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How to Beef Up a Wimpy Deck

6 ways to fix up a shaky deck.

By Spike Carlsen

From The Family Handyman

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About This Project

• Overview and Preparation

• See Deck and Patio Projects

The average deck has a life span roughly equal to that of your refrigerator. But unlike your fridge, which dies a sudden death, a deck dies slowly—stairs start bouncing, rails begin to wobble, deck boards twist and bow, and you begin to notice an overall shakiness. If your deck shows signs of rot and deterioration, it needs replacement. But if the wood and support footings are in good shape, there are steps you can take to solidify your deck and prolong its life.

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