If you have young children, then it is important to make sure your deck is safe for them.

A deck can be a great place for kids to play, but only if it is properly child-proofed. 

Keep reading for a list of things to look for when assessing whether or not your deck is safe for children. Follow these tips and you can rest assured that your deck is safe for the little ones!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the most important things to keep in mind when child-proofing your deck is deck height. Make sure that there are no areas where a child could fall from the deck and injure themselves. Also, be sure the railing heights meet safety standards. If you have a deck with stairs, make sure the handrails are sturdy and that the steps are even and free of hazards. You might also consider making sure the deck surface is safe for kids. Avoid using materials like wood chips or gravel, as these can be a choking hazard for small children. Instead, use a soft material like foam tiles or sandpaper-free rubber mats. If you are unsure whether or not your deck is safe for kids, then be sure to consult a professional. A deck safety specialist will be able to identify any potential hazards and suggest ways to fix them.

Another important thing to consider is deck furniture. Make sure that any furniture on the deck is stable and cannot be easily overturned by a child. If you have a grill or other outdoor cooking equipment on your deck, be sure to keep it out of reach of children.

In addition to the type of furniture, keep in mind deck furniture placement itself! Make sure all furniture is placed away from the edge of the deck, and that there are no sharp edges or corners on any furniture. You may also want to consider using cushions or covers on any sharp edges. As always, it is important to ensure that kids have adequate supervision when playing outdoors.

There is nothing worse, than a baby with a splinter! At least once a year, ensure you lightly sand the top of your deck (if its pressure treated) to knock off any loose wood splinters. You can use a sanding block or sand paper!

Finally, it is important to check for potential hazards on your deck. Make sure there are no protruding nails or screws, and that the deck surface is smooth and free of splinters. If you have a deck with stairs, make sure the steps are even and safe for children to climb. This routine safety sweep should be done each month to make sure  your deck is always safe for kids.

With these tips in mind, you can rest assured that your deck is child-proofed and safe for the little ones to play on. Follow these guidelines and you can keep your children safe while they enjoy the great outdoors! With a little bit of caution, your deck can be a great place for kids to play!

Looking for more information on deck safety? Check out our website at toolbeltconstruction.com. We provide detailed information on how to make your deck safe for children, as well as a list of safety standards to adhere to. We also offer deck safety tips for homeowners, so be sure to check it out!

If you are interested in redoing and expanding your Lincoln deck to make sure it meets your needs, please set up a virtual inspection with our experienced team here at Toolbelt Construction. We will help you create the space you have always dreamed of for your whole family to enjoy.