Tips for Making Sure Your Cedar Decking Is Child Safe

There are few better places to hang out with your family than the deck. Especially during the summer, the backyard deck and patio area is a safe haven where kids and grownups alike can be completely comfortable. However, splinters, protruding nails, and other deck features can be hazardous to pitter-pattering bare feet. If you're hoping to make your deck safe for kids this summer, read the tips listed below.

Maintenance Issues with Cedar Decking
Like many injuries, accidents that occur around decks are often preventable with a little bit of forethought and maintenance. Here are a few things to keep an eye out for if you know your children will be playing on your cedar decking:

Popped nails. Changes in temperature cause cedar decking to expand and contract, which can force nails out of the deck boards. Protruding nails can scratch bare feet or even cause small children to trip and fall. To prevent such injuries, inspect your Portland decking materials at the beginning of each spring, looking for popped nails. Hammer them back in to create a smooth surface for playing.

For new decks: Consider a decking material that allows the use of hidden deck fasteners, which eliminate the problem of popped nail.

Splinters. Changes in weather and temperature cause another problem for cedar decks: splintered, cracking wood. Such weather-induced issues are especially common in Portland decking materials, since Portland's weather changes so frequently. The best way to prevent your cedar decking from splintering is to protect it with a high-quality, semi-transparent deck stain. This minimizes weather damage. Restore the surface of an older deck by giving it a good power washing, sanding it down, and then applying deck stain.

For new decks: Instead of wood, choose virtually weatherproof Portland decking materials, such as composite or PVC decking, which will not crack, warp or splinter.

Slippery surface. Pacific Northwest rain patterns foster mold and mildew growth, especially on organic materials such as cedar decking. Mildew and mold can a deck surface to become slick and dangerous. Prevent slips and falls by thoroughly cleaning your deck with an oxygen bleach cleaner at the beginning of summer to kill any mold or mildew.

For new decks: Some decking materials, such as PVC decking, are naturally slip-proof and kid-safe.

Other Kid-Friendly Safety Features

Beyond regular maintenance, there are certain cedar decking safety upgrades you can make to ensure the safety of any children playing in your yard.

Secure handrails. Especially if you have small children, secure railings are an important safety feature of raised decks. Handrails should be a minimum of three feet high, and the rails should be no more than four inches apart (this prevents children from slipping in-between rails).

Deck skirting. Another safety consideration with a raised deck is the space underneath it. Spiders, small critters, and mosquitoes love this area, so it's definitely not the kind of place where you want your child crawling around. To keep both kiddies and critters out of the area under your deck, add lattice skirting.

Stair safety. Keep deck stairs clear of planters, toys or any other items that could pose a tripping hazard. For safe nighttime deck use, install a lighting kit to highlight the stairs for extra safety.

By carefully examining your deck for potential hazards, and adding any necessary safety upgrades, you can enjoy your deck all summer long without wondering whether your kids will be safe.

For more tips on taking care of your cedar decking, visit the website for Rick's Custom Fencing & Decking, the leading provider of Portland decking materials and deck design.

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