How to Replace a Broken Front Porch Board | Ask This Old House

Ask This Old House general contractor Tom Silva fixes a front porch by replacing a deck board.
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Homeowners have a virtual truckload of questions for us on smaller projects, and we're ready to answer. Ask This Old House solves the steady stream of home improvement problems faced by our viewers-and we make house calls! Ask This Old House features some familiar faces from This Old House, including Kevin O'Connor, general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, and landscape contractor Roger Cook.
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How to Replace a Broken Front Porch Board | Ask This Old House
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[@peony70]

Great video I have a lot of boards to replace but after seeing this I totally feel like I can do it myself, thank you! 🙏

[@bc057]

Tommy: "Are you up for doing some work?" End up he did everything himself

[@ekop1778]

@The Big1 HES A DEMPCRAP - NO WORK AND LIVES OFF THE TAXPAYER NO NO FINGERS INVOLVED

[@morecrapforputdowns]

Correction, he added some construction adhesive.

[@IntegraDIY]

Pure genius, this guy has so many tricks up his sleeves, I was pulling my hair out "How is he going to fit the board?!!!?!" And wham he does magic 🔩🔨🔩🔨

[@nighthawkj30A4]

Integra DIY also noticed the Acura Integra for your thumb nail nice 👌 im Acura/Honda guy myself. I have a NightHawkBlackPearl 03 Accord EXV6 Coupe.

[@akmmicou1819]

Wow..I have this same issue w the subfloors of my enclosed porch... I can do this too..thanku!

[@wheres_bears1378]

Poor Tom, he always thinks he’s being invited over for coffee but gets duped into fixing stuff

[@CoasterCrazyy]

5:28 the piece he cut fell down the hole under the deck LMFAO

[@julla1416]

Now have to rip up the entire deck to get that piece. Hahaha

[@fredbach6039]

Nice video. I believe there was more sliding room under the wall than under the threshold. I'm sure the board could have been longer and made to fit fully under the threshold.

[@deplorableb.r.4211]

Agree. Shorter than it should have been.

[@BigAlWillis]

once he added the support piece he couldn't get the angle to drop it in like he did. I'm pretty sure he thought of that.

[@kristinnuendo]

I need Tom to come to my 103 yr old house and replace a few boards for me too. At least now I know the size of boards I need for mine. It is identical to this floor.

[@singhA1968]

hi your hand condition showing your experience and your hard days.

[@johnwilliams7922]

Interesting. I can't tell the type of drill/driver, but that bit is a DeWalt. I needed this video. Have several boards on my porch to replace.

[@christophercrawford2736]

Probably festool. That’s typically what he uses.

[@fordman2018]

It is a festool, this old house is sponsored by them

[@teemainey2214]

Definitely Dewalt MaxFit bit. They are legit

[@dallashopkins884]

As a Professional/Retired Painter, I would suggest he prime/seal all 6 sides of that board prior to installation. His New Paint will last much longer.

[@julla1416]

Good idea

[@jamesgregory2197]

You guys are the best. Thanks for your help.

[@jaspalvirdee]

"I hope it fits" 😆😆😆😆

[@maskedmotorsdiy3575]

3:01. A 2x4 ledger board? That porch is definitely from the era before High Fructose Corn Syrup.

[@rotorblade7363]

Is there a link to those pliers?

[@brock9475]

nail hunter/nail jack/nail jack pro or staple jack

[@rotorblade7363]

@@brock9475 thanks for the reply. I've been working with a Blue Point for years and it's due a replacement.

[@brycehambleton1]

We can all appreciate a safe “deck”😉😉

[@dust09100]

Tommy loves his glue... he keeps gorilla glue in business

[@dereklull8212]

And the lady who uses it in her hair.

[@dust09100]

@@dereklull8212 hahahaa

[@RicardoJunqueira]

The cast of this show should be forbidden to age at all. So far, only Kevin seems to be following this rule.

[@DesignsbyCADPRO]

Kevin is the only one who doesn't work, just talks..haha. lol

[@DesignsbyCADPRO]

Lilly Satou these easy stuff

[@alexmurray7031]

he has gotten a little fat

[@lewisjohn9782]

Ricardo Lewissimpkins

[@manuelgoncalves6316]

Ricardo Junqueira W

[@elcoky1987]

I really like this guy very acknowledable

[@ryandiedrich6317]

6:38 You can hear the disappointment in his voice when he realizes he has to set about 300 nails before he sands.

