Build a deck from reclaimed 2×4’s

deck

As we've remodeled the house, I've replaced some of the structure with more modern woods (ie: 2nd floor ceiling joists that were 2×4's are now 2×6's)

Because of this, I have an excessive amount of old 2×4 lumber in my garage. It's either have 1 hell of a bonfire in the back yard or try to reuse them.

So I'm curious – I'd like to take this wood and build a deck out of it.

I'd build a frame 16 inches on center; use concrete corner posts I've seen that have a + channel in the top of them for the corners and center supports. Grade the ground, remove the grass, put some 6mil plastic down and put my frame over it on these posts. I'd give all the wood a quick sanding, maybe a coat of stain and a few coats of poly to try to protect it from the weather. More 2×4's as the deck planks and secure with galvanized screws (as I prefer screws to nails).

I know the wood is not pressure treated – is this a problem for outdoors if i protect it with a few coats of poly?

the deck would only be < 12 inches off of the ground. Do I need > 2×4 for the framing? I could probably afford to do the framing in 2×6's.

Best Answer

How old is the wood? If we're talking 70 years or so, definitely don't burn that stuff as that'd be old growth wood which you just can't get anymore (easily). I'd even have a hunch that a 70 year old 2x4 might carry as much of a load if not more than a modern cheap pine 2x6.

All that said, as you state, it's not treated lumber. Unless it is cedar, you likely won't get much life out of it as a decking material--unless you have plans to refinish it each and every year.

The 2x4 also wouldn't make for a sufficient floor joist, so you'd have to use new structural lumber for that anyways.

If it's old lumber, I'd consider saving it for another construction project, or donate it to your local re-use center or habitat for humanity. If it's not old lumber, I'd use it for the fire pit.