If you live in Michigan, your deck has survived snow loads, ice dams, freezing rain, spring thaw, humidity, and blazing summer sun. That’s a lot.

And while your deck might look fine from the surface, hidden structural issues can turn into serious safety risks—especially before graduation parties, BBQ season, and football Saturdays.

As a Michigan homeowner, here’s your safety-first deck checklist to help you determine if your deck is safe—or if it’s time for a professional inspection.

​Why Deck Safety Matters in Michigan

Michigan weather is tough on exterior structures. Freeze-thaw cycles expand and contract wood. Snow adds weight stress. Moisture creates rot. Humidity accelerates corrosion on fasteners.

According to the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA), millions of decks in the U.S. are past their useful life.

If your deck is:

• 10+ years old

• Built before modern code updates

• Showing visible wear

• Attached to your home

It deserves a safety review.

Michigan Deck Safety Checklist

Walk through this list carefully. If you answer “yes” to any of these, it may be time for a professional inspection.

1. Is There Movement or Wobbling?

• Does your deck shake when multiple people walk on it?

• Do railings move when pushed?

• Do stairs feel unstable?

Red Flag: Any noticeable movement can indicate loose connections, failing footings, or structural compromise.

2. Check the Ledger Board (The Most Critical Area)

The ledger board connects your deck to your house. If this connection fails, the entire deck can collapse.

Look for:

• Gaps between deck and home

• Rusted bolts or lag screws

• Missing flashing

• Soft or rotting wood near attachment point

Michigan Tip: Freeze-thaw cycles can worsen water intrusion behind the ledger board.

If you’re unsure, this is one area you should never ignore.

3. Look Underneath the Deck

Most homeowners never check underneath.

Inspect for:

• Rotting joists

• Cracked beams

• Sagging supports

• Mold or excessive moisture

• Shifting concrete footings

Use a screwdriver to gently press into suspicious wood. If it sinks easily, rot may be present.

4. Examine Fasteners & Hardware

Michigan’s moisture and winter salt exposure can corrode hardware.

Watch for:

• Rusted screws or nails

• Corroded joist hangers

• Missing bolts

• Nails backing out of boards

Modern decks use structural connectors designed to handle heavy loads. Older decks often do not.

5. Inspect Deck Boards

Surface issues may signal deeper problems.

Look for:

• Soft spots

• Cracks splitting along grain

• Warped or cupping boards

• Loose boards

• Protruding screws

If boards feel spongy underfoot, that’s a safety issue.

6. Railings & Stairs

Railings should:

• Not move when pushed firmly

• Be properly anchored

• Meet current height requirements

Stairs should:

• Have consistent rise and run

• Not flex when stepped on

• Have secure handrails

Loose railings are one of the most common deck safety issues.

7. Age of the Deck

If your deck is:

• 15–20+ years old

• Built with pressure-treated lumber from early generations

• Never professionally inspected

It may be nearing the end of its structural lifespan.

Signs It’s Time for a Professional Deck Inspection

Call for an inspection if you notice:

• Structural movement

• Ledger board concerns

• Visible rot

• Major hardware corrosion

• Posts pulling away from footings

• You’re preparing to host a large gathering

• You’re buying or selling your home

A deck collapse is preventable—but only if issues are caught early.

Why Michigan Homeowners Should Schedule an Inspection Before Spring

Spring in Michigan means:

• Graduation parties

• Memorial Day cookouts

• Summer entertaining

• Heavy foot traffic

Before you invite 25+ people onto your deck, make sure it’s structurally sound.

An inspection can:

• Identify safety hazards

• Catch issues before they become costly

• Provide peace of mind

• Extend the life of your deck

Repair vs. Replace: What’s Next?

Depending on what’s found, you may need:

• Minor hardware replacement

• Structural reinforcement

• Partial rebuild

• Full deck replacement

If your deck frame is compromised, replacing surface boards alone is not a safe solution.

Don’t Guess When It Comes to Safety

Your deck isn’t just a structure.

It’s where:

• You grill on Friday nights

• Your kids run barefoot in summer

• You sip coffee on cool Michigan mornings

• You host friends during football season

Safety should never be an afterthought.

If you’re unsure about your deck’s condition, schedule a professional inspection before the season begins.

Need a Deck Inspection in West Michigan?

If you’re in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Plainwell, or surrounding areas, our team specializes in safety-first deck inspections, structural repairs, and composite deck replacements built for Michigan weather.

Contact us today to schedule your inspection and ensure your deck is safe for the season.

Because your home—and your family—deserve it.