[@megagypsy21]

Nice watch Tommy.

[@dwight.bennett]

QUESTION: What type of pliers are those @1:30? They're obviously a cousin of diagonal cutters, but I want to know what the proper name for them is, or a model# to search for. Searches for "nail pulling pliers" and "offset diagonal cutter" don't return this in the results.

[@richardkenworthy9312]

I wS wondering the same thing

[@brock9475]

nail hunter/nail jack/nail jack pro or staple jack

[@shaliniverma479]

Excellent!!

[@sheagoff6009]

Love the fact that Tommy has an Apple Watch

[@joshlynn3674]

Is it just me that noticed that Tommy had an Apple Watch????

[@shorelineECO]

would this work on a back porch too

[@bartbug1]

I would've gone down the idea of attaching a 'scab block' (fixed to the front ledger board and between the joists) to that beam @ 3:22 That is thick enough to enable a shanked nail to fix through the floor board onto that 'scab block'. Still a fiddly job. Well done.

[@griffin6912]

fun and games till tounge and groove..

[@j8lech]

I always learn a tool name from every Tommy video.

[@fleurdavey9785]

No more glue tommy you need to use fasteners like nails screws rivets nuts and bolts as it would be easier to replace.

[@MrJaco2a]

Screw the shim into the band board. Open the storm door and smack the decking under, then pull it back under the other side with a screw matching the joist location.

[@erinhansen4273]

RusticMinded if

[@saulgoodman2018]

The door threshold would be in the way. And those are a lot of work to remove.

[@tborg9173]

Wish they had a episode on replacing a side porch floor board. Anyone know how to do that?

[@bg147]

How would a tongue and groove board be removed? The only thing I can think of is running a circular saw down the center of the board, use a hand saw to extend the cuts to the ends, and then pry the two strips up from the center cut?.

[@adven0018]

Tommy saves the day again!!

[@jesushernandez-do1bx]

Love your work

[@ashylarry3442]

I’ve been watching these dudes for years and they are by far more knowledgeable than I am, but couldn’t he have just opened the door and slid it in from that side?

[@hpiccus]

How about his cutting method? He held the board in the air with one hand and drive the circular saw with the other hand. And did so right above the other floor boards.

[@Varifyable]

What about it?

[@raulgutierrez5920]

You Superman😂😂😂😂🤣🤣

[@evanbailey3421]

Does this also work on a back porch

[@rawbacon]

Only if it's facing South.

[@GoatzombieBubba]

Screw painting after sanding give it a nice stain and sealer.

[@EFD620G]

Open the Doors you'll have plenty of room

[@therealdonut45]

Why is that board not pressure treated since it's outside

[@godbluffvdgg]

That porch wall and floor are bedshitters...There should be a gap under the wall and the porch boards should overhang the ribbon board by 1-1.25 inches...Whenever I do repairs here in the philly areas with the 1X3 or 4 T/G I back prime it with a premium primer, sometimes twice, Three coats of face finish over prime...

[@Familyman530]

Where does the water from rain drain off of tgis porch?

[@1Akanan1]

the deck is covered.

[@MsUltrafox]

Handy tip for the next time. START with placing the screws in first. BUT only start them, That way you can easely screw them in without any trouble.

[@shirleyporter9025]

I think I would have wedged a block between the shelf and the ground to support the repair.

[@rels9273]

The block would rot from ground contact, and also the ground moves, especially in places that freeze. You need a proper foundation, below the frostline to do that. i.e. it's not practical for a repair like this.

[@detroitone3118]

why is it on every video from this channel, there is always some people who like to complain and whine about whats in the video? its annoying. if you're such a expert, make your own videos.

[@Engineer9736]

detroitone Just don't read the comments if you don't want to see discussions.

[@MichaelMantion]

detroitone I hope you realise you are complaining and whining? That said the comment section is to discuss the content of the video not making complaints about the lack of professional videos or you opinions on what comments are important. also if there are flaws or alternatives people want to see them in the comment section. I want to know if there are flaws or better ways. also 2 minute comment local to the video is much more useful and efficient then spending hours recording and editing a video showing an alternative that people watching this video would ever see. its sad I have to waste my time explaining the value and purpose of the comment section. If you really don't want to read the opinions of others why are you even reading the comments? if you only want to read things you agree with then you are wasting time hearing an echo.

