How To Replace Rotten Deck Supports (the easy way!)

If your deck support posts are showing signs of rot but you don't want to replace the entire deck framing, then this method might be for you! This is a deck I was working on where the posts were set directly into the dirt with no cement base (note: a poured concrete footer would be ideal). We cut away the old posts and propped up the deck to level using a 12 ton bottle jack. While the deck was raised, we put a concrete footer in place under the deck post (ensuring it was level) and cut a 4x4 post just a little longer than the length needed to be (to allow for settling). The finished product turned out great and is way stronger than what was there before.

[@strangerland9791]

You are supposed to dig about 3 inches below the deck support block and fill/pack with gravel and then put the block on top of the gravel to reduce likelihood of it shifting.

[@grantarchibald3100]

Thank you. I will be replacing a corner post plus others shortly. The corner support was installed with 2x6 boards, cider blocks and so on, with no room to install skirting. I believe I can use you solution close to the corner and replace the crap in the corner with proper material. Great method

[@MrGameOwnage]

Thank you. I need to replace some pool decking and this video gave me enough of an idea of where to start

[@chrisardern4594]

Well done nice easy way to fix this problem even a dummy could follow you post.

[@311mdub]

I’d suggest instead
Of using a paver under the bottle jack, get a 4x4 laying down instead.. gives a larger foot print to distribute weight, and it will compress inwards instead of break apart like a paVer will.

[@maragringoful]

could you use the same post? I looked at mine at seems that it is eaten away at the soil line. the block support is 6 - 8 inches higher.

[@SpiritofaHandyman]

Absolutely! Just cut away all the bad wood on the bottom and square it up so it sits evenly on your block!

[@artsoto5459]

So I have some corner posts rotting out, its a massive enclosed deck, therefore replacing the whole deck would be costly, if I did what you did and added 1 post to each side of the rotten post, would it hold up?

[@SpiritofaHandyman]

If you are adding additional supports that is only a good thing

[@juliawilkins4970]

This didn't make any sense. The whole bottle jack thing and then removing it and voila. What was going on with the other post? The one you actually wanted in the ground to support the deck?

[@MarlowWhere]

He didn't put it in the ground he used a footer instead...so it doesn't rot again.

[@mcanbolat]

Hi can you leave the old one and add one more?

[@SpiritofaHandyman]

Definitely!

[@wendyl5033]

What size of bottle jack should be used?

[@SpiritofaHandyman]

I suggest at least a 12 ton

[@alfredot.8426]

Would an 8 ton jack work?

[@townsendbullard1049]

Not if the deck is 8.1 tons

[@SpiritofaHandyman]

Depends on the size of your deck

[@johncalabrese6031]

Is this code?

[@SpiritofaHandyman]

It is code for a floating deck but not if your deck is attached to your house with a ledger board

[@MrMan-zi7jd]

Your local code may vary. In illinois they had to be on 48" deep concrete footings due to frost. If you are not high off the ground, the risk is low. The method of attachment is also a little iffy. For this application, probably fine. If you are higher or have large parties or elderly family, you may need to do some more research.

[@elizabethsolomon2864]

I believe, like you, that Codes are going to save the world. All the wannabe builders ask “Is that code?”

[@js8039]

Built-in shock absorber.

[@SpiritofaHandyman]

Lol!!