How To Repair Rising Deck Boards

As your home ages, your deck boards may start rising or lifting out of place, which can make your deck look ugly. It can also make your deck unsafe. Fixing the boards is a manageable task that requires a few tools and some basic do-it-yourself skills. Read our guide below for more information about why deck boards rise and how to maintain your deck to prevent it from lifting. 

Why Do Deck Boards Lift?

Deck boards might lift because of a combination of moisture, improper construction, or other variables that are included below. 

Pro Tip: Tom Silva, general contractor on This Old House, has long emphasized that fastener choice and technique matter just as much as the wood itself: “Using the worst material and the right techniques may work better than if you use the best material and do it wrong.” Nails, in particular, tend to loosen as wood alternately shrinks and swells with changes in moisture content — once they lose their grip, deck boards start to lift. That’s why screws or construction adhesive paired with finishing nails are generally preferred for long-lasting deck installations.

Pro Tip: Norm Abram, master carpenter on This Old House, points to moisture as the primary culprit: “There could be a number of things wrong here, but they basically all come down to too much moisture on the wood.” He advises checking that gutters aren’t splashing water onto the deck, that the surface is pitched at least 1/8 inch per foot for proper drainage, and that plantings around the deck aren’t choking off air circulation underneath.

Moisture and Wood Shrinkage

Wood shrinkage that’s caused by moisture changes is one of the primary culprits of rising deck boards. New deck framing typically contains lots of moisture, and as the wood dries out, it shrinks, which can cause the issues below.

• Boards lift from the joists
• Gaps between boards
• Loosening fasteners
• Warping or cupping deck boards

Moisture content in wood can fluctuate based on weather conditions, the wood’s exposure to water, and the local climate. Seasonal changes can also make your deck boards less stable. Wood can absorb more moisture and expand during rainy seasons, while it contracts during dryer months, which can cause lifting or gapping issues.

Pro Tip: Norm Abram also advises checking conditions around the deck that trap moisture: “Are the gutters working so that no water is splashing on the deck? Is it pitched properly—at least 1/8 inch per foot—so water drains off? Are the plantings around the porch choking off air circulation under the deck? Any of these things could cause the wood to swell and expand in width.” Addressing these issues can significantly reduce the moisture cycling that causes boards to rise.

Improper Fastening

Using the wrong fasteners to secure deck boards can cause the boards to rise. The variables below can also cause issues.

• If you don’t use enough fasteners for the board, it can pop out of place.
• Nails tend to loosen over time with the natural movement of the wood.
• Screws that are too short won’t penetrate deeply enough to hold the boards down.
• The wrong type of screws can damage the board material.

Signs You Have Rising Deck Boards

The elements below might point to rising deck boards:

• An uneven surface across the deck
• Boards that feel loose or springy when you walk on them
• Protruding nail or screw heads
• Visible gaps between the deck boards and joists

Regularly inspecting your deck can help you to catch these issues early, make repairs more easily, and prevent future issues. To perform an inspection, simply watch the boards as you gently apply pressure while walking. Pay special attention to high-traffic areas such as near the door, along a path, or close to seating.

Tools and Materials To Repair Rising Deck Boards

You’ll need the materials below to fix your rising deck boards:

• Appropriate deck screws (composite or standard, depending on your decking material)
• Drill/driver
• Hammer
• Level
• Pry bar
• Replacement boards
• Safety glasses
• Tape measure
• Wood filler 
• Work gloves

Steps To Repair Rising Deck Boards

Follow the guide below to repair your deck:

1. Remove any protruding nails or screws from the lifted boards.
2. Use a pry bar to gently lift the board to access the joists underneath.
3. Replace any damaged or rotted joists.
4. Select the appropriate screws for your decking material.
5. Pre-drill holes in the deck boards to prevent splitting.
6. Drive new screws through the deck boards into the joists. Make sure they are long enough to penetrate at least 1.5 inches into the joist.
7. Countersink the screw heads slightly below the surface of the deck board.
8. Fill any visible screw holes with wood filler that matches your deck color.
9. Repeat the process for all affected boards.
10. Make sure the sections you’ve repaired are level. 
11. Make sure the boards are aligned after you fasten them.

