How to Replace a Deck Joist Hanger | Ask This Old House

In this video, Ask This Old House carpenter Nathan Gilbert helps a homeowner repair her deck by replacing rotted hangers and re-securing the joist to the structure.
SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: bit.ly/Subscrib....
Nathan Gilbert visits a deck that had a joist fall down. The homeowners use the deck as their main entrance to enter and exit their home, so there is a lot of foot traffic. Nathan puts the joist back into place and demonstrates how to remove corroded joist hangers and replace them with new ones. He also shares how to prevent the hangers from rusting in the future. After, Nathan is joined by Tom Silva and Kevin in the workshop to talk about choosing the proper fasteners and hangers for the project.
Time: 1 to 2 hours
Cost: Under $30
Skill Level: Moderate
Tools:
Reciprocating saw [amzn.to/3v7bu8f]
Nail puller [amzn.to/3ouVt9y]
Prybar [amzn.to/3oxIlkj]
Hammer [amzn.to/3oxCivT]
Metal connector nailer [amzn.to/3ysRKOG]
Drill driver [amzn.to/2SVawh4]
Materials:
Galvanized joist hangers [amzn.to/3fut7YZ]
Galvanized steel deck screws [amzn.to/3hE0Ba5]
Steps for replacing a deck joist hanger
1. Remove the fallen joist.
2. Remove what’s left of the corroded hanger.
3. Pop up the old nails from under the deck and remove them from the top of the deck.
4. Flip the joist 180 degrees from how it was to have the old nail holes facing the ground.
5. Use a scrap piece of wood to prop the joist up.
6. Put a few screws into the joist to hold it in place until you get the hanger on.
7. Nail the hanger into place.
8. On the side opposite of the ledger board, Nathan used an angle bracket only because there was a ledge that offered support for the joists.
9. Nathan used 2” screws with a ceramic coating to reattach the deck boards to the reinstalled joist.
10. Remove the rest of the old hangers and replace them with new joist hangers.
Where to find it?
Nathan replaced the rotted joist hangers with 2x8” Face-Mount Galvanized Joist Hangers [amzn.to/3fut7YZ], which are manufactured by Simpson Strong-Tie [www.strongtie....] and can be found at most home centers.
To resecure the deck boards to the joist, Nathan used a drill driver and 2” Deckmate star drive coated deck screws [amzn.to/3hE0Ba5], which can also be found at home centers.
Looking for more step by step guidance on how to complete projects around the house? Join This Old House Insider to stream over 1,000 episodes commercial-free: bit.ly/2GPiYbH
Plus, download our FREE app for full-episode streaming to your connected TV, phone or tablet: www.thisoldhou...
About Ask This Old House TV:
From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. Ask This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment-your home.
Follow This Old House and Ask This Old House:
Facebook: bit.ly/ThisOldH...
Twitter: bit.ly/AskTOHTw...
Pinterest: bit.ly/ThisOldH...
Instagram: bit.ly/AskTOHIG
How to Replace a Deck Joist Hanger | Ask This Old House
/ thisoldhouse

[@audreybowles6357]

It's great when the contractor not only repairs the project but shows the client how to and the client participates in the repair as well. A standard Ask This Old House integral practice. Kudos everyone 👏

[@oldtwinsna8347]

Tommy's decades of experience really shines through at the end.

[@briannikolai7294]

I have over 1500 sq feet of deck on the house i bought and the guy who built it 15 + years ago used drywall screws.... What a big job it has been removing and replacing them all

[@TheEclecticHandyman]

Did you have to prop up the joist for each hanger replaced, or can you swap them 1 at a time without additional support?

[@georges.5612]

@@TheEclecticHandyman I have the same question for the same issue. My builder used deck screws to hang the joists. I'm planning on replacing one screw at a time without replacing the joists (it was built 3 months ago).

[@stephenholland6328]

Liked the comments on chemistry. Also, didn’t know there was such a thing as an old work hanger. Great tip!

[@onecrookedeye1896]

Nice to see young blood in the fix-it industry :) Nathan just blends right in.

[@rupe53]

new blood is nice but would have been better if there was an introduction or backstory on where the new guy comes from. I mean, we don't even know his name and we are supposed to accept him into the fold like the others who have been there for a decade or more?

