Obstacle to replacing deck boards
I am DIY replacing my wood decking with composite. The issue I am trying to figure out right now is how to replace the decking underneath my pergola supports. I thought that reddit might have feedback or ideas.
The pergola is supported by 5 pillars that sit in planters full of rocks, 3 of which are on the deck. The pergola is also attached to the house, but I believe that connection is more to prevent racking and swaying than to hold the weight of the pergola. The pergola has a couple beams that are slowly deteriorating. I have plans to replace them, but it is not something I can DIY.
I am trying to figure out how to temporarily shift the weight off those bases so that i can replace the boards underneath them. I have woodworking experience and a full suite of woodworking tools. I would be ok with screwing into the pillar even though that is likely to cosmetically mar the pillar.
My current best plan feels a little half baked. I cut a length of 2x10 about 3' long and screw it horizontally to the pillar. Two new pillars screw to that and carry the load to adjacent joists. I then use a jack to lift one end of this assembly just enough to take the weight off. I pull out the board underneath and replace it. Does anyone have better ideas?