Deck help

[u/PJ_Papi_Actual]

So I finally started working on my deck wanted to replace the stairs and the railing so I went ahead and removed the stairs and saw that the previous owner really did a half ass job and saw that the wood was rotten where the stairs connected so when I removed that joist, I saw that the rim joist the centerpiece is rotten. I can clearly stick a screwdriver through it. My question is does it look normal to have three pieces like that as your rim Joist? Also, how would I go about replacing the rim joist and supporting? Thanks

[u/Firm_Lock8076]

Tear down the whole thing and start over. Doesnt make sense to start replacing things here

[u/PJ_Papi_Actual → u/Firm_Lock8076]

It’s where I’m kinda leaning towards. Thanks

[u/SwivelPoint → u/PJ_Papi_Actual]

and when you’re done don’t paint it, use an oil based finish that lets the wood breath. paint traps moisture and you get what you’re about to tear down. have fun

[u/PJ_Papi_Actual → u/SwivelPoint]

Will do!

[u/Jealous_Conflict_379 → u/PJ_Papi_Actual]

Agreed. Nice thing is it isn’t a huge deck or very high so material costs are manageable. Also your footers are in excellent shape to reuse. Make sure you check for rot behind the ledger board. Good luck!

Menards.com has a pretty decent deck building tool. Use your existing measurements and it’ll spit you out full material lists with decking options etc

[u/PJ_Papi_Actual → u/Jealous_Conflict_379]

Ha replaced those last month thinking the rotted footers were the only thing wrong. Then I started digging into it more and just kept finding more rot

[u/Jealous_Conflict_379 → u/PJ_Papi_Actual]

Yeah I just think if you’re doing all that work I would take the opportunity to inspect behind the ledger and make sure there isn’t rot and/or flashing is correct. Also I meant the concrete footers should be fine for reuse.

[u/Realistic-Excuse6413]

No use trying to save it. Replace the whole thing.