[@detroitone3118]

alright

[@darthrevan2063]

Michael Mantion if you got such an issue with it then just simply don't watch the video or read the comments

[@boxsterman77]

Exactly. And they charge way too much for these videos. Would you agree Michael that comments can be useful contributions offering alternatives and making observations that perhaps went unnoticed--AND they can also be a forum for people to indulge in harping or misinformed criticisms? If it were possible to steer people in the direction of a generous and commodious attitude, that would be great.

[@mejustme474]

Ok but I don’t like that… what to do when those boards go? Was hoping for a better solution. I❤this old house and I’m keep educating myself

[@williamsandritter]

Never leave any untreated pieces of wood, under a deck where they might be a starter snack for termites.

[@jeffw4698]

If it was already a part of the deck wouldn’t it already be treated? Honest question

[@williamsandritter]

@@jeffw4698 they didn't have treated wood back in the day when that deck was built.

[@daddydoc1115]

5:25 OSHA is screaming

[@terrysmith7454]

HI , COULD YOU JUST OPEN THE DOOR AND SLIDE IT FROM THE DOOR

[@pipesmoker4238]

Thought the same thing😁

[@christophercrawford2736]

It still wouldn’t be able to reach all the way and then slide under the threshold.

[@sheatheman]

nice apple watch

[@nsxproperties560]

Instead of creating a shelf on the front, why not create a ledger board on the front?

[@cup_and_cone]

"I'm going to sand this". You couldn't pay me enough money to sit there patiently and power sand that thing. You'd still never get all of it off. I'd pressure clean it...right through all the old paint and into fresh wood. Let it dry for a couple days, then apply DeckOver.

[@MichaelMantion]

thechosendude I was thinking the same thing. plus paint dust even non-lead is harmful. I mean its not going to kill but pressure washing is better then sanding to remove paint. only real issue is dry time in humid areas.

[@rbeck3200tb40]

just use paint stripper

[@luckyvet]

Rent an industrial floor sander (the belt is about 12" x 30" and the unit looks like a large upright vacuum). We did our deck (80'x12') in less than 3 hours. We used up about 10 sanding belts. Make sure to pound those nails in 1/8th of an inch in beforehand and it'll turn out great. For tight areas use a hand held belt sander.

[@Edward-tp5nc]

No way that deck board to be a shelf just stays there with fresh glue behind it and a screw goes in as such. That had to dry first.

[@76thMarauder]

Or you open the door and do it from the opening of the door? would be able to slide it in

[@atkgrl]

how easy those screws went in...ALL ROTTEN

[@richandmeaty]

why didn't just slide it in from the outside.

[@ARusso1192]

wearing an apple watch lol

[@Goodwithwood69]

The adhesive would be useless with all the dust under there!

[@farmerdave7965]

I cut the board 3 times and it's STILL too short !!!

[@mykkail1727]

the board should be shorter only by the length of piece that goes under the house side.

[@brunodavid101]

I would have opened the door for more room

[@QUICKNEASYHANDYMAN]

Third try he finally pulls the nail right

[@Dark_Jester89]

lumbaaaah

[@dalebabbitt6185]

Open the front doors

[@fireblaster9961]

Couldn’t you just open the door and push it back in under

[@christophercrawford2736]

That’s a lot of extra work, especially weatherproofing the door again just to slide the board in a couple extra inches.

[@maxpower2511]

The homeowner is gonna rent a sander and break it because he never set the nails

[@stetsongray1975]

Tawmmy rawks the cats paw, rawks the cats paw

[@edyrivas1361]

just open the door

[@beeps7]

Wonder if he picked up that chunk of wood that fell under the decking. Wood on the ground invites termites.

[@maxHeadroom325rayxerin]

its a common thing all pros do, like magnesium in water heaters that is so they crew on that little chunk instead if the deck

[@davestout8471]

@@maxHeadroom325rayxerin a sacrificial piece, makes sense.

[@maxHeadroom325rayxerin]

@@davestout8471 either that or he forgot about the off cut

[@gfy2979]

your house isn't going to "catch" termites unless it's wet and if it's wet, fungus and bacteria may eat it first!

[@Bremend]

Pretty sure that is not how to safely use a circular saw...

[@stevehillier7018]

8 pennnnnny finiiiiish nails lol 😂

[@Kauppamopo]

that is one rotten deck needing replacement -.-

[@RecklessTheory]

people are cheap. If they had the budget just take the bottom layer of siding off to get access and replace all the boards with composite decking. it's not that wide so it would probably good with 12ft boards cut in half. looks like 1x4 now and composite is 1x6 so go from roughly 60 boards by the looks to 40 boards cut in half is 20 12-footers at $34 a piece is about $700. as a DIY project if you get a deal on bulk for the boards is a good deal and the deck will never need any work again for as long as they own the house and will look amazing.

