November 2025

TL;DR Austin decks live under high UV, long hot spells, clay soils, and pop-up storms. A 60–90-minute seasonal walkthrough, as outlined in the deck safety checklist, prevents minor issues from becoming costly repairs. Work clockwise: start at the house connection (ledger & flashing), then move through footings/posts, beams/joists, decking, rails/stairs, and utilities. Look for wobble, […]

TL;DR Austin decks pass or fail inspection at the guards and stairs. Know these basics according to building codes : guard height typically ≥36 in. on most residential decks; baluster/rail infill must block a 4-in. sphere; stairs need consistent rise/run (no trip steps), graspable handrails, and safe landings; guards and handrails must resist concentrated and

TL;DR Footings carry your entire deck, so Austin builds live or die by soil reality, correct depth/diameter, and inspection timing. In Central Texas, you’ll see clay that swells, pockets of rock, and slope transitions that change loads. Good builders size piers for bearing and uplift, not just a round number, and plan for inspection hold

TL;DR Most serious deck failures start at the ledger (where the deck attaches to your home) and at the flashing that keeps water out. In Austin’s heat, UV, and sudden storms, tiny mistakes can turn into rot and fastener failure. This guide shows what “deck safety” looks like—solid structural fastening, continuous flashing that sheds water,