How To Make Your Deck Safe for Your Child

Even if you have a high-quality deck that isn’t high off the ground, accidents can always happen. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the outdoors safely with your child. Learn how to make your deck safer for your child so that your entire family can use the space without worrying.

Watch Out for Wood Damage and Splinters

Although you likely sealed your deck to prevent wood damage, that doesn’t mean it never occurs. If you want to avoid injury from loose panels or damaged wood, check the sealant each season and see if you need to reapply it.

However, before doing so, you may want to sand the area down to ensure there are no splinters, as children tend to walk barefoot. While a splinter usually isn’t a medical emergency, it’s certainly something to watch out for.

Enclose the Area and Double-Check Locks

Checking gate and door locks is the number one way to prevent your little one from entering spaces you don’t want them to. But as children age, they get better at getting past childproof locks. If you want to prevent your child from falling off your deck, you may want to consider enclosing it entirely.

In fact, one of the main benefits of enclosing your outdoor area with screens is that it protects small animals and children. If you have the overhang, consider installing retractable screens so you can protect your child while also being able to remove the screens when necessary.

Watch for Accident Opportunities

While you can’t foresee every accident that may occur, there are some preventative measures you can take. First, you can keep furniture away from the railing to prevent children from climbing on top of seating or tables and leaning over the edge.

Keep in mind that young children love to explore the world with their mouths, so check for any toxic plants near or on your deck. You also want to look out for any water deeper than two feet. Wash buckets, water fixtures, fountains, and shallow pools can be a drowning risk.

Now that you know how to make your deck a little safer for your child, you and your little one can enjoy your home’s outdoor area as often as you want.