repairing soft(rotten) spots on wood deck (stain, cost, damaged) - House -remodeling, decorating, construction, energy use, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, building, rooms - City-Data Forum

kelly237 · 05-20-2013, 08:12 PM

I am widowed and trying to get by with the least expensive repair to sell my house ...
I already replaced 1/3 of the deck boards 2 years ago and stained the deck.

The house is on the market but now I have a few soft spots near the nails on several deck boards.
Some of the spots run 6 to 10 inches long but only about a 1/2 inch wide..

I am wondering if I could repair those spots with a wood putty and
put a solid stain over the whole deck ???

HWTechGuy · 05-20-2013, 08:21 PM

A competent home inspector will spot this kind of attempt to cover up a problem and your buyer will end up trying to negotiate a reduction in sale price to cover correct repairs or a new deck.

Pitt Chick · 05-20-2013, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kelly237

I am wondering if I could repair those spots with a wood putty and
put a solid stain over the whole deck ???

No.
Replace the rotted boards.

harry chickpea · 05-20-2013, 10:00 PM

meh. Leave 'em. Use it as a negotiating point, or let a buyer use it as a negotiating point. Replacing a deck board is a quick cheap job if you know what you are doing.

Kayekaye · 05-20-2013, 10:23 PM

The rot could also be the stringer the deck board is nailed into if it's around the nail.

Barking Spider · 05-21-2013, 05:23 AM

If the buyers use it as a negotiating tool, it will probably cost you more than the cost of repairing it now. I would be pro active, and go ahead and replace the damaged boards.
There are some potential buyers that may come through, see the damaged boards, and get a negative impression on the rest of the house.

Pitt Chick · 05-21-2013, 06:39 AM

Many buyers will see the rotting board and wonder what else has been neglected, not maintained. Replacing it now is prudent.

kelly237 · 05-21-2013, 09:29 AM

I agree that a good repair or replace is cheaper now than negotiating later.

It is an older house and some people have already mentioned that, so I need
to fix what I can..

nybbler · 05-22-2013, 09:16 PM

If it's just the deck boards it's probably easier to do it right than to futz around with putty.

kelly237 · 05-22-2013, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nybbler

If it's just the deck boards it's probably easier to do it right than to futz around with putty.

I know you are right..

I am just burned out with repairing this old house and trying to sell..