Refurbish Deteriorating Deck Lumber

Even when a deck is constructed properly using pressure-treated lumber and decking, it still requires regular maintenance and care.

When you use a pressure washer on a deck, read the instructions carefully for the proper settings. A tremendous amount of pressure is not necessary to accomplish your inspection and cleaning goals. Radoslav Cajkovic/Shutterstock

Dear James: The surface and some of the support lumber are deteriorating on my raised deck. How can I test the lumber integrity and repair the rotten areas?—Anthony D.

Dear Anthony: Even when it is constructed properly using pressure-treated lumber and decking, it still requires regular maintenance and care. The pressure-treated lumber will resist rot and insect infestation, but the effects of the sun, weather, dirt, mold, and so forth can deteriorate the wood.