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Decking safety checklist -

Written by Staff Writer | Nov 16, 2023 7:54:44 AM

A deck is a wonderful addition to your home. But with many reports of injuries due to unsafe decking, what are the steps that you can take to make sure that your deck is structurally sound and secure?

Below is a checklist that you can follow to avoid making some serious decking mistakes.

1. Railings, balustrades, steps and stairs

Perhaps the biggest culprits for decking mishaps, weak railings, balustrades, steps and stairs can give or break when leaned against. It’s important to have regular maintenance checks to prevent decking accidents. Push on railings and banisters to test their stability. Carefully inspect every section for signs of weakness. Check the base for wood rot or crumbling cement.

There are also decking height requirements that may vary from state to state. For Queensland, if your deck is one metre or higher above the ground, your balustrades should be at least one metre high, and the openings cannot be more than 125 millimetres. This is to prevent children and pets from squeezing through the openings. Find out the building code for decking in your area.

2. Anchors

As with any building, a strong and solid foundation makes up for a strong and solid structure. If you’re still in the process of building a deck, check with the building council regarding hole and spacing requirements or better yet, hire a decking specialist who is aware of the different law requirements as well as the specific materials needed for specific types of grounds and anchoring.

3. Gates

Gates are a must if you have small children and pets. Falls and injuries can be easily prevented by having child-proof gates. Check your gates for any signs of weakness. Also, make sure that you don’t have any furniture close to the gate or railings that your kid can climb over.

4. Floor

For decking floors, wood decay is what you should look out for. To test the wood, just use an icepick or screwdriver and insert it into the wood. If it goes in easily, then the wood is rotten and needs to be replaced.

5. Finish

All timber should be sealed at least once a year or more, depending on how much weather and traffic it’s been exposed to. By sealing the wood, your decking will last longer. It’s also the best way to protect the wood from termite infestation and rot. There are different types of finishes available on the market to suit every decking need.