How To Remove Deck Boards Attached Using Screws (Do This!)

What Are the Common Problems That Affect Wooden Decks?

Wood is a very durable and resilient material. However, even wood has its limits. When it’s constantly exposed to the elements, it will inevitably encounter certain problems.

Listed below are some of the common problems that may affect your wooden deck. Be mindful of them if you want your deck to stay intact for as long as possible.

Fading

A wooden deck will look absolutely spectacular when it’s first installed. The shine of the wood is one of a kind and it adds an element of refined design to your home.

Sadly, that shine won’t stay on the wooden surface forever. The elements will eventually alter the appearance of the wooden deck and cause that shine to disappear. You can do things to revitalize the shine, but replacing the boards is the best way to bring it back completely.

Shrinking

Shrinkage is another problem that can affect the wooden boards that form your deck. Since wood has a tendency to shrink over time, small gaps may form along the deck over the years.

Those small gaps are likely not enough to compromise the structural integrity of the deck. However, they could turn out to be unsightly blemishes that you’ll want to remove.

Rotting

This is the most serious problem that could affect your home’s wooden deck. Granted, it can take a long time for wood to rot, but once it happens, immediate replacement is necessary.

It’s not just the appearance of the deck that suffers from rotting. Someone could also slip through the deck if they step on a rotten board. Stay clear of that problem by removing and replacing the rotten wooden boards.

Why Should You Remove Individual Wooden Boards Instead of Replacing the Whole Deck?

So, why should you go through the trouble of removing and replacing individual wooden boards? The answer typically boils down to cost.

Wooden decks tend to be quite expensive. You may have to pay thousands of dollars for a new deck to be installed. If only a few boards are damaged, it’s worth taking the time to remove and replace them to restore the deck.

How to Remove the Screws Holding the Deck Boards in Place

Removing the individual deck boards could turn out to be a pretty easy task or a labor-intensive one. The status of the deck and the screws used will determine what kind of job you’re looking at.

The most straightforward method of removing the deck boards is to simply remove the screws. Here are the steps you need to follow if you prefer this approach.

Step 1: Get the Items Necessary for Removing the Screws

The basic tool you’ll need here is a screwdriver that matches the screws installed, but that likely won’t be enough. You may also need a flathead screwdriver, hammer, a rotary tool, pliers, and even some cloth. There’s no guarantee that you’ll need all those items, but get them ready if you have them.

You should also prepare some Screw Grab if you have it lying around. It could come in very handy during this job.

Step 2: Remove All the Intact Screws

Let’s ease into this project by targeting the intact screws first. Look for the intact screws attached to the damaged boards and start removing them. You shouldn’t have that much trouble removing them as long as you grabbed the right kind of screwdriver earlier.

Step 3: Remove the Stripped Screws

Removing intact screws is not much of a problem. You cannot say the same thing about the stripped screws.

Stripped screws are the ones with damaged heads. Due to the damage present on the screw head, removing it with a matching screwdriver will no longer be possible. You will have to enlist the help of other tools to get the job done.

Step 3.1: Use Pliers

A pair of pliers can be used to remove stripped screws if their heads are raised above the wooden surface. Grab the head of the stripped screw with the pliers and twist it out.

Step 3.2: Use a Screwdriver and Cloth

If the stripped screw still has a bit of a groove, it may still be removable using a screwdriver. Place a piece of cloth over the screw and start turning the flathead screwdriver.

The cloth should go into the small groove and allow your screwdriver to engage the screw better. You can also use a rubber band or a thin piece of cardboard instead of the cloth.

Step 3.3: Use Screw Grab

Screw Grab is a special product that you apply to stripped screws in order to create friction. The increased friction makes it possible for the screwdriver to grab a firm hold of the stripped screw. Apply the Screw Grab to either the screw head or the screwdriver to make use of it.

Step 3.4: Use a Screwdriver and Hammer

Screws that are so badly damaged that they no longer have notches have to be handled differently. To be more specific, you’ll have to create the notches yourself.

Position a flathead screwdriver over the screw head and then gently strike the aforementioned tool with a hammer. Keep going until you’ve carved a deep enough notch inside the screw head for the screwdriver to fit in.

Step 3.5: Use a Rotary Tool

Similar to step 3.4, your goal with using a rotary tool is to create a notch deep enough for the screwdriver. Using a rotary tool is easier because it’s more precise, but you don’t have to go out and buy one.

How to Remove Broken Screws Using a Pry Bar

The steps above are useful for removing intact and stripped screws. You’ll have to use a different approach if you want to remove deck boards with broken screws.

Step 1: Gather All Your Tools

For this method, you’ll want to prepare a pry bar, hammer, and pliers. You should also don some safety gear. Gloves and goggles are essential so put them on now.

Step 2: Pry the Deck Board Free

Go to the spot closest to the screws and position your pry bar next to a nearby side of the board. Use the pry bar now to grab hold of that side and start pulling it up. Keep going until the screws have been exposed from underneath.

Step 3: Hammer the Screws Upward

You’re probably wondering why you cannot just use the pry bar to remove the deck boards completely. The reason why is because you could damage the rest of the deck by doing that.

Refrain on pulling them out that way and focus on getting the screws out of position instead. Move to the underside of the board and use your hammer to strike the screws. Continue striking the screws until they protrude from the top side.

Step 4: Extract the Screws Using the Pliers

Now that the screws are exposed up top, you should be able to free them using your pliers. Just hold the head of the screw firmly and twist it loose.