On 7 Mar 2006 11:37:21 -0800, "Joe S" wrote:

I don't know whether you didn't understand the situation, or I don't
understand your advice, or you're just being unhelpful. I hope it's one
of the first two. If it is, could you please explain your advice
further in a little more detail as what you've written doesn't seem at
all feasible. To wit, I don't see the point of a sledgehammer or mallet
at any point in this operation.

You get the joist off the underside of the deck
by cutting through it at each end, just far enough in to clear
the end nails, if any, and then whacking sideways on it
with a BFR. (If the decking is screwed on, pull the screws
first. If it's nailed on, don't. If the nails are
spiral-shank, grind the heads off first.
Depending on whether the joists at either end or in
the middle are riding on a beam or just socketed into
joist hangers, you will probably also have to use a BFR to
hammer the new joist into place, which you do by sliding the
joist in flat, rolling it upright, and pounding near the upper
edge when it jams. Once it's upright, more pounding
allows you to shift it back and forth so it
lines up where the old one was, which means you can use
the old nail/screw holes.

Use dry lumber, and paint it before putting it in place.


*BFR = Big ****ing Rock.