Want to slowly replaced my boards. Currently have 1x6. So, what are your thoughts on 1x6, composite, 2x6, or 2x8?
I will be doing a Johnny Cash special - 1 or 2 pieces at a time.

Sarge

I know my brother in law had composite years ago and was slicker them snot when wet and he took it off but iam sure they use different material now.

If I go back with wood. I will stain it on both sides with quality stain. Plus cleaning every spring or end of summer. I'm covered with trees around my place. Alge is a problem. Everything turns green by summers end and has to pressure washed or they become slicker then snot.

Sarge

1×6

Must have joists pretty close together?

Treated 5/4 (1” nominal) yellow pine is the standard deck board here. I’m thinking that’s what he meant, 5/4 X 6. Lots of folks refer to them as1 X 6’s.

5/4 boards are pretty common up here. Unfortunately, the wolmanizing process isnt as good as it used to be and treated lumber doesnt last nearly as long.

^^Truth^^

They had to change the recipe for Wolmanized treated lumber because of the toxins used, that's why it doesn't last as long. CCA = Cupro Cyano Arsenate some libtard in californiastan read the tag on the end and freaked out.

Both of these statements are 100% true. ^^^^

The composite deck boards sag and flex without narrower joist spacing. After a few years, the composite will get brittle, too.

I'll add that no amount of stain will add the life to the deck that your expecting.

Pick boards without knots if you want them to last a little longer

SW, please explain how staining will not add years versus doing nothing? Maintenance is the key. But I will add nothing lasts forever. Reason for replacement.

Sarge

Staining may add a little more service time, but in my experience it was a disappointingly short amount of time.

I recommend using the butyl tape between the deck boards and joists. And staining the entire board before installing.

Mother Nature will make quick work of a wooden deck. Put a roof over it and it'll last the rest of your lifetime.

Yep. Tape on joists. Stain top and bottom. And always. Crown down. Most folks screw that part up and wonder way the boards cup.

Sarge

What does the tape do?

Purchase a good composite decking, the best if possible. It'll be fine on 16" joists and won't fade. It's "anti slip" but will be a better choice in the long run over CCA and cedar.

If you're not picky which it sounds like you're not, talk to a local deck company and offer to buy take offs. You'd be surprised at what some people replace and ends up in dumpsters

if wood lay them all out and stain them good all around , also , the framing under stain all you can reach each time you take boards off

an angle grinder with a wire cup wheel preps boards fast getting the loose debris and wood that is barely hanging on. to give you a surface that will take stain.

I have noticed different stores boards vary by about an 1/8 inch in thickness so watch that and you may want to keep getting them from one place.

Thanks to all for the advice. Now the replacement begins Johnny Cash style. Lots of other projects, so one or two pieces.at a.time.

Sarge

If you use any wood product, be sure to space them a least half an inch apart. They will last much longer if air can circulate around them.

10-4 on that and allows water to shed quicker. But darn leaves are always getting stuck in the crevices. Oh well. Nothing is perfect.

Sarge