Noticed the other day that the decking boards around my chimney are looking pretty sketchy. They're warped, faded, and honestly, a couple feel kinda soft underfoot. I'm guessing moisture or heat from the chimney might've done a number on them over the years. I'm not exactly Bob Vila, but I can handle basic DIY stuff. Just wondering if anyone here's tackled something similar? Like, is there a specific type of decking material that's better around chimneys or heat sources? Or maybe some kind of protective barrier I should've put down in the first place?
Also, is this something I can realistically handle myself over a weekend, or am I looking at calling in a pro? I'd rather not spend a fortune, but I also don't wanna end up with a bigger mess than I started with, you know? Any tips or experiences would be awesome.