[@Subangelis]

@@rupe53 - He was an apprentice on This Old House for a whole season when they started Generation Next.

[@rupe53]

@@Subangelis ... This Old House has been around for what, 3 decades and has a dozen episodes a year... and we're supposed to remember a guy who was in the background for part of a single season without at least a brief mention of his part? I can't even find the new shows on my local PBS these days.

[@bryanb30]

To the cinematographer /camera operator The two shot at 1:26 is beautiful in composition and subtle shallow depth of field! 👏🏿 Informative segment!

[@IMA_CAT123]

Agree. That shot really stood out for me too, and was made even more beautiful by the falling snow.

[@borys444]

It’s love at first sight for my boy Nathan!!! Give her the old HOW U DOIN....

[@borys444]

@@Kevin-mp5ofbut they look so happy together...

[@donc-m4900]

College grad living at home... Should have gone into the Trades.

[@borys444]

@@donc-m4900 most college grads live at home so ur not alone..

[@borys444]

@@Kevin-mp5of and he graduated from college so he fits the stereotype very well.

[@borys444]

@@Kevin-mp5of same. I should have dropped out of high school and skipped college completely than maybe I could have made something of myself.

[@KevinJones-pj8kx]

They also now recommend to use a membrane like ice & water shield on top of the joists to reduce water soaking into the joist from screw or nail holes. I wish they had mentioned it.

[@jridge16]

Exactly. I've seen "joist tape" at Home Depot for this purpose

[@janking2762]

It’s hard to retrofit it on a repair .

[@williammcaleer4662]

Nice job! Was just doing this on mine! And so nice to have a helper!!❤️🔨

[@djamelhamdia134]

They are falling in love already!

[@TheEclecticHandyman]

8:53 oh nice thank you. That's a really good tip

[@stemofthefly]

At 4:10 - she was all googly eyed! 😊 👁 👁

[@mikescott9213]

Do you have a link or part number for the hanger that goes over the existing hanger ?

[@gtob431]

If you ever figured it out let me know! I need 8 of them.

[@gtob431]

Great video. Where can you find the extra wide joist hangers? Dimensions please?

[@majahanson311]

If I'm not mistaken, that's the Bostitch Strapshot positive placement nailer. It's limited to 1.5 inch nails, which are perfect for the ones that go straight into 2-by lumber, but inadequate for the toe nails that go in diagonally. Those should really be 2.5 inches

[@janking2762]

The current Simpson screws recommended for toe “nailing” are 2.5 inches long.

[@TwinMcQuerns]

Also, you aren't supposed to mix nails and screws in a hanger or other Simpson connector. Why they aren't using stainless joist hangers and nail when it is likely the lady is going to keep salting the deck is beyond me.

[@TobiasRaphael1]

I just noticed this, seeing Tommy and Nathan next to each other... Nathan looks like a young version of Tommy:D Also, Nathan and Catherine make a great team. They should get their own fixer - upper show!

[@allanbrown3493]

And Catherine was,int wearing gloves, tough lady.

[@SpiritRed]

I love this channel .

[@pbakai182]

4:09 i don't know why but I burst out laughing at this one shot LOL

[@malcolmchambers5499]

We needed to know her reaction that’s all

[@Good_Boy_Red]

I don't know why, but after watching this episode, I really want a new Carhartt jacket.

[@emirbukva5393]

I couldn’t find enough gaps for a pry bar to take out my partially rusty hangers. Going to try an angle grinder next. Which made me wonder: how difficult can it be to take the rusty nails out? New nails go in the same holes. If the head of the nai were to split, what would you do? Any tips on taking rusty hangers and nail out cleanly?

[@jamesburleigh5995]

Buy a nail puller. It works when you have no gaps. Just did this today.

[@pacopike1]

Question: I have a old deck that used a Deck ledger strip (2x2). Therefore the deck joist have a notch cut out that the deck ledger strip fits in to. I want to replace the ledger strip with joist hangers. My question is How? I've heard people say back the notch with a piece of the ledger strip then use the joist hanger. Is this correct?

