wooden Deck

It is very easy to Install composite decking boards on top of a wood deck. You should, however, take the time to make sure they are installed properly to avoid problems in the future.

Take off any furniture that’s on your wood deck before you start. Also, you need to take down the deck railings before you start.

After that, follow these steps to safely and quickly Install the composite decking boards on top of the wood deck.

Step 1

Take the boards off the old wood deck with a pry bar. Following that, you can make temporary lines of obstruction with some of these wooden decking boards.

After that, check the wood deck framing again for rot to make sure everything looks good. You will need to fix or replace any parts of the framing that are badly rotting before you can start the fitting process.

If any parts of the framing are weak or shaky, add more framing to support them before going on.

Step 2

Use a good wood sealant on any cuts in the wood deck framing. This step is important because it prevents rot from occurring in the boards.

Then, use joist protection tape to cover any holes in the wood decks that were made with screws or nails. This is done so that water doesn’t build up in the holes and cause rot and mold.

Step 3

Cut the composite wood decking to the right length so that there is enough room between the ends. Use a 3mm drill bit to make holes in the composite decking boards to get them ready. This will keep the deck boards from breaking in the future. Then, use deck screws to hold the composite flooring boards in place.

If you use fasteners that match, you don’t have to drill holes in composite wood decks first. Most companies that make composite boards also make deck fasteners that match. It is best to only screw through the decks when it is really necessary. One place where hidden screws can’t be used is on the last cut deck board.

Start installing composite wood decking on the outside and work your way inside. When installing the deck railing, you should use a jigsaw to cut the boards around the posts.

Step 4

Next, get the center boards to the right length by cutting them. Move them away from the breaker planks and toward the border planks to start the installation. Don’t forget to Install them up facing the building from the outside of the deck.

Make sure you use shims to make sure there is enough space between the planks when you lay the composite wood decks. For the composite decking boards to be able to expand and shrink with heat and cold, they need enough room. Leaving enough room between the decking boards also lets water drain away and keeps it from building up.

Step 5

Next, Install the new composite decking on top of the old wood deck. There are only a few things left to do.

First, take one last look at the composite decks to make sure all of the nails, screws, and fasteners are securely in place. Then, check each piece of composite wood decking to make sure it is strong and won’t break when you put big things on it.

Decks made from composite materials do not require sealing operations. If you want to seal your composite deck, it is important to give it enough time to dry.

After you’ve done the above, you can put your outdoor furniture on the new composite decking and put the deck railings back in place.

Pros and Cons of Installing Composite Decking on an Old Deck

These are the benefits of putting in new composite decks this way:

• It is easier and takes less time than tearing down the old deck and making a new one out of composite decking.
• Putting down new composite decking over an old wood deck is a great way to change the look of your yard.
• Composite decking doesn’t need much upkeep. There’s no need to seal, treat, or color it. It just needs to be cleaned every so often.
• A composite deck will last longer than wood in the long run. This is because it doesn’t need to be maintained as often as wood does. In the long run, it saves you money.
• Composite decking is easier to install than wood decking, and it is also less likely to break while being installed.
• A composite wood deck lasts a long time because it doesn’t need to be changed as often as wood does.
• Composite decking is much better than wood when it comes to saving the earth’s environment. Because it is made from used plastic and wood fibers, no new trees have to be cut down.
• Composite decking boards come in a lot of different colors and styles. You don’t have to color it, which saves time and money.
• On the other hand, installing a composite deck over an old wood deck can have some of the same drawbacks:
• You could hurt the new composite decking if you don’t check the old wood decking and its supports for rot.
• Putting in composite decking costs more than putting in wood decking. In the long run, though, the money you save on repairs will make up for it.
• If composite decks are installed over wood decks, then they will need to be cleaned more frequently. This is because dirt and water can get trapped between the two decks.

Last Thoughts

It is easy and has many benefits to install composite decking boards over a wood deck that is already there. You can change the look of your outdoor space quickly and easily. It’s faster than building a new deck.

Remember that before you start, you’ll need to look for signs of rot in the current wood deck and its frame. If you do these things, it will be easy to put composite decking over your wood deck.

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