Wood Decks need Attention Too

David, For a minute I thought that you were putting in a plug for me... LOL

Good post. Looks like they should have used better fasteners, and maybe galvanized? Toe-nailing is not a very strong fastening method. And those treads should be out of 1 piece of wood, not two. I like to use deck screws for building a deck, as opposed to nails.

You just never know when someone is going to haul a refrigerator up rickety stairs like that----or a full keg of beer:)

David,

Only Charlie would present the "heavy beer" scenario. Breaking the six pack would break his heart. Broken leg, oh well. Broken bottle, translate that as a crisis. I was on a deck once that a realtor put her foot through and bruised her leg. Good post.

David, one year I had six beers:)

David - We were at the Texas coast over the 4th of July and did some work on my son's deck. The builder used nails and we are replacing nails with screws. 

Here in Nebraska, the weather has really nailed our decks.  I've had to comment about them 9 out of 10 inspections.  This is good info, keep it up!

Some basic info on decks at:  http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpwes/publications/decks/

There are so many poor deck /porch installtions that I have added an extra fee. A large deck inspection if performed properly, is a dirty, crawling, additional time adventure to the unknown. Besides, it's not part of the home.

Something else - I recommend on each inspection where there is a deck that it be sealed with something that is not only waterproofing, but also UV protective.  That helps forestall splitting, splintering, warping, spitting out nails (I agree that a deck should be screwed up, so to speak...) and so forth. 

You had some good catches on that deck.  Definite homeowner installations...  and who knows, the county may have inspected it and let that stuff go!

The word I am supposed to type below is "rambai." What is that, a bunch of Asain Rambos?  I can hear the charge, "Bonzai Rambai!!"

Hi David - Great pictures and commentary on deck safety.  I had a listing where the railings and steps were in disrepair.  There was apparent rotting (possibly insect infestation) and did not look safe at all.  During my showings I was compelled to warn people about the condition of the deck and point out the defects.  The deck was on the top floor of a bi-level and a real hazard.  My seller did not want to make any repairs and, of course, this listing expired with no interest.

David:  I think some more nails will fix this deck right up...and maybe duct tape of course to make it permanent.

duct tape and twistie ties.