[@TheXxneowolfxX]

He cuts it to original length. So why not just cut 1 1/2-2 inches off thus giving enough room to both fit under porch wall and allowing for the board to sit fully on the threshold joist?

[@dos32zh]

Yoooo i just had this issue... paid someone -_- who cut out a section

[@Engineer9736]

Z Holliday It's always best to solve stuff yourself. Unless it's really complicated, or if you're a housewife.. ;-)

[@deeplorable8988]

How to replace a broken heart?

[@TheRealChrisHansen]

First remove with cat's paw....

[@andresrivera796]

Remove the first row of siding to the board that would of been a better job that was a rookie move coming from you

[@akmmicou1819]

I think doing it the simplest way was the point..so that someone could replace a board on their own...

[@Maxid1]

He could have cut it longer.

[@cwc8979]

I would just replace the whole deck with new wood. The green ones look very old

[@MarioDragon]

It's just the worn out finish or paint, the wood's probably still good. No reason to spend that kind of money when a paint job will make it look new

[@kevinhornbuckle]

It is a can of worms just waiting to unravel (sorry for mixed metaphor). The joists probably need work, the foundation probably needs repair, the threshold needs replacement, and on and on. Knowing when to not go further is a good skill.

[@lostintime8651]

why

[@saulgoodman2018]

Kevin, just because it was built a long time ago, doesn't mean the whole thing needs to be replace. I hpe you aren't a contractor, conning people into replacing a whole deck when it does not need to be replaces.

[@buckbuck9225]

OTC would yoy pay for it too?

[@BG-ns7tl]

Someone farted at 1:28

[@stevehillier7018]

Bill Gray someone sure did at 1.28

[@chewningwitmer5806]

This time I will use Woodglut plans for this.

[@monkeyboy4746]

Boiling water.

[@tabithaw7585]

Why not just open the door?

[@cherryberry10142011]

😂

[@bluejuiseritsma]

The toekick is still in the way

[@rod1148]

Perhaps because it gives an example of what to do if the board had been someplace other than in front of the door?

[@danbrockel8078]

Tabitha W yes Dan Yes Dan

[@brycewaltonsphotography3969]

@@rod1148 yup

[@pear7777]

It could've been longer, bending it in place.

[@johnsmith-wc8gs]

I can taste the lead. I seriously recommend against sanding that deck down.

[@TacPan]

or just open that screen door and get the clearance you need.

[@howdoin5900]

He could of cut the board in half and used the middle wood to screw both ends in

[@davidtube5982]

tom has an apple watch

[@Engineer9736]

David Tube Conclusion.. ?

[@JohnSmith-wp8ie]

he should have used a treated 1x4 deck plank to replace that board so if it gets wet it won't rot and its termite resistant

[@agamids]

Playj

[@dentacare92]

If he had opened the door he wouldn't need to cut the length of the board.🤔

[@hyperuben]

obviously you've never done this kind of work, have you?

[@juanherbert2365]

You could just open the door

[@porkchop1343]

Dumb way to fix it..he could just had attach to the cross beam

[@benjimcdowell1627]

Ok Mr expert

[@enriquefernandez4904]

why didnt he just open the front door and slide the piece of wood in

[@cherryberry10142011]

enrique fernandez 😂

[@tomwheat1853]

No use at all 😂

[@Rai2M]

What i really dont understand is why the hell those boards dont have tongues and grooves... Oh, i see. It would be damn difficult to make a show of replacing a single broken board :)

[@saulgoodman2018]

Because it doesn't. Not all builders use the same materials.

[@HAMRADIOJOE4178]

I WOULD MOVE THE FRONT STAIRS IN FRONT OF THE DOOR, DUMB ON THE SIDE OF THE FRONT DOOR

[@red_freckle]

MY CAPS LOCK KEY IS BROKEN TOO!

[@finn127]

I DIED A LITTLE! 😂

[@Engineer9736]

HAMRADIOJOE Just break down the whole house until you have 1 cabin left.

[@buckbuck9225]

it wouldn't hurt to explain why the work had to be done,

[@shadowblack1987]

Watch the video?... "this is dangerous"

[@hyperuben]

tripping hazard