Pulled up three layers on my 1950s ranch a few years back—felt like I was peeling back history.
I had the same thing, and honestly, if we’d just slapped another layer on, it would’ve caved in eventually. Only time I’ve seen a second layer work was on a garage with solid decking and no leaks, just to buy a few years. But even then… it’s always just a band-aid.“under the second layer, the plywood was basically mulch.”
Yeah, that “mulch” plywood is no joke—ran into the same on my place. I get why folks want to save money and time with a second layer, but if the decking’s shot, you’re just hiding the problem. I’ve seen it hold up okay for a little while on sheds or detached garages, but for the main house? Not worth the gamble, especially if you’re in a wet climate.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve actually had decent luck with a second layer—at least as a stopgap. My old place had a single layer over questionable decking, and adding another bought me a few years to save up for a full tear-off. Not ideal, but sometimes budgets just don’t stretch. I wouldn’t do it if the plywood’s crumbling, but if it’s just got some soft spots? Depends how long you need it to last, I guess. Wet climate definitely complicates things though... moisture finds every weakness.
I hear you on stretching the budget—sometimes you just need to buy time. I’ve seen folks get a few extra years out of a second layer, but in wetter climates, even minor soft spots can turn ugly fast. If the decking’s starting to go, water will find its way in eventually... and then you’re looking at bigger headaches. Personally, I’d only double up if I knew it was truly temporary and kept a close eye on things after heavy rain.
- Just did this dance last year… figured “hey, let’s slap another layer on to save cash.”
- Fast forward to the first real downpour—cue the buckets in my hallway.
- If your decking’s already sketchy, doubling up is kinda like putting a band-aid on a leaky dam.
- I get the budget thing (my wallet’s still recovering), but man, water finds every single weak spot.
- If you just need to buy time, sure, but watch for those soft spots after storms.
- My takeaway: full tear-off = more pain up front, but less panic every time it rains.