[@nasarazam]

Do you need specific tip for nail guns for nailing those hangers?

[@robertdiesen6873]

Neat!!! I saw this on PBS!!!

[@robertdiesen6873]

@@brianglade848 what does it have to do with Commodore64 computer?

[@donc-m4900]

Atari 2600 guy myself.

[@marshmutt8975]

Nah.... Closer to Hallmark Channel! ❤️❤️❤️

[@enjay8950]

What does salt do? I live in a tropical country and have only seen snow on the tv. Also, is it normal to just be out working when it's snowing like that? Is it not like rain which you end up soaking wet from? (even light rain)

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

The salt will melt the snow down to around 10 degrees F (-12C).

[@marcibunn]

thank you!

[@lalva2024]

Still waiting on the part number for the extra wide joist hangers for a retrofit. I’m guessing they’re made by Simpson…??

[@donaldclemmons5980]

instead of taking down a bad joist can i just add another one right against the bad one ?

[@stevenisrael3630]

Does anyone know the hangers he showed at the end of the video? I can't seem to find them. Thank you.

[@1224skirun]

Did you ever find them?

[@poeticthoughts06]

Im a fan of Nathan.

[@kanento]

Screw and nailed and she said it felt great.. 6:03

[@jm97240]

What size fasteners should you use though. Are there screws specifically for joist hangers or could you just use a lag bolt? I've been reading about 10d, 12d and 16d nails for whether the joist is being connected to a single board or 2 boards sistered together. But then you need to have "framing" nails as there are nails with full heads that aren't for framing. Obviously I wouldn't use a finish nail but this is going to get confusing standing at the big box store staring at fasteners lol.

[@TobiasRaphael1]

Yes, there are specific nails and screws for joist hangers. Go to the manufacturers website to see which ones are to be used for that specific hanger, or ask someone at the pro desk. They should have a catalog with the necessary specs.

[@MandoFettOG]

They make it easy at the store. Usually the nails say joist hanger on the box in my experience. If you just Google different types of nails and screws lots of articles making it easy to see. Just pull it up in the store while you're shopping

[@JonnyDIY]

Am I the only one who noticed how trim ole Tommy is lookin?

[@deanslegos1990]

Lean, mean, Tahmmy machine

[@TobiasRaphael1]

I noticed that too. He must be off of his usual bear claw diet and on to something more healthy. ;D

[@MandoFettOG]

Same! He looks good

[@jdorffer]

I love her voice

[@Bigfoot14000]

No mention of stainless steel hangers in that high-salt exposure environment. They are available, I have used them. Spendy yes, worth it, yes.

[@SuperEman197]

We're did buy the hangers

[@JonnyDIY]

Deck looks like it's barely "hangin" on

[@Guardducks]

The screws are barely hanging on that Nathan used 2" on a 2x6 that gives you 1/2" grip into the board below.

[@johnlebzelter4208]

@@Guardducks glad you can do simple math. Good for you!

[@JonnyDIY]

@@Guardducks Yeah I'd have used 2.5" screws, well no I'd have used nails, that Deck isn't worth using screws on

[@deanslegos1990]

Doesn't help that it joist lays around all day 👀

[@donc-m4900]

by my eye (@0:15) looks like one inch actual to me. Same as my deck. So 2in fastener would work.

[@FirstNameLastName-okayyoutube]

Use a melt mat.. you don't have to add salt. You can go online and find a bird bath heater. You simply need to provide the material it is in contact with a temperature slightly above freezing which means it uses a very little energy

[@FirstNameLastName-okayyoutube]

And at super cool temperatures salt simply stops working so any such argument about Sub-Zero temperatures is useless

[@peshoivanov7750]

Why not SS screws?

[@thuntermi]

You can't mix SS and galvanized. They will react and corrode. If you use galvanized hangers you need to use galvanized fasteners. If you use SS hangers you must use SS fasteners.

[@Guillotines_For_Globalists]

GREAT THANKS SO MUCH!

[@robertaugustini4673]

Hello im Robert i need help puting toughter a tv stand i cant do it

[@tomsaywer9883]

At 4:26 she was so darn cute. 🥰

[@gregglouis2969]

Lordy boys. Any other projects this girl needs done be sure to help her out! Ha

[@BrotherNo]

I need to replace half rotted deck post any tips?

