Page 1
Page 1
Started By
Message

Interior finishing nails on a small outdoor deck

Posted on 1/26/25 at 5:27 pm
Posted by 1Football
Member since Nov 2024
14 posts
Posted on 1/26/25 at 5:27 pm
Looking for some guidance on how to solve an amateur mistake that I made while building a tongue and groove board porch (using treated wood)

When nailing the tongue and groove boards in with finishing nails, I realized I was using interior finish nails (2”). Of course I realized this after nailing them all into the joists and support beams

It’s been a few weeks and I am already seeing some rust from these nails. It’s a mostly covered porch but still gets some water when it rains. With how difficult it was to get the tongue and groove boards in and fit properly, they would be impossible to take up without really tearing them up if I have to remove the nails

Any recommendations? The boards have been primed (prior to nailing in) but have not painted yet. Is there a sealant I can use to cover / protect them and just hope they last for a while? Is there a tool that can give me any hope to try and remove these without ruining the boards? I am definitely amateur but trying to increase my carpentry skills and have certainly learned a lot of tough lessons.. but this one has been a big project and I am worried these nails will be a big issue over time. Appreciate any help/advice that y’all can provide
This post was edited on 1/26/25 at 5:32 pm
Posted by 9rocket
Member since Sep 2020
1638 posts
Posted on 1/26/25 at 6:07 pm to
There is a tool specifically made to pull those deck boards up. It’s a pry bar with a fork on one end to straddle the joist. You should be able to remove them without damaging them so much that you can’t use them, especially if you used 6d bright finishing nails.

Just pry a little (1/2” or so) on each joist until you get it worked loose enough to pull it up. Haste makes waste.
This post was edited on 1/26/25 at 6:12 pm
Posted by Cracker
in a box
Member since Nov 2009
19085 posts
Posted on 1/26/25 at 7:14 pm to
Maybe Get a nail set and drive them in deeper sometimes it’s not rust but a reaction from the garbage they treated the wood with reacting with the nail.
Posted by gumbo2176
Member since May 2018
19332 posts
Posted on 1/26/25 at 11:25 pm to
Quick question.......and hopefully your answer is the right one.

Did you nail the boards down through the tongue like should be done?

From your post it sounds like you face nailed the boards if you are seeing rust marks since nailing through the tongue would have the nail heads covered by the corresponding groove.
Posted by Clames
Member since Oct 2010
18855 posts
Posted on 1/27/25 at 1:08 am to
Are these boards the surface you walk on? No trim nails should have been used, there are screws designed for this stuff. I would pull up the boards, pull the nails, and do it over.
first pageprev pagePage 1 of 1Next pagelast page
refresh

Back to top
logoFollow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News
Follow us on X, Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates on LSU Football and Recruiting.

FacebookXInstagram