Advertisement

D.I.Y. Tips for Repairing Your Deck or Fence This Summer

With more time spent at home, now is the perfect time to seize the everyday and tackle tasks around the home that you may not have had the time to in the past. From D.I.Y. fence and patio repair tips to how to create your own backyard oasis for your family, Canadian Tire and Yahoo Canada are proud to help Canadians get there by bringing you everything you need for the season.

Photo via Getty Images
Photo via Getty Images


As you redesign and polish up your outdoor living space for BBQ and patio season, you might want to consider giving a little TLC to your fence and deck. When was the last time you inspected or gave either some attention? If the answer to that is several years, chances are they’re in need of some updates and repairs -- and with more time spent at home, now is the perfect time to tackle projects you may not have had time to take on in the past.

Exposure to the elements can cause our fences and decks to become weathered-looking, discoloured and even develop mildew. With our backyards serving as the backdrop of our favourite summer activities, your deck and fence may need more than a little cosmetic touch-up to be structurally sound for your next dinner al fresco.

Father and son team Geno and Marino Scopelleti are trusted experts when it comes to home renovations. The Scopelleti family have owned and operated Sunnylea Homes, a Toronto-based general contracting company for more than 35 years across the Greater Toronto Area and have made frequent appearances on HGTV shows such as “Property Brothers.”

The Scopelletis spoke with Yahoo Canada and shared some of their expertise on how you can properly tackle your fence and deck repairs like a pro.

Investigate Before You Take Action

Photo via Getty Images
Photo via Getty Images

“The first thing you should always do is analyze the situation,” Marino explained, adding that homeowners should carefully inspect all fences and decks on a yearly basis to determine whether any areas require minor updates or need to be replaced completely.

Marino also suggests that you receive a property survey before tackling any construction jobs like building or replacing a fence in order to ensure any projects are within the legal boundaries of your property.

Another important and potentially cost-saving tip? Call your province’s One Call corporation before you do anything like install or replace a fence, deck or pool.

“If you're digging four feet below to the first line on a project, you need to make sure you're not interrupting any gas lines and anything underneath the ground like a utility line,” Marino warned.

OneCall corporations can provide you with information on your property’s underground infrastructure, like gas and water lines, which could be damaged with any unresearched digging. Sites like CallBeforeYouDig can direct your inquiry, which should be made approximately a week before you begin any project.

Determine Whether You Need To Repair Or Replace

After you’ve properly assessed your property, it’s time to get to work. The first step when tackling fences and decks is to determine stability.

“The main support of your deck or fence is always the posts,” said Geno. “You want to check that they’re not wobbly or decayed. Then you’ll want to check on the rest of the fence posts. How old are they? Are they popping? Are they loose?”

According to Geno, if half of the length of your fence is in poor condition, it might be time to replace the whole thing. By performing an inspection each spring for any signs of decay (whether the wood is discoloured, soft, crumbling etc.) to ensure you catch problems early, and avoid having to spend money on a new structure or fence.

Invest In The Right Tools

Photo via Canadian Tire
Photo via Canadian Tire

Having the right tools to tackle the job of repairing and replacing your fence and deck are crucial.

The mitre saw is one of the most useful tools for any deck and fence project. Mitre saws, like the DEWALT DWS779 Double-Bevel Sliding Mitre Saw, are crucial for making precision cuts with ease, while a circular saws like the Mastercraft 20V Max Cordless Circular Saw allow you to make changes and cuts as needed.

An orbit sander, like this one from MAXIMUM, is another must-have for ensuring a smooth, levelled job, while a combo drill/driver like this MAXIMUM model will come in handy for multiple outdoor maintenance jobs.

For securing and building your fence or deck, the Scopelleti’s go-to tool is always a nail gun to ensure structural stability. Using a nail gun, like the MAXIMUM Framing Nailer not only saves time on your DIY projects, but avoids the manual strain of hammering.

Know How To Treat Your Materials

Photo via Canadian Tire
Photo via Canadian Tire

Different types of materials determine how you’ll be able to maintain your deck and fence.

If your structure is made from natural cedar, Geno recommends applying a new stain every two years.

“For pressure treated lumber, I would wait at least one year let it dry out before you take it in for sealing at least a minimum a year so it dries up,” he advised. “After that, I would just watch it probably every 2-3 years, maybe even longer.”

Before you apply a stain to your finished project, the Scopelleti’s recommend preparing the surface by using a sander, like the MAXIMUM 3A Random Orbit Sander with Cyclonic Dust Collection, 5-in.

“Sanding before you apply stain or paint is going to provide a smooth surface that will give you a more quality looking finished product,” Marino said, adding that you should follow up by cleaning your material with a pressure washer as a final step.

Products like the Premier Semi-Transparent Exterior Stain helps to preserve the look of the wood while protecting it against the elements, peeling and cracking and has a water-repellent formula to protect the wood against the elements.

Aside from having cosmetic benefits, a stain or paint can help match any materials you may have used during a repair, giving the entire project a cohesive look.

Canadian Tire and Yahoo Canada are helping Canadians seize the everyday this summer, with tips, tricks and everything you need for the season. Click here for more!