Install new decking OVER old?

[piisnear3.1415927]

Our pressure treated deck is 36 feet by 12 feet with the boards running in the long direction (parallel to the house). The previous owner ruined the boards so I want to replace them.

It occurs to me that I could put 12 foot boards over top of the existing decking and have a seamless deck with the boards running in the short direction (perpendicular to the house). I'd leave gaps between the boards for drainage. I could even remove some (1/2, 1/3) of the old boards to improve drainage if necessary.

The deck will be a bit higher but it is already a step down from the house so that won't be a problem.

Is this done? Are their hidden problems waiting to bite me if I install new 5/4 x 6 boards on top of and perpendicular to old ones?

Thanks gb

[Edwin Pawlowski]

Ruined how?

Any steps down from the deck? Thet first step will now be higher and yes, there is a code about that.

Yes. Warping of the original deck will cause problem. The area of overlap will be considerable and will make a good dirt trap, moisture trap. The deck will look funny too.

Don't be lazy, do it the right way.

[Bob]

Where the new boards sit on the old, water will wick in and stay, promoting rot.

Bob

[Chris Lewis]

According to :

You'll have greatly accelerated moisture/rot/mildew problems, because you're essentially routing water into a "trap" that'll take a long time to dry out.

Don't do that. Tear off the old layer.

[m Ransley]

You cant ruin PT easily, you can turn it over, you can get a floor sander. But what do you mean ruin, if its just cracked all PT does that. Dont double up and be a hack , but anybody thinking about doubling probably doesn`t know ruined either.

[C & E]

Agreed... we need to know what you mean by ruined. It may not be and the repair may be cheaper than new boards.

[roger61611]

Another thread that supports my pro-patio agenda ! Masonry is the sh*t. Decks s*ck, they look dumb and wear out.