Deck repairs are mostly wood degradation and fastener failure. Concrete patio repairs are mostly crack management. Both are worth addressing before the season starts.
01Deck board replacement
A deck board that is soft, cracked through its thickness, or bounces underfoot needs replacement. Remove it by pulling the screws or nails, take the board to a lumber yard to match the species and dimensions, and cut the new board to length. Let pressure-treated lumber acclimate for a few weeks before installing if possible — green PT lumber shrinks as it dries and the gaps will open. Pre-drill near the ends to prevent splitting.
02Loose railing post
A railing post that rocks at its base has either a loose connection to the rim joist or a rotted post base. If the connection is metal hardware, tighten or replace the hardware. If the post itself is rotted at the base, the post needs to come out. Cut the post near the base where the wood is still sound, splice in new material, and secure with structural screws or through-bolts. A railing post that moves is not a cosmetic problem.
03Concrete patio crack filling
Cracks in a concrete patio that are less than 1/4 inch wide are filled with polyurethane or polyurea crack filler — available in squeeze bottles from hardware stores. Clean the crack with a wire brush, fill, and smooth flush. This prevents water infiltration and the freeze-thaw widening that turns a hairline crack into a significant crack over a few winters.
04Wood deck — grey weathering and checking
Weathered deck boards that have gone grey and show surface checking (small lengthwise cracks in the grain) are not structurally compromised but do absorb water faster than sealed wood. Clean with a deck brightener, let dry thoroughly, and apply a penetrating sealer or solid stain. Surface checking that has progressed to through-cracks — cracks that go all the way through the board face — is a replacement indicator.
Marcus Webb is a general contractor and home maintenance writer based in Columbus, Ohio. He writes about the repairs and installs that come up every year in every house — the practical, repeating work that keeps a home livable.