Check Your Railings to Make Your Deck Safer
The railings around your deck are essential for safety. They should be inspected regularly to make sure they are not damaged or loose. Deck spindles should be spaced appropriately. They should be close enough together so that children and pets cannot fall through. If this is not the case, you can make your deck safer by adding a railing cover.
Lock the Door to Your Deck
Small children should not have access to your deck unsupervised. Locking the door that leads out to your deck can prevent many potential problems. The lock should be high enough so that your children cannot open it for themselves.
Along those same lines, you should install a gate at the top of the stairs to your deck. A gate prevents children and pets from falling down the stairs or wandering away. Just be sure to keep the area clear of furniture so that the gate cannot be climbed over.
Create Some Shade to Make Your Deck Safer
One of the best things you can do to make your deck safer for pets is to create shady spots. This can be accomplished with something as simple as a table umbrella or a large potted plant. You can get even more advanced and install a retractable awning or shade sail, too.
Avoid Toxic Plants
Many of the most beautiful plants and flowers are toxic to humans and pets. Do your research first before adding plants to the deck.
Get Down Low
Everyone’s deck is unique. The best way to identify how to make your deck safer is to look at it from the perspective of your child or pet. Get down on your hands and knees to spot potential dangers that you may have been overlooking. You may find splintering wood or protruding nails that could hurt small feet.
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