Hi everyone! Some of the boards on my deck have some rot. Interested in replacing them. I don’t want to replace an entire 12′ board if just the last couple of feet are suspect. Is there a tool I can use to cut an installed deck board at the centerline of a joice? I thought of a trim saw, but don’t know if that is the right tool for a 1″ thick board or would last that long.
Thanks!
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Use an oscillating multitool.
https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/interior-projects/g1763/best-oscillating-multitools/
Frankie
I use a circular saw to cut as much as I can without knicking the other boards then follow the kerf with a sawzall to finish the cut.
Thanks. I like that idea as I have both and wouldn't have to buy a tool. But I think I'll have an issue though trying that on the centerline of the joice. Maybe the circular saw part would work if really careful, but I see big difficulties with the sawzall.
That wouldn't be a problem if I was cutting in between joices.
If you can loosen the board enough to hold it off the deck even an inch you can cut it off in place without threatening the other deck parts. Circ saw will give you the best cut then.
Yeah, it’s a little tricky but it can be done, I’ve done it probably 100s of times. Another solution would be to cut the part of the board that’s staying flush to the edge of the joist and scab on a piece of framing to the joist to support the new piece going on. With lumber more precious than gold these days you may not want to do that. Also helps to have access below the deck to do that sort of thing which may or may not be possible in your situation.
Hi all. I bought an oscillating saw for about $110. Great investment for this project! I was able to easily cut out the rotted ends a couple of joices over on both boards and insert a new piece between. Not ideal, but will get me through a couple of years hopefully cost for lumber will drop by then.