Building Decking Safely: A Guide

Are you gearing up to build a brand new deck for your home? Is this your first time tackling a project such as this all on your own? While there is absolutely nothing wrong with taking initiative and wanting to build your own deck that you can then take pride in, there are some basic safety tips that are wise to familiarize yourself with before you start the project.

It’s easy to get caught up in the decking plan, and making sure you get everything done within a reasonable schedule, but safety should always be a top priority. That means safety in terms of you doing the job in a safe manner, and building a deck that will be safe for others to use and enjoy for many years to come. So let’s take a closer look.

Wear Protective Gear

First things first, the moment you start to do any work on the deck such as cutting materials, hammering, screwing, etc., you need to be wearing protective gear. This means footwear that protects your feet should any sharp or heavy materials fall on them, protective eye wear, and depending on the job you are doing, you may want a mask to protect you from dust, debris, and paint/staining fumes.

Use the Right Materials

The next tip has to do with the actual materials you use. For those who are first time DIY deck builders, you want to be sure you take the time to do you research on the materials you’ll need. That includes everything from the best decking material, right down to the type of decking screws you use to secure the deck.

This will determine not only how well the deck holds up over time, but how safe it is. The last thing you want is to have someone walking across your new deck only to have a board come loose, or the stairs to cave in because you used the wrong type of materials. If you have any questions or reservations at all, it’s best to ask for help at a building materials store.

Don’t Rush the Frame

When it comes to the safety of the deck, the frame is the most essential part. The frame needs to meet all building codes, and be structurally sound. It will be hold the entire weight of the deck, and everything on it. It will sit on the footings, so it needs to be built soundly from the start.

It’s a good idea to draw up a detailed plan of the deck that you can follow, as this will help you map out sizing, measurements, placement, and provide you with the order of the steps you’ll need to take. Any time you run into issues, you can then take your plan to the store and discuss your problem with the customer service representative.

Safety Should be a Top Priority

No matter how quickly you want the deck done, or how much or little experience you have with decking, safety should always remain the top priority of the job.