A beautiful deck adds comfort, value, and outdoor enjoyment to your home — but only if it’s safe. Whether you’re in Franklin, Brentwood, Spring Hill, or anywhere in Middle Tennessee, ensuring your deck meets safety standards is essential for protecting your family, pets, and property investment.

At Decked Out Tennessee, we build and inspect custom decks designed to look great and stand the test of time — safely. Here’s what every homeowner should know.

Structural Inspection Checklist

Even the best-looking deck can hide dangerous issues underneath. We recommend inspecting these key components at least once a year, or after heavy storms:

• Ledger board: Make sure it’s securely attached to the home with lag bolts (not nails). Loose ledger boards cause over 90% of deck collapses.

• Support posts and footings: Check for rot, shifting, or erosion around the base.

• Beams and joists: Look for sagging, splitting, or water damage.

• Fasteners and connectors: Rust, loose screws, or missing brackets can be signs of weakening.

• Decking boards: Inspect for warping, splinters, or decay, especially in older wood.

If you’re unsure what to look for, we offer professional inspections across Middle Tennessee.

Railing Height and Spacing Requirements

Deck railings aren’t just for aesthetics — they’re a vital safety feature. In Tennessee and surrounding areas, building code typically requires:

• Railings on any deck over 30 inches off the ground

• Minimum railing height of 36 inches

• Baluster spacing no wider than 4 inches apart, to prevent small children or pets from slipping through

If your deck is older or was built DIY-style, it may not meet current codes. We can retrofit and upgrade your railings for better safety and peace of mind.

Slip-Resistant Surface Options

Rain, morning dew, and high humidity (hello, Tennessee summers!) can turn your deck into a slip hazard. To help prevent falls:

• Choose slip-resistant composite decking with textured surfaces

• Apply anti-slip coatings to wood decks if refinishing

• Avoid smooth finishes that become slick when wet

• Use outdoor rugs or mats at high-traffic areas like stairs and doorways

We can recommend and install materials that are safe, attractive, and built for the climate in Franklin, Nolensville, Columbia, and beyond.

Child and Pet Safety Considerations

If your deck is a place where your family gathers, don’t overlook the little things:

• Gate off stairs to prevent falls

• Close off gaps in railings or steps with mesh or custom paneling

• Avoid cable railings with large gaps if you have small pets or toddlers

• Secure furniture and grills to prevent tipping or sliding

• Check for splinters or loose nails in older wooden decks

Our custom deck designs can include built-in safety elements from the start — no need for afterthoughts or bulky add-ons.

Keep Your Deck a Safe Place to Relax

Your deck should be a place to unwind — not worry. Whether you’re building a new one, updating an existing structure, or just want a professional inspection, Decked Out Tennessee is your go-to deck contractor for Franklin, Brentwood, Spring Hill, and the surrounding region.

From structural integrity to stylish safety features, we handle it all.