If you own a home in Australia, then you know it’s almost an unwritten rule that you need to add a deck. Not only are decks considered a staple of modern residential home design, but they also act as the perfect extension of your indoor living space. Since outdoor entertainment is so popular, it stands to reason that the general goal is to add a deck around your BBQ area to create a next-level relaxation spot.
Despite the many benefits of installing a deck, either around your home or as an extension of your entertainment area, these structures can be unsafe if not installed or maintained correctly. A few of the top ways to keep your decks safe include everything from installing decking balustrade to improving under-deck ventilation. This post shares a few of these valuable tips.
Make Safety and Routine Maintenance Part of Your Decking Experience
As with every new external addition to your Aussie home, you will have to provide ongoing maintenance and consistent care to protect it from our harsh and sometimes unforgiving climate. Our team of outdoor specialists have compiled a list of the top tips that will help you keep your deck safe and in beautiful condition for years to come.
Install a Glass Balustrade
Before we delve into the care and maintenance aspects that will prolong your deck’s lifespan, it’s essential to make your deck as safe as possible. In addition to using only quality materials during the construction process, it’s also a good idea to install a glass balustrade.
Essentially, a glass balustrade can be defined as a safe, transparent barrier made from toughened or tempered glass panels usually about 10mm thick. These barriers prevent anyone from falling off the deck, which makes it especially necessary if you have kids or pets.
Opting for glass as your material of choice means that you will be creating an unobstructed view and allowing maximum natural light onto your deck. This means you’ll still be able to enjoy the beautiful views of your garden or outdoor area. Having your glass balustrade professionally installed will ensure that it’s safe and compliant with local codes.
Create or Improve Under-Deck Ventilation
Humidity and moisture are the enemies of any timber structure. This means that without the proper airflow, the underside area of your deck boards will absorb moisture and bend or warp. Here, it’s essential to ensure that the perimeter of your deck isn’t completely sealed off by dense shrubbery or solid walls.
For a low-level deck, it’s a good idea to clear out the spaces and gaps between boards. Using a putty knife to do this will significantly improve the cross-flow ventilation and go a long way toward preventing joist rot.
Give Careful Consideration to Pot Plant Placing
Few first-time deck owners know that pot plants can be silent killers to their newly installed deck. While they may look beautiful and add ambience to the space, they can also trap moisture against the wood. This eventually ends up creating a rot-prone microclimate.
If you really have your heart set on adding pot plants, be sure to use pot feet or specially wheeled stands to create the necessary air gap for ventilation. These simple additions to your pot plants allow the timber to dry out after a bout of rain and also prevent mould from growing on your deck.
Remove Potential Fire Hazards
Bushfires are a very real reality for many Australian regions. Homeowners living in Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rated areas should take extra precautions to ensure that decks aren’t a fire hazard.
A few simple ways to do this are to remove the dry leaf and twig litter that accumulates in the gaps between the decking boards. You should also remove any organic material that may have blown under the deck. Be sure to trim foliage around the deck to prevent dry leaves and branches from igniting when embers are flying around.
Create a Safe Staircase
Most decks have a few stairs leading from the actual deck to the ground. Even if you only have two very big stairs, it’s essential to ensure that they are safe and secure. The easiest way to do this is to opt for non-slip nosing or grip tape on the edges of steps. This is highly recommended for decks near outdoor spas or pools.
The next step is to ensure your stair handrail is “continuous”—meaning you can run your hand from top to bottom without having to let go. If your deck has a few dark spots, especially near the stairs, it may be a good idea to invest in solar lighting, which will enable you to enjoy your deck in the evening as well.
Final Thoughts
Decks are a wonderful way to extend your living space and make wonderful places for seating and visiting in your outdoor area. Having your deck and balustrade professionally installed is the first crucial step in having a safe and durable deck. Caring for your deck should form part of your seasonal maintenance. This will enable you to enjoy your deck for years to come!