TOH Technique: When removing old nails from deck boards, TOH general contractor Tom Silva uses a cat’s paw to pry out each nail. If a nail is missing its head, he switches to nail-pulling pliers for a cleaner extraction. Scoring the paint along any joints on the board’s edges before prying also eases removal and prevents damage to adjacent boards.

Pro Tip: TOH general contractor Tom Silva recommends using a counterbore bit when pre-drilling screw holes: “I want to drill it, and I want to use this. This is a counterbore,” he explains, which allows you to recess the screw head cleanly below the surface without damaging the surrounding wood. He also cautions against using drywall screws for this work: “I don’t wanna use a drywall screw because they’re brittle. They’ll snap on you. You can end up with another problem when that happens.” Instead, opt for deck screws designed to handle the stress of outdoor conditions.

Choosing the Right Screws for Rising Deck Boards

Use screws that are 2.5 times longer than the thickness of the material that you’re fastening. This will help the screws to keep an adequate grip even as the wood structure dries and shrinks.

Pro Tip: Tommy Silva, TOH plumbing and heating expert, explains the 2.5× rule: “The rule of thumb that I use is 2.5 times the thickness of the material that you’re gonna fasten should be your screw length.” He notes that using the right length ensures the screw goes deep enough into the structure to maintain a solid grip — and that simply replacing short screws with properly sized ones can solve a rising deck board problem entirely.

Screw Types

Different decking materials require specific types of screws:

• Composite: Use composite decking screws that are designed to prevent mushrooming.
• PVC: Use screws that are specifically designed for PVC materials.
• Tropical Hardwood: Choose high-strength, corrosion-resistant screws.
• Wood: Use stainless steel or coated deck screws.

Screw Length

You can secure your deck and keep yourself safe by using the right screws. A 3-inch screw is usually sufficient for decking, which is usually 5/4 inches thick. This allows for proper penetration through the deck board, adequate grip on the joist beneath, and compensation for any potential future wood shrinkage. 

Drive the screws in straight and flush with the board’s surface to get a clean finish.

Preventing Future Issues With Deck Boards

Follow the steps below to take care of your deck and prevent future issues: 

Regular Maintenance

• Apply a water-repellent sealer to wood decks every few years.
• Clean your deck regularly to prevent moisture buildup.
• Inspect your deck annually for signs of lifting or loose boards.
• Tighten any loose screws as part of routine maintenance.

Pro Tip: TOH general contractor Tom Silva recommends a proactive approach to deck fasteners: “Right now is when people should be getting outside, getting under their decks, and checking on their hangers and their fasteners. See if anything’s loose and get it tightened up.” He also stresses the importance of using the correct hardware: “You want to make sure that the fastener is rated for the material,” noting that chemical changes to pressure-treated wood since 2003 can cause a galvanic reaction with incompatible fasteners.

Proper Installation Techniques

Consider the tips below if you’re building a new deck or replacing boards:

• Allow lumber to acclimate to the local climate before you start installation to reduce the risk of shrinkage.
• Install boards with the crown facing up to prevent pooling water.
• Properly space boards to allow for expansion, contraction, and ventilation.
• Use as many fasteners per board as the manufacturer recommends. 

Pro Tip: TOH general contractor Tom Silva recommends keeping screws about 3/4 inch from ends and edges when face-fastening composite decking, which can crumble if screwed too close to the edge. At butt ends, he angles the screws slightly toward the joist for a more secure hold.

Climate Considerations

Think about how weather patterns in your area will affect your deck’s lifespan. Plan for sufficient drainage if you’re in a region that gets heavy rainfall, and pick sun-resistant or UV-protected finishes for decks in hot climates. Use rot-resistant wood or composite materials in humid areas.

When to Call a Professional To Repair Deck Boards

You can probably repair boards on your own, but consider calling the professionals for help if you notice any of the following: 

• Extensive structural damage to the deck framing
• If your deck is older than 15-20 years, and you need a full replacement
• Lack of confidence in your ability to safely complete the repairs
• Signs of rot or insect infestation in multiple areas

Professionals can provide a full deck assessment and recommend the best remedy, whether it’s minor repairs or complete replacement. They can make sure your deck is safe and stable.