[@darylfitz4189]

Buy a 12 pack of beer first.

[@RichardTurlington]

Absolutely your most essential tool!

[@jakeschroeder1553]

"Mom, Dad - TOH is here to fix the deck!" "Is it Nate? Why don't you just go answer the door for him."

[@Ag0rax]

decent opportunity for stainless steel joist hangers

[@Chuchonation]

4:18 that’s what she said

[@BlueStarDrumBum]

Why does your peg board seem to have an angle where it leans back at the top? How was the angle chosen?

[@kevinrain22]

Is Nathan just helping hot ladies?

[@s.n.9485]

I mean, why not?

[@Rambo_760]

She is indeed hot. Love myself a blond. I’m sure when the cameras are off, he really helps her out.

[@calebickler6052]

@@Rambo_760 calm down rambo

[@Rambo_760]

@@calebickler6052 You jealous? Of course you are.

[@brad9257]

@@calebickler6052 lol

[@PaulTierney-nb3qe]

Usually people wait for warm weather to fix these types of problems. I guess in Antarctica this is normal.

[@MB12116]

Lol

[@CircleVGamer]

Don’t see why you would wait needs to be done get it done I built houses in snow needed to shovel the whole deck before work could be done

[@TobiasRaphael1]

She said her father just took a nasty fall. Good daughter looking out for her dad!

[@Yupumad]

When surfaces you walk on are structurally failing, just put it off until the summer. Great idea!

[@newdogatplay]

Where can i find a Link to video on strair risers an how to cut them for unlevel landings

[@acerjuglans383]

@@Kevin-mp5of dont you ever shut up?

[@glorygloryhallelujah]

@gizmo atplay look at my stairs Playlist

[@glorygloryhallelujah]

@gizmo atplay look at my stairs Playlist

[@whatsapk484]

People will be kicking themselves in few weeks if they miss the opportunity to buy and invest in bitcoin

[@crypt0yoda..1-70]

@Francisco Angel That won't bother you if you trade with a professional like Mr George hendricks

[@Omarali-yb3qu]

I heard his strategies are really good

[@jerryhills2145]

Yeah My first Investment with Mr George Hendricks aim me profits of over $24,320 US dollars and ever since then he has Been delivering

[@donaldpat357]

He has really made a good name for himself

[@jasonpizzino7084]

He's obviously the best I invested 2000USD with him and in 9 days I made a profit of 9101USD

[@chet174able]

Put it off layout so you can attach decking with no holes in decking

[@howtodoitdude1662]

Nail gun for the hanger? What if she missed the hole? Good thing she had goggles!

[@MrNetnut]

Krazy !

[@2chipped]

So let's recap, the joist fell from the "engineered" hanger. However the wood ledger underneath, (which were used for years) didn't 🤔. A 2x4 nailed to the beam (with 16-20p nails) with the joist sitting on top didn't fail . Metal engineering can and will fail,wood can hold just as good and last longer. Acq is a rotten smelling new treatment, apparently several horses(not 10 or more ,but several )died from the arsenic. Now we have to use ss 316 if you want anything to last. Ceramic coated deck screws rust,so do galvanized nails in a vertical orientation in damp conditions like a deck.

[@Guillotines_For_Globalists]

I believe they make "retrofit" hangers that can fit OVER existing hangers so that you don't have to remove them.

[@RichardTurlington]

Must not have watched this until the very end. They actually pull one out and demonstrated it at the end of the video.

[@Guillotines_For_Globalists]

@@RichardTurlington Must not have.

[@TheEclecticHandyman]

Yeah they talk about it at 8:53

[@Guillotines_For_Globalists]

@@TheEclecticHandyman I see. I prematurely commentulated!

[@davidclark6694]

I'm assuming carhart is a sponsor?

[@Googaliemoogalie]

I sprayed liquid rubber on mine, the ones that say it's safe for metal

[@marshmutt8975]

Did I tune into The Hallmark Channel?

[@R1Kyle]

I like how scripted and rehearsed that feels, they gave the cute girl a job and a set of safety glasses too.

[@georgelfc1]

i can see why tom passed on this one !!lol

[@StoneE4]

What about Tom's past?

[@georgelfc1]

@@StoneE4 lol i mean i can see why tom didn't do that episode and sent the kid in because he didn't want to crawling on his knees in the snow at his age lol smart guy

[@StoneE4]

@@georgelfc1 : Oh... You can see why Tom *_passed_*_ (not past)_ on this job.

[@StoneE4]

@@brianglade848 : _"Tom's pants....."_ Yes. We are all well aware of the degree to which you, Kevin, and TX 77 have an insatiable interest in what is inside Tom's pants. There's no need to keep broadcasting it.

[@StoneE4]

@@Kevin-mp5of : Then stop broadcasting it. If you wish to gaze upon what is inside Tom's pants that's your prerogative. I simply think the rest of us don't need to hear about it. Fair enough?

[@MillennialBro]

Ya think Carhart sponsored this production???

[@Mr-Chris]

4:09 & 4:26 I swear she was falling in love with him.

[@abdulelkhatib2674]

Wouldn't it have been better to use stainless hangers and fasteners since they salt the deck.

[@abdulelkhatib2674]

@@Kevin-mp5of Now with current lumber prices if they got desperate they could take the deck apart and sell it for parts and make a few thousand.

[@metrazol]

This is an odd case of, "Do these hangers look funny?" and here we are 2 days later, "How to replace a hanger!" Also, nice hats.

[@kenyonmcclain560]

It's called a stiff knee in the south

[@jake9705]

Why did the repairman choose to use a combination of nails and screws instead of just nails or just screws? Screws only would be strongest but of course they're more expensive and harder to install.

[@JonnyDIY]

I think they wanted to show both options, & using screws are easier then trying to use a hammer in tight awkward positions

[@oscarlandag1831]

Showing all option and the combination is stronger actually. Screws also help hold it square while your shooting the hanger

[@jej3451]

Nails generally have greater shear strength than screws.

[@MartinThmpsn]

@@jej3451 that's what structural screws are for, but you're right. ordinary screws are more brittle than nails. hence the importance of identifying the right screws rated for the job (which is honestly way more confusing than most folks would expect)

[@prozack1312]

Screws are harder, but that doesn’t mean they’re stronger than nails.

[@tpd465]

Hot girl wearing Carhartt. Yes, please.

[@JakeWatkins]

That was CLEARLY an ad lol

[@TripleIllini]

she's awfully smiley. hope nate stuck around after to teach her about working with wood.

[@Davey768]

4:18

[@TrumpAmerica-2024]

he filled her crack with sment

[@ccoit]

She put that little tip inside the hole.

[@mitsuda]

@@Davey768 lol

[@donc-m4900]

but there is a stud between them .

[@MrKyleDD]

This guy does it too much to the script. 'Get some tools' pops up way too much. At least the other presenters make it sound natural. Also, you could actually tell his voiceover was just a voiceover, dunno if that's just from bad editing or something else but it seems more natural with the others. And the larger words. If you're going to use trade-specific words, please do what the other presenters and tell the owner (and the audience) what the word means.

[@j8lech]

“First thing I wanna do is grab this rusty nail a few times without any gloves on in the middle of winter, and make you don’t wear any gloves either.”

[@michaelb893]

Unfortunately, when he turned the 2x8 upside down, that put the crown down instead of up! So much for the professional knowing what he is doing!

[@TrumpAmerica-2024]

@@Kevin-mp5of be glad it's not an lgbtq board

[@TrumpAmerica-2024]

@@Kevin-mp5of lol, they're in his basement.

[@michaelb893]

@@Kevin-mp5of if only I cared about your opinion...

[@thuntermi]

He said, "This joist is actually really straight", implying that there was little or no crown. But in general you are correct about flipping them over.

[@MustPassTruck]

Looks like someone used interior hangers on their deck.

[@daleleibfried8648]

They are 1 in the same. All galvanized

[@MartinThmpsn]

@@daleleibfried8648 I was surprised they didn't mention stainless steel hangers for a situation like this. I guess they don't exist, but it seems like it would be appropriate (though expensive) for this use case.

[@thuntermi]

@@MartinThmpsn They do exist, and are recommended in coastal areas. But as you said, they are much more expensive.

[@TheLaw-mh4pb]

4:57 screw a nail on both sides

[@donc-m4900]

I nailed a shrew.

[@Whocares.........]

Stay current and relevant...use coated deck screws!

[@dylanhjelvik]

Are you saying they should? Because they did.

[@ocjohnweber9698]

Too bad this guy didn't pay attention to Simpson's fastening requirements. This hanger takes (4) 16D galvanized common nails toed to create the double shear.

[@AlMai222]

The structural screws give the same rating, in fact they’re better. Also he was just showing everyone the different options anyways

[@ocjohnweber9698]

@@AlMai222 Had he installed 3" screws in the double shear holes he would have met the requirement. The problem being that many DIYers will follow his lead and "F" it up...

[@paulsmith9341]

"I'll be over to fix your deck when it's really snowing." 🙄

[@nukelaloosh4795]

sponsored by carhartt & kevin's double chin

[@brianwarner308]

These people are acting like aliens, that only had time to read a pamphlet about humans on their way to earth

[@kenyonmcclain560]

Don't want to see a one hanging down from anywhere

[@RichardGMoss]

She appeared to understand every technical term that he used which makes me wonder what she had been studying.

[@davidpearson3304]

Folks are sleeping...this video has been up for over 30 min and there aren’t a bunch of “experts” saying how he did this or that wrong, wasn’t up to code, how they would do it etc etc etc.

[@Davey768]

Thankfully you're here to spread the joy of positivity.

[@MariuszChr]

Wait, there was some work done? I only noticed nice lady.

[@christianatv381]

Is this on a green screen?

[@benclarkson4205]

Man: Salt is *DESTROYING* your home. Woman: I want to keep salting the deck! Man: 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@brandonjette2878]

No one caught the “little tip in the hole” comment? Jesus, I’m immature.

[@oscarlandag1831]

Get the hose out

[@oscarlandag1831]

And definitely tighten it up if it’s loose

[@markhall3323]

I don’t trust this new guy Nathan

[@TwinMcQuerns]

Considering the info he was giving on the joist hangers you are right not to.

[@jake9705]

2:44 -- Smart enough for college yet she still chose to wear thin yoga pants in the snow for on-your-knees demo work around rusty nails 🙄🙄🙄

[@tomharner3702]

U fixed one joist the rest of them have got to be as bad

[@oldcountryman2795]

Who puts salt on a deck?

[@rupe53]

Old ... the same people who don't shovel often enough or have a drippy roof above.

[@uglyashelful]

That's not the right nail for the toe nails.

[@tinytim9453]

Doesn't matter, it was just to tack it on till hangers are installed with proper fasteners.

[@Sizzln-Rozes]

Who deflated tommy

[@AlMai222]

God she was so cute and hot at the same time. She was a really good helper too. My future wife 😿

[@Guardducks]

Sorry Nathan your screws were to short for my liking. A 2x6 board and a 2" screw that's what a 1/2" of bite ? I'll pay extra send Tommy over.

[@TheLaw-mh4pb]

I think 2" screws are fine for screwing a brace to a 2x8

[@shanew7361]

I agree hard pass

[@donc-m4900]

looks like a 1x6

[@donc-m4900]

@@Kevin-mp5of yes. isnt that one inch on a tape measure?

[@erniefernandez]

I adore TOH which is why I am begging you stop with all of the CG effects. Green screen, fake snow. Stop it. Your brand is real-life. Please don't lose your way on that. Also. Tommy is The Man.

[@1337Reloaded]

I think tommy is losing weight..

[@jessasdad]

“Just put the little tip inside….”

[@andrewh4141]

“We know you like to use salt on your deck”

[@TrumpAmerica-2024]

00:12 . . . as do the 99% of democrats

[@conormurphy9228]

First

[@TrumpAmerica-2024]

@@Kevin-mp5of and some ear wax shaving from and old buick key

[@TrumpAmerica-2024]

@@Kevin-mp5of lol, i was saving that for a stale saltine

[@JackVox]

Youwatchadverstube