Deck & Patio Builders
Deck building looks simple, but it combines digging, framing at height, power saws, nail guns and heavy lifting. A badly built deck can also collapse years later and hurt the people standing on it, so building it right is part of the safety job.
- Construction
- Residential
Hazards for the crew
- Digging footings: call 811 before you dig, every time. Gas and electric lines often run right where decks go. See Call 811.
- Falls: working on joists without decking, from second-story decks and off ladders. In residential construction, fall protection is required at 6 feet. See Residential Construction Falls.
- Saws: circular saws and miter saws cause serious hand injuries. Keep guards working and support the cut piece. See Circular Saw.
- Nail guns: use a sequential (single-shot) trigger, and keep hands at least 12 inches from the nail. See Nail Guns.
- Treated lumber: wear gloves and a dust mask when cutting, wash before eating, and never burn the scraps.
- Lifting: long boards, bags of concrete and pavers add up. Use two people for long or heavy pieces. See Lifting & Ergonomics.
- Sun and heat: decks are often built in full sun. Plan water, shade and breaks.
Why decks collapse
Most deck collapses happen where the deck attaches to the house. Common mistakes:
- Fastening the ledger board with nails only instead of approved bolts or structural screws
- Missing flashing, so water rots the ledger and the house rim joist
- Attaching to brick veneer, which can’t carry the load
- Undersized footings, or posts not connected to beams and footings with hardware
- Using fasteners that aren’t rated for treated lumber, so they corrode
Follow the code your area uses (usually the International Residential Code) and the American Wood Council’s deck construction guide, and get a permit and inspection.
Guards and stairs
- Guards are generally required where the deck is more than 30 inches above the ground. The IRC calls for guards at least 36 inches high (some areas require more).
- Openings in guards must be small enough that a 4-inch sphere can’t pass through, so small children can’t slip through.
- Stairs need even risers, a graspable handrail and good lighting.
Patios and pavers
Cutting pavers and stone with a saw makes silica dust. Use wet cutting or a saw with a vacuum. See Silica. Plate compactors are heavy and loud, so wear hearing protection and steel-toe boots.
Daily checklist
- 811 ticket current and marks visible before digging
- Saw guards working; nail guns set to sequential trigger
- Ladders set up on firm ground and tied off where possible
- Open joists covered or fall protection in place on high decks
- Water and shade for the crew
Standards & references
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