5 ESSENTIAL TIPS TO CHILDPROOF YOUR DECK
Creating a safe environment for children, in and around your home, is essential to protecting them from a variety of hazards. Decks are no exception. We've created five helpful guidelines for designing a family deck which can help prevent dangerous accidents.
5 ESSENTIAL TIPS TO CHILDPROOF YOUR DECK
1. Select premium hardwood decking materials
Ever (try to) remove a splinter from a squirming little foot? Hardwood 
surfaces offer smooth and attractive splinter-free surfaces with superior durability. Protective sealants can further extend a deck's lifespan and finish. Plastic decking heats up so much in the hot summer months you don't dare walk barefoot on it.
2. Vertical rails should be spaced three inches apart (or less)
Smaller gaps between rail slats can help to prevent children climbing or squeezing through these openings in your deck railing. Building codes help to enforce this rule by requiring that vertical rails be spaced no more than three inches apart.
3. Avoid horizontal rails
Horizontal rails should not be used for childproof decks. These designs can make it easy for children to climb up and over the side of the deck. Material and style options abound for vertical railings. If you've opted for hardwood decking, Mataverde's vertical Ipe rails would be the perfect coordinate.
4. Railings should be at least 36 inches high
Should building codes permit, an even higher railing is preferable. Most municipal websites offer homeowners 24/7 access to building codes, permit applications and other essential information for decking projects. Knowing your town's parameters before you begin can help you avoid many hassles and delays.
5. Install gates with child-resistant latches
By taking the time to childproof your deck, you can enjoy many years of outdoor fun with younger children in a safe and supervised environment. Mataverde Hardwood Decking offers a full range of products designed specifically to help you create the right deck for your needs. If you would like a free Mataverde decking quote for your project, we are here to help.
Avoid dangerous falls down a deck's stairway by installing safety gates with a child-resistant latch. Build a custom gate using your preferred decking material or purchase a temporary gate which can be easily removed once stairs are no longer a safety concern. Professional installation of your gate and latch is advised.
We hope this information is helpful. Please visit our website to view photos of completed hardwood decking projects and for information about the various hardwood decking species, hardwood decking care and maintenance, and decking material options and pricing:
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