How To Look At A House
McGarry and Madsen's home inspection blog for buyers of
site-built, mobile/manufactured and modular homes
What is minimum safe length of each plank of a wood deck?
Tuesday, May 30, 2023
Deck boards should span across at least three joist bays, connected at four joists, to be safely secured. Short deck boards, like the one shown above that spans between only two joists, are dangerous and an indication of non-professional deck construction. To learn more about building a safe deck, see our article What are the warning signs of a dangerous deck?
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Field Guide for Home Inspectors, a quick reference for finding the age of 154 brands of HVAC systems, water heaters, and electrical panels, plus 210 code standards for site-built and manufactured homes, and the life expectancy rating of 195 home components. Available at amazon.com for $19.95.
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Here’s more articles about building a sturdy and safe wood deck:
• What is code requirement for receptacle outlets at a porch, deck, or balcony?
• What are the warning signs of a dangerous deck?
• Can you build a deck or patio over a septic tank in Florida?
• What is the average life expectancy of exterior wood stairs or steps?
• Are open risers alright at outside steps and stairs?
• When is a railing required for the edge of a deck or porch?
• What is the average life expectancy of a wood deck?
• Can vinyl flooring be used outdoors on a deck, patio, or screen porch?
• What is the average life expectancy of a wood deck structure?
• What is the most common cause of wood deck collapse?
• What is the average life expectancy of composite wood decking?
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