May is Deck Safety Month®, but ensuring your loved ones’ wellbeing on your custom wood deck should be priority number one year-round. No deck is maintenance-free. The North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) estimates that half of all decks in the United States need to be repaired or replaced. DeckTec reminds you to identify and address potential hazards to get the most out of your premier outdoor living space.

Checked or Rotted Wood Decking

Wood decks are like any other room in your house, offering comfort and safety. No one wants to feel apprehension walking through their living room. The same expectations go for decks.

(Related: Repairing Your Deck)

Visually inspect deck surfaces for surface checking. Maintaining the integrity of your wood deck is vital to the overall safety and aesthetics of your outdoor living space.

Unsafe Stairs and Rails 

Deck safety is of particular interest where you and your guests ascend or descend levels, as well as entering or exiting the deck. Ensure that stairs are appropriately secured. Additionally, avoid placing furniture near the stairs that present tripping hazards or make the staircase challenging to navigate.

A rail should provide stability when using stairs. Railings and banisters should be adequately secured to provide the appropriate level of support. Nothing is more disconcerting than a wobbly handrail or swaying stairs.

Loose Nails and Screws

Decking fasteners, like deck screws and nails, are critical components to the integrity of all decking structures. A protruding screw head can present a dangerous situation if it were to catch on material – or worse – you or a pet.

(More: To Vacation or Staycation)

Visually inspect for nails or screws that extend above the deck surface. Use the proper tool to tighten or hammer them securely.

Deck Maintenance = Deck Safety

If you identify any of these issues, or have further deck safety concerns, feel free to reach out to our service specialists. All DeckTec service calls include a thorough deck inspection for these and other deck safety issues. Custom decks are beautiful and functional extensions of your home. Don’t let a broken board or wobbly handrail threaten your outdoor living experience. Deck Safety Month is but once a year, but the desire to keep our customers safe and enjoying their DeckTec custom deck never ends.

Have concerns about the safety of your deck? Contact DeckTec today.