Barbecue season is just around the corner in many parts of the country, including New York, where I do my grilling. If a deck is the backdrop for outdoor gatherings, now is the time to give it a safety check. Depending on the size of the crowd, a deck might have to support a few thousand pounds of body weight, and harsh winter weather takes a toll on any outdoor structure, especially those that have been out there for decades.
A report from the North American Deck and Railing Association found that about half of the country’s 60 million decks are past their useful life and in need of repair or replacement. My own deck is only five years old, but I still inspect it each spring for potential hazards. I want to send my guests home with full bellies—not splinters, sprained ankles, or even more serious injuries.
With that, here’s a deck safety checklist from our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab.
1. Do a deep clean
Decks covered in mildew and grime can pose serious slipping hazards—not to mention how gross they look. Start by removing all furniture and other items from the deck, then sweep away leaves and other loose debris to reveal tough stains. I use a pressure washer to clean my deck, but warm soapy water and a soft-bristle brush will also get the job done. Stains from oil, grease, mold, and tree sap may require a specialized deck cleaner available at home centers. Once the deck is clean, rinse it with fresh water from a garden hose or a pressure washer to remove soap residue.
2. Scan the surface
With the deck empty and scrubbed clean, you’ll have an easier time spotting splinters, popped fasteners, and other potential hazards for bare feet. I like to get down on all fours at deck level to do a close visual inspection. Break off any splinters and sand down sharp edges. Hammer in popped nails and tighten loose screws.
3. Inspect the structure
Over the winter, heavy snow and freeze-thaw cycles can wreak havoc on any wood structure. First, check for rotted boards. If you can poke a screwdriver into the wood more than 1/16 of an inch, that board probably needs to be replaced. Next, inspect the ledger board, the part of the deck structure that attaches to the house. Call in a professional if you see serious signs of failure, like sagging, insect damage, water rot, or loose connections. Finally, wiggle the railings. If they're loose, tighten the fasteners where possible, or replace them if they're rusted out.
4. Check the lighting
Many deck-related injuries happen after the sun goes down, when it’s harder to see (and the drinks have perhaps been flowing for a while). Adequate outdoor lighting around the deck and adjoining walkways will help keep your family and guests safe.
Our experts love solar-powered outdoor lights because they don’t require wiring, are durable, and are cost-effective. As with any lighting plan, look for a combination of ambient lighting (such as outdoor wall fixtures), task lighting (path lights illuminating a walkway, for example), and accent lighting (to enhance trees in the yard).
5. Refinish the deck
A fresh coat of stain or paint will improve the look of your deck and make it safer and more stable over the long haul by preventing cracks. There are three types of deck stain. Clear stain lets the wood grain show but lasts only about a year. Solid stain offers the most protection—several years’ worth—but it covers the wood. Semi-transparent stain falls in between. If you’re painting the deck, look for an exterior-grade paint with a flat or satin finish.
Stain is best applied in thin coats with a synthetic paintbrush or a 1/4-inch nap roller, working steadily to keep the coverage even; repeat as needed. When painting, prime bare wood using the primer recommended by the paint manufacturer.
Having written thousands of product reviews and how-to articles on all aspects of home ownership, from routine maintenance to major renovations, Dan (he/him) brings more than 20 years of industry experience to his role as the director of the Home Improvement & Outdoor Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. A one-time roofer and a serial remodeler, Dan can often be found keeping house at his restored Brooklyn brownstone, where he lives with his wife and kids.
