Preventative maintenance checklist for aging wooden deck structures
For an aging wooden deck, preventative maintenance is a high-yield investment. A well-maintained cedar or pressure-treated deck can last 20 to 25 years, whereas a neglected one may become structurally unsound in as little as 10 to 12 years. This 1,000-word checklist provides a professional-grade roadmap for inspecting, protecting, and preserving your outdoor sanctuary.
1. The Foundation and Substructure (The “Invisible” Essentials)
Before worrying about the color of the stain, you must ensure the skeleton of the deck is sound. This requires getting underneath the structure with a high-lumen flashlight and a flat-head screwdriver.
A. The Ledger Board Inspection
The ledger board is the most critical safety point; it is the thick piece of lumber that bolts the deck to your house.
- Tightness Check: Ensure the ledger is attached with 1/2-inch galvanized lag screws or through-bolts, not nails. Nails pull out over time, leading to sudden deck
