DIY Deck Project - Step 2

We are now onto Step 2 of the dreaded deck project. Though this step sounded simple when I wrote down my 5 steps, it has actually turned into quite a chore.

To refresh your memory, here is what the deck looked like after the last step (you can read about Step 1 here):

Now, onto Step 2 - Spackling the Deck!

1. Buy your supplies Again I went to Lowes, but I am sure you can find these supplies anywhere.

Here is what I bought: Elmer's Carpenter's Wood Filler and a spackle tool, 1 1/2 in. I actually bought two large tubs of the wood filler, so I wouldn't have to go back and buy more. I only used one tub. I guess it all depends on how big your deck is and how badly split your wood is.



I would make sure you buy wood filler that you can paint and sand. That is very important for future steps. I also found out that you can buy wood filler in different colors of wood, who knew! I just bought mine in this color. You can see on the spackle tool that it is kind of a tan color. It looks really awful on my red deck, but it really doesn't matter since it will be painted over later on.

2. Spackle the deck Sounds easy enough, right? Think back to dorm living. It is just like spackling your picture holes before moving out, just on a bigger scale.

I looked for any splitting wood boards and stuck the wood filler in the holes. Since the wood is set horizontally, I applied the filler vertically and then scraped the tool horizontally to remove the excess filler. I hope that makes sense. You can do it any way you like, just as long as the wood filler fills the split wood.

I pretty much worked the same way as I did with the deck cleaner: railings, floor boards, and steps (I skipped the trellis). Some spots didn't need any filler, but others needed a lot. I figured it would take me an hour or two to do it, but it actually took me several days. It wasn't the job that was time consuming, it was the pain it caused my body. Back aches, hand cramps, and a stiff neck all occurred, so it is probably best if you divide your deck into sections, or better yet, invite your friends over to help!

Here is how my deck looks now with all of the spackle on it:

Pretty ugly, huh? I am sure my neighbors are loving the look too!

Next week we tackle Step 3.

Comments

[Rachelle]

My deck is in about the same condition as yours was when you started out, so I need to embark on an adventure of this sort too! :) I'm very much looking forward to seeing your final results.