July 10, 2025
Design Consultation
A deck is more than just a place to relax—it’s where your family gathers, where celebrations happen, and where memories are made. But beneath the surface of your outdoor space could be serious risks that many homeowners never think about. Each year, thousands of people are injured—and in some cases, killed—due to deck collapses, railing failures, and other preventable hazards.
One of the most alarming recent incidents occurred in May 2024, when a two-story deck collapsed at a home in Charlotte, North Carolina, injuring nine people, including one critically. This event highlights the serious risks associated with structural failures in residential decks. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, over 6,000 people visit emergency rooms annually due to deck-related accidents. Even more concerning, roughly 30 million decks in the U.S. are past their expected service life, posing significant hazards to families nationwide.
Let’s take a closer look at what leads to these failures, the red flags you shouldn’t ignore, and how to make sure your deck is built—and stays—safe.
For many homeowners, a deck is simply part of the house—a backdrop for barbecues, birthdays, or quiet evenings outdoors. But what often goes unrecognized is that decks are exposed to year-round weather, shifting soil, and the strain of regular use. Over time, this wear can compromise the structure in ways that aren’t always visible. The consequences of ignoring those risks can be devastating.
Nationwide, thousands of people are hurt each year due to deck-related issues—from sudden collapses to railings that give way under pressure. Roughly 1 in 5 of these injuries are serious enough to require hospitalization or major medical care. And while these accidents might seem rare, the truth is they’re becoming more common. A 2007 industry analysis even found that deck collapses were increasing by more than 20% per year, with most failures occurring during gatherings when the deck is actively in use.
One of the most recent incidents came in May 2024, when a residential deck collapsed during a birthday party in Bella Vista, Arkansas, injuring several guests. While no one was killed, the collapse was linked to an added section of deck that failed under load—mirroring the kinds of structural issues that commonly affect aging or improperly built residential decks. Since 2003, at least 29 people have died in similar incidents across the U.S., and thousands more have been injured.
The problem is compounded by the age and construction quality of many existing decks. The North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) estimates that out of over 60 million decks in the U.S., at least 30 million are past their expected lifespan. And it’s not just old decks that pose risks—only about 40% of new decks are built by qualified professionals, meaning a staggering number of outdoor structures may have been constructed without proper permitting, code compliance, or inspection. Even decks that appear solid can be compromised if the framing hardware, ledger connections, or railings weren’t installed correctly in the first place.
To make matters worse, the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors estimates that 60% of existing decks need some form of repair, and that pressure-treated lumber—once thought to be a long-lasting solution—may have a practical lifespan of just 9 to 10 years, depending on exposure and maintenance.
These numbers aren’t just statistics—they’re a wake-up call. Decks aren’t static structures. They need upkeep, inspection, and—sometimes—replacement. The good news is that almost all deck-related injuries and collapses are preventable with the right awareness and action. Knowing what to look for and when to intervene can make the difference between a safe outdoor space and a serious hazard.
While news stories about deck collapses often feel sudden and unexpected, the truth is that most of these incidents are preventable—and many share the same root causes. Decks rarely fail because of a single issue; instead, it’s typically a combination of age, improper construction, moisture damage, and overlooked maintenance. Over time, even a small weakness can escalate into a serious structural failure.
The most common cause of deck collapses—by a wide margin—is ledger board failure. The ledger board is the component that anchors the deck to the house, and when it’s not properly attached or protected from moisture, it can pull away under load. Experts estimate that up to 90% of deck collapses involve a failed ledger connection. In many of these cases, the deck was either attached with nails instead of bolts, installed without proper flashing, or not connected to the house at all. Once water begins to infiltrate that connection, rot sets in, weakening the most critical structural point.
Another frequent failure point is the railing system—especially on older decks. Railings are subjected to lateral pressure, and if they’re not properly anchored to the framing or if the posts begin to rot at their base, they can give way unexpectedly. These types of failures are especially dangerous because they often involve people leaning or bracing themselves against what feels like a secure barrier.
Footings and support posts also play a major role in deck integrity. Posts that are set directly into soil without adequate concrete or helical supports are prone to shifting, sinking, or rotting. In colder climates, freeze-thaw cycles can push footings out of alignment. Over time, this uneven settling puts stress on beams and joists, causing creaks, sags, or worse—structural cracks that compromise the entire deck.
Many of these issues are worsened by improper construction or unpermitted builds. As mentioned earlier, only about 40% of decks are built by qualified professionals, meaning a significant portion of outdoor structures may have skipped vital steps like structural load calculations, code-compliant hardware, and safe ledger integration. Add in DIY repairs, additions, or undocumented modifications, and it becomes clear how easy it is for safety issues to go unnoticed until failure occurs.
Moisture is another silent culprit. Even pressure-treated wood has limits. Without proper drainage, airflow, and maintenance, framing members can begin to rot from the inside out—often with no obvious signs until a major failure. Fasteners and metal connectors also corrode over time, especially in coastal or high-humidity areas. When a joist hanger rusts through or a lag bolt loses its grip, that once-sturdy platform becomes a hazard.
Understanding these common failure points isn’t just about knowing what can go wrong—it’s about recognizing how vulnerable a deck can become over