Best Tips for Better Deck Safety

Our decks are a valuable extension of our living space, offering a place to relax, entertain, and soak up the sun. Whether you’re enjoying a morning cup of coffee or hosting a summer gathering, a well-maintained deck is key to creating a tranquil outdoor haven.

Every May, the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) champions Deck Safety Month, urging homeowners to Check Your Deck® to identify any potential safety concerns. With more than 60 million decks in the U.S., it’s estimated that 30 million are past their useful life and need to be replaced or repaired.

Now is the perfect time to inspect your deck! With a proactive approach, you can prevent accidents, improve its appearance, and ensure your deck remains a safe and enjoyable space for years to come.

Why Inspect Each Year?

Your deck stands against all kinds of weather. Unlike other areas of your house, the boards, joists, beams, and support posts that comprise your deck have little or no protection from the elements. If you had extra snow this winter, your deck had to bear that weight. If you had a particularly rainy season, your deck faced the hazards of extra moisture, which can damage the wood.

Deck Safety Tips

So, where do you begin your inspection? Download this NADRA 10-point safety checklist to get a rundown of what to check. Here are a few important watch-outs:

Start with the Foundation

Post holes should be dug deeply below the frost line to avoid movement due to frost heave. Because wood can quickly break down when exposed to moisture, most experts today recommend anchoring wood posts to concrete footings with piers.

Railings and Banisters

One of the most critical parts of a deck inspection involves the handrail and balustrades. Having someone lean on a rotten deck railing could lead to a terrible fall.

The International Residential Code (IRC) provides other guidance for deck rails:

• Guardrails must be in place for any deck higher than 30 inches above the ground.
• Railings should measure at least 36 inches in height.
• The space between individual balusters (the vertical posts in a railing) should be less than 4 inches to prevent toddlers from slipping through the rails.
• The space between the bottom of the railing and the top of the deck surface also should be no more than 4 inches.
• Make sure the railing can withstand at least 200 pounds of weight.

Stairs

When it comes to stairs, you’ll want to check the railings, the stringers (the sides of the stairs), and the tops of the stair boards to make sure there are no loose or rotted boards or spindles. Keep stairways clear (move out any plants or other decorations) to avoid tripping hazards. If you have an open area behind the stair treads, it should be no more than 4 inches high. Railings should be no more than 4 inches apart.

Flashing

Check connectors between the house and deck to be sure flashing is in place. Flashing is essential in guarding against moisture build-up and wood rot. Replace or add flashing (the metal or plastic covering gaps) as needed.

Grills, Fire Pits, and Chimineas

Who doesn’t love grilling and cooking out? But any heating element can damage decking if you don’t take the necessary precautions. Keep grills, fire pits, and chimineas off the deck boards, or use a heat-resistant pad. Follow all manufacturer’s instructions.

Loose or Corroded Fasteners

In the past, builders preferred nails as the hardware of choice for decks. However, after loose nails led to deck collapses, builders began using screws to secure the boards, posts, beams, and joists. Use exterior screws that resist rusting when exposed to the weather and won’t react to the chemicals (ACQ) in treated wood. For composite decking, use hidden fasteners, which are not visible from the board tops.

How Can I Make my Deck Stronger?

Deckbuilding is a popular home improvement that adds value and enjoyment to your living spaces. If you want to make your new deck stronger, use rot-resistant wood or composite decking. As mentioned above, be sure to use flashing tape during construction. Regular deck maintenance and home inspections can be critical in making your deck stronger.

How Do You Inspect Safety on a Deck?

First, decide if you have the building know-how to properly inspect your deck, especially if the deck is old. If not, hire a professional deck builder or inspector.

If you’re a DIY inspector, here are a few ways to inspect:

Rotting wood is your deck’s greatest enemy. If you see any soft or discolored wood, push on it with a screwdriver or icepick. If you can easily push ¼ to ½ inch into the lumber, it may be decaying. Look, too, for any small holes in the wood, which might indicate decay.

What You Should Not Do When Building a Deck

Here are a few don’ts when it comes to new deck building:

1. Don’t skip getting a building permit. A permit is meant to protect the homeowner, so be sure to call your local government authority to find out what is needed. Follow all building codes.
2. Don’t forget to call 811. Before digging, always check for underground utilities.
3. Don’t stain the deck right away if you use wood decking boards. Give the wood time to breathe, and its preservatives will provide protection. After about six months, it is okay to give the deck a coat of stain or seal.
4. Don’t forget to use flashing tape over your joists, beams, and ledger board.  

How Can I Make My Deck Last Longer?

To make your deck last longer, clean it regularly and stain or seal it every couple of years. Like wax on a car, a deck seal should cause water to bead up on your boards. If that isn’t happening, it’s time to reseal. Before you stain or seal, clean off mildew and debris from the boards and sand down any splinters.

Of course, if you have composite decking boards — which are virtually maintenance-free — you shouldn’t have to stain your boards!

This May, take time to care for your deck. NADRA advocates: Check your deck!