Common Mistakes to Avoid When Building or Repairing a Deck

Building or repairing a deck in Peoria can be a big project, but it’s important to do it properly in order to ensure a safe and durable structure. Unfortunately, there are many common mistakes that can lead to costly repairs or even danger for the homeowner and their guests.

In this post, we’ll go over some of the most common mistakes to avoid when building or repairing a deck, so you can have peace of mind knowing that your deck is safe and secure.

Not obtaining proper permits

One of the first things to consider when building or repairing a deck is whether or not you need to obtain proper permits. In most cases, a permit is required in order to ensure that the deck is built to code and is safe to use. Failing to obtain the proper permits can lead to serious consequences.

If you’re building a new deck or making significant changes to an existing one, you’ll likely need to obtain a building permit. This is especially important if the deck is attached to your house or is more than a certain height above the ground. The requirements for obtaining a permit vary by location, so it’s important to check with your local building department to see what’s required in your area.

Not obtaining the proper permits can lead to fines or legal issues if the deck is not up to code. In some cases, you may be required to tear down the deck and start again, incurring additional expenses. Even worse, a deck that is not built to code can be dangerous for the homeowner and their guests. Make sure to obtain all necessary permits before beginning your deck project to avoid these potential issues.

The foundation of your deck is one of the most important aspects of the entire structure. Without a stable foundation, the deck is at risk of collapsing or shifting. It’s essential to properly prepare the foundation and use the right materials to ensure that your deck is secure.

Not properly preparing the foundation

There are a few common mistakes to avoid when preparing the foundation for a deck:

• Choosing the wrong foundation type for the soil and weather conditions of the area: Different types of soil and weather conditions require different types of foundations. For example, a deck built on clay soil will need a different foundation than one built on sandy soil. It’s important to consult with a professional or do your research to determine the right foundation type for your location.
• Not properly preparing the ground before building the foundation: The ground should be level and compact before building the foundation. If the ground is not properly prepared, it can lead to issues with the stability of the deck.
• Not using enough support or using inadequate materials for the foundation: The foundation should be strong enough to support the weight of the deck and its users. Using insufficient materials or not using enough support can lead to a weak foundation that is prone to failure.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your deck has a solid foundation that will last for years to come.

Using low-quality materials

Using low-quality materials when building or repairing a deck can lead to a number of issues that can affect the appearance and safety of the structure. It’s important to invest in high-quality materials in order to ensure a durable and long-lasting deck.

Some of the consequences of using low-quality materials for your deck include:

• Having to replace materials more frequently: Low-quality materials are more prone to wear and tear and may need to be replaced more frequently than higher-quality materials. This can be a costly and time-consuming process.
• A potentially dangerous deck: Low-quality materials may not be able to withstand the weight of the deck and its users, leading to structural issues. This can be a serious safety hazard for the homeowner and their guests.
• An unsightly deck: Low-quality materials may rot, warp, or splinter, affecting the appearance of the deck. This can be an eyesore and may decrease the value of your home.

By using high-quality materials, you can avoid these issues and have a deck that looks good and is safe to use. It may be more expensive upfront, but it will save you money and headaches in the long run.

Not properly installing ledger boards

The ledger board is a critical component of a deck, as it attaches the deck to the house and provides support for the entire structure. Proper installation of the ledger board is essential for the stability and safety of the deck.

Some common mistakes to avoid when installing ledger boards include:

• Not attaching the ledger board to the house framing with enough support: The ledger board should be securely fastened to the house framing with enough support to hold the weight of the deck.
• Not using proper fasteners or not properly spacing the fasteners: The fasteners used to attach the ledger board to the house should be strong enough to hold the weight of the deck and should be spaced appropriately.
• Not flashing the ledger board to protect the house from water damage: The ledger board should be sealed with flashing to prevent water from getting behind it and causing damage to the house.

By avoiding these mistakes and properly installing the ledger board, you can ensure that your deck is stable and secure.

Not properly installing support beams and joists

Support beams and joists provide the primary support for a deck, so it’s important to install them properly in order to ensure the stability of the structure.

Some common mistakes to avoid when installing support beams and joists include:

• Spacing the support beams and joists too far apart: If the support beams and joists are spaced too far apart, the deck may sag or bounce, which can be unsafe for the users.
• Using inadequate materials or not using enough support: The support beams and joists should be made of strong, durable materials and should be properly spaced and fastened to provide adequate support for the deck.
• Not properly securing the support beams and joists to the ledger board and the foundation: The support beams and joists should be securely attached to the ledger board and the foundation in order to provide a stable base for the deck.

By avoiding these mistakes and properly installing the support beams and joists, you can ensure that your deck is stable and safe to use.

Not properly installing decking boards

Proper installation of the decking boards is important for creating a smooth, even surface that is safe to walk on and looks good.

Some common mistakes to avoid when installing decking boards include:

• Not properly spacing the decking boards to allow for expansion and contraction: Decking boards should be spaced slightly apart to allow for expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature and humidity. If the spacing is not correct, the decking boards may warp or become uneven.
• Not properly securing the decking boards to the support structure: The decking boards should be securely fastened to the support structure in order to hold the weight of the users.
• Not staggering the ends of the decking boards: The ends of the decking boards should be staggered, rather than lined up, in order to provide proper support and prevent sagging.

By avoiding these mistakes and properly installing the decking boards, you can ensure that your deck has a smooth, even surface that is safe to walk on.

Not properly installing railings and balusters

Properly installed railings and balusters are essential for the safety of a deck, particularly for decks that are elevated.

Some common mistakes to avoid when installing railings and balusters include:

• Not using the proper spacing for the balusters to prevent falls: The spacing between the balusters should be small enough to prevent falls, particularly for young children or pets.
• Not securing the railings to the support structure properly: The railings should be securely attached to the support structure in order to hold the weight of the users.
• Not using the proper fasteners for the material of the railings: The fasteners used to attach the railings should be appropriate for the material of the railings. Using the wrong fasteners can lead to failure of the railings.

By avoiding these mistakes and properly installing the railings and balusters, you can ensure that your deck is safe for the users.

Not properly sealing and protecting the deck

Properly sealing and protecting a deck is important for extending its lifespan and keeping it looking good for longer. However, there are some common mistakes that can undermine the effectiveness of the sealant and leave the deck vulnerable to weather and wear.

Some common mistakes to avoid when sealing and protecting a deck include:

• Not using a high-quality sealant or not reapplying it frequently enough: A high-quality sealant applied at the appropriate intervals is essential for protecting the deck from weather and wear.
• Not cleaning the deck thoroughly before sealing it: The deck should be thoroughly cleaned before applying the sealant in order to ensure that the sealant adheres properly.
• Not applying the sealant in the correct weather conditions: The sealant should be applied in the correct weather conditions in order to ensure that it dries properly. Applying sealant in extreme heat or cold, or when the deck is wet, can prevent the sealant from drying properly and may even cause it to fail.

By avoiding these mistakes and properly sealing and protecting your deck, you can extend its lifespan and keep it looking good for longer.