Update.
I decided to do the job myself. It will take a lot longer but I can do it for a lot less - sort of. I calculated the cost of replacing all the boards on the deck, just the decking, not any of the railing or anything else. Just the flat decking. The material cost to do the entire deck is under $400. This week, I got 6 of the longest boards (16ft). They are laid diagonally so those 6 boards are the middle boards. As I move out from the center, they will get shorter. I got the 6 boards down, which were the worst of the rotten boards, thinking I'd just replace a few more that are pretty bad. Unfortunately, that's when my OCD kicked in. I just couldn't see those nice new boards mice in with the older boards, even if they weren't rotted they still look pretty rough. So, in for a penny, in for a pound.
It will probably take me a few weeks to get it done. The longer boards are the hardest, not only to pull up, but to transport from Home Depot and they also are the boards with some quirky ends where they but up against the railing posts (4x4's). The next several boards on each side of center are just 45 degree cuts so they'll go quicker. After that, I'll be dealing with 8 footers and smaller which will go really quick and are much easier to transport. It would be easier if I didn't live in a condo and I could have all the wood delivered at one time, but I don't have a place to store it so buying it in batches as I work through it works best.
I cut the old boards into 3 foot sections and bundled them up. I put them out for the trash. I made the bundles pretty light and I'm anxious to see if they take them. My neighbor said they pretty much take anything so we'll see.
Mentally, I was going through a lazy period, so this has really helped me get moving again. That alone makes it worth it. Also, for my time plus $400, I think I'll be pretty happy with the result. I'll let the wood dry out some and then I will pay someone to power wash it and stain it.
