Summer is finally here! It’s time to invite some people over, cook up some good food and hang out on the deck. But before you do, you’re going to want to make sure your outdoor living area is up to snuff.

Deck enjoyment comes down to two things: safety and aesthetics. You don’t want to invite your friends and family over for an evening of fun, only to have them get injured or put off by the condition of your outdoor haven.

So, before you send out the invites, here are a few things to check for:

  1. Loose or rotten deck boards: This may seem obvious, but there are plenty of people out there with springy deck boards that they think will, “make it another year.” If there’s any bounce, it’s time to take those boards out.
  2. Wobbly deck railing: Deck railing exists for two reasons, first and foremost is safety. In almost every area in the US, decks that are built 24 inches above grade (ground level) must have guard rails. The guard rails must be at least 36 inches tall, have a maximum spindle spacing of 4 3/8 inches and be constructed to withstand at least 200 pounds of force from any direction. Generally speaking, if your rails wobble or shake they will not withstand someone leaning up against it. You want people to fall for your deck, not fall off it! Check out Color Guard Deck Railing Solutions.

  3. No place to set your drink: This, of course, is not a safety issue. But your guests will need a place to set down their drinks. Color Guard offers a nice solution for people with certain deck styles – drink rails created with our drink rail brackets. These rails match your deck, are built to last and (this is the best part) provide a convenient place to set drinks.
  4. General ugliness: Again, an ugly deck doesn’t necessarily mean it’s unsafe, but who wants to hang out on an ugly deck? That’s why Color Guard offers a wide array of aluminum and vinyl deck railing solutions that look great, last long and are easy to install for professionals and DIYers alike. Everyone deserves to have a great looking deck, and we can help you reach this goal.

Have a happy and safe summer, and enjoy your deck every chance you get.