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My deck was in pretty rough shape (original owners never stained it, so I inherited the problem). I decided I didn't want maintenance, so I replaced with clam shell gray Trex from the local Lowes. I used something called a deck demon from Amazon to rip up the old nailed boards (worth it's weight in gold!). For those that were screwed in (apparently the original owners had replaced an area on it) I removed all the Phillips screws I could, and the deck ripper handled the rest. I'm older, so it took me a few weeks on the 12x32 deck, but I got it done and it looks pretty good I think - wife loves it.
My deck was in pretty rough shape (original owners never stained it, so I inherited the problem). I decided I didn't want maintenance, so I replaced with clam shell gray Trex from the local Lowes. I used something called a deck demon from Amazon to rip up the old nailed boards (worth it's weight in gold!). For those that were screwed in (apparently the original owners had replaced an area on it) I removed all the Phillips screws I could, and the deck ripper handled the rest. I'm older, so it took me a few weeks on the 12x32 deck, but I got it done and it looks pretty good I think - wife loves it.
I'd tell you to go composite. Yes, the initial cost is higher (2 or 2 1/2 times more) but the life cycle cost drops that down. You won't have to worry about splinters, checking, refinishing every X number of years. It'll likely outlast you.
Installation usually requires tighter spacing on the stringers, which can be scabbed in.
We're having our deck repainted and just finding a competint painter has been a job in itself. after interviewing four supposedly professional painters we finally found one. Two guys from the same company showed up on time and carefully inspected the deck. Its big at 14' x 24'. Not including the handicap ramp & upper landing. We want the deck and all 4x4 posts for the railing in gray, all the 1X1 ballusters in white. I know it's gonna be labor intensive but, happy wife, happy life. Right?
So they say they'll powerwash the deck then once it dries they'll test the moisture content of the wood and bring in a power sander to get down to mostly bare wood. Then they'd blow all the sanding dust off and get started on the painting. About a week they said to allow time in between coats to dry. These guys were by far the most professional we met. They were also the most expensive at $4600 ! but I knew this was gonna cost me. NOBODY else bothered to say anything about the prep work involved or even showed up for a look. the last one before spoke mostly about cigars & beer as he caught me enjoying one when he showed up four hours late, no call either. So the real pro's get the job.
We're having our deck repainted and just finding a competint painter has been a job in itself. after interviewing four supposedly professional painters we finally found one. Two guys from the same company showed up on time and carefully inspected the deck. Its big at 14' x 24'. Not including the handicap ramp & upper landing. We want the deck and all 4x4 posts for the railing in gray, all the 1X1 ballusters in white. I know it's gonna be labor intensive but, happy wife, happy life. Right?
So they say they'll powerwash the deck then once it dries they'll test the moisture content of the wood and bring in a power sander to get down to mostly bare wood. Then they'd blow all the sanding dust off and get started on the painting. About a week they said to allow time in between coats to dry. These guys were by far the most professional we met. They were also the most expensive at $4600 ! but I knew this was gonna cost me. NOBODY else bothered to say anything about the prep work involved or even showed up for a look. the last one before spoke mostly about cigars & beer as he caught me enjoying one when he showed up four hours late, no call either. So the real pro's get the job.
Because that's what on it and taking it down to bare wood is cost prohibitive given the size (14 X 22).
Oh, I guess I didn't realize it was painted already.
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but I knew this was gonna cost me. NOBODY else bothered to say anything about the prep work involved or even showed up for a look. the last one before spoke mostly about cigars & beer as he caught me enjoying one when he showed up four hours late, no call either. So the real pro's get the job. 
