Here's How:
Repairing Your Deck
from the June 2005 issue

Repairing steps:
1. If the tread (the board you step on) is the problem, begin by removing it with a pry bar or hammer - these treads are easily replaced.
2. Find or make another tread of the same length and width. If the step is two boards, make sure to leave the appropriate space between them.
3. Attach the new tread in the same way as the others on your deck.
4. Stain or paint your new step to match the appearance of the deck.

Repairing a stringer:
1. If you have a damaged stringer (lumber that secures the steps from underneath) you'll need to remove treads above the problem area.
2. Make yourself a brace with a 90-degree angle to hold the stringer in place, then tap into place with a hammer until it is snug under the steps.
3. Drive a nail or screw through the new stringer into the bottom of the steps, preferably near the original spot.

Repairing balusters:
1. Remove the baluster, either backing out the screws or prying out the nails. If you're prying, you'll need to first hammer the opposite side of the nails to loosen them.
2. Most major hardware stores sell balusters already cut with 45-degree angles at the ends. If you can't find one of these, you'll need to make a railing to match the undamaged pieces of your deck.
3. Line up your new baluster in place to match the rest and drill or screw into place.
4. Stain or paint so the appearance is the same all the way around your deck.

Fixing Damaged Boards:
1. Remove the damaged section of the board, or the whole board if necessary. You can either pry the board up, or if you're taking the entire board, cut into pieces to take out.
2. Make an appropriate sized cleat to fit next to your joist. Start a couple nails or screws into the cleat before putting it where you need it, and attach it to the joist. Make sure the top of the cleat and the boards next to it are at the same height level.
3. Use the same type of nails or screws to attach your new board to the cleat.
4. If the new board is too high, sand it down. Apply any stain or paint that you've used on the rest of the deck.

Removing Stains:
1. Sweep with a large broom - this will get rid of anything on the surface such as old leaves and dirt. You'll have to use a knife or scraper to clean around the edges and in the corners.
2. Wash down the surfaces - you can do this using a regular garden hose, or rent a pressure washer. Pressure washers have powerful streams, so be sure you operate it safely and use precautions like safety goggles. Start in the middle of your deck and work outward without getting the stream too far above the ground.
3. If you don't think you'll need the power of a pressure washer, you can use a cleaning agent with warm water to scrub with a broom.
4. When no stains are visible, hose off the cleaning agent.