Ledger Board (CRITICAL)
No gap between deck frame and house wall
Flashing intact above the ledger no water running behind it
No rust stains or water damage on siding below the connection
Lag bolts/screws tight and not corroded
No soft or spongy wood at attachment points
Support Posts & Footings
Post bases not rotting (poke test screwdriver should not sink in)
Posts are plumb (straight vertical, not leaning)
Concrete footings not cracked or heaving
Post-to-beam connections secure (bolts/brackets tight)
No pest damage at base (carpenter bees, termites)
Beams & Joists
No visible sagging when viewed from the side
No cracks or splits in beams
Joists not soft or spongy (poke test underneath)
Joist hangers intact and not rusted through
No bounce or flex when walking on the deck
Railings & Stairs
Railing posts do not wobble (push test with body weight)
Balusters secure none loose or missing
Railing height meets code (36" min, 42" in some areas)
Stair stringers solid (not cracked or pulling away)
Stair treads secure no wobble or flex
Handrail graspable and continuous on all stairs
Deck Surface
No soft spots (step test no areas feel spongy)
No severe splintering (hazard for bare feet)
Board fasteners not popping up
No excessive warping or cupping
Boards don't flex more than 1/4" underfoot between joists
How to Score Your Deck
- All items pass: Your deck is in good shape. Re-inspect in 6 months.
- 1-3 items fail (non-structural): Schedule repairs before next season.
- Any CRITICAL item fails (ledger, posts, joists, bounce): Stop using the deck and get a professional inspection immediately.
When to Call a Professional
- Deck is over 15 years old and has never been professionally inspected
- Any structural concern (ledger, posts, joists, bounce)
- Planning to sell your home (inspection issues will come up)
- Hosting a large gathering (50+ lbs/sqft loading)
- Deck was built without permits (unknown construction quality)
We offer free deck inspections. We check every structural element and give you an honest assessment with photos repair, resurface, or replace. No obligation. Call (571) 655-7207.
If any critical item fails, the next step is not a cosmetic upgrade. Start with our deck repair service for an inspection-first repair path, or review deck replacement when the main frame, ledger, posts, or footings are no longer practical to save.
For the two failure points homeowners ask about most, review our guides to deck footing depth planning, deck stair stringers, treads and risers and ledger board flashing before deciding whether the deck needs repair, resurfacing or replacement. For stairs specifically, use the printable deck stair safety checklist, model the layout with the Virginia deck stair calculator, and review the common deck stair inspection failures that often show up during county inspections or home-sale reviews.
FAQ
How do I know if my deck is safe?
Check 5 areas: ledger board (no gaps/rot), posts (poke test), joists (no sag), railings (push test), surface (no soft spots). Any structural failure = stop using it.
How often should I inspect?
Twice yearly (spring + fall). Wood decks over 10 years: get annual professional inspection.
Most dangerous failure type?
Ledger board failure deck detaches from house. Check this connection annually. #1 cause of deck collapse injuries.
Related
- Deck Repair Service →
- Deck Replacement Service →
- Professional Deck Inspection Service →
- Deck Footing Depth Calculator Virginia →
- Virginia Deck Stair Calculator →
- Deck Stair Safety Checklist PDF →
- Common Deck Stair Inspection Failures →
- Deck Stair Construction Diagram →
- Ledger Board Flashing Guide →
- Deck Maintenance Checklist →
- How Long Does a Deck Last? →
- Repair vs Replacement →