Deck Safety 101

Posted 6 May 2015 12:46 PM by Grace Gietzen

We’re celebrating the kick off to deck season the best way possible - Deck Safety month! Make sure your deck is ready for every family gathering and relaxing day it’s about to endure with a few simple steps.

Spend an afternoon running through this quick checklist and your outdoor living space will be ready for endless days of fun in the sun.

• Make sure your deck is properly attached to your house band with appropriate bolts and screws. Most deck failures occur where the deck is attached to the house. A simple check can help you prevent an unsafe situation.

• Check entrance and exit ways.  Since these typically involve stairs - check the surface condition and replace any worn pieces. BONUS: Add an extra element of safety by installing Solar Posts and Stair Lighting along stairways. This creates a well lit walkway at night – while adding character to the overall look of your deck. 

• Fasteners and connectors create stability throughout the deck and are a key element in deck safety. Check the condition of your hardware - if any look rusted or corroded, consider replacing it. 

• Assess the condition of your railings - check and replace any loose handrails and balusters. All decks higher than 30" above grade must have a guardrail and balusters should be spaced no more than four inches apart.

• The over all structure of your deck is a critical element of safety. If the structure is visible, check the posts, beams and joists to make sure there is no sagging between supports.

Everything check out? Now you’re ready to kick back, relax and enjoy your outdoor living space with peace of mind. Cheers to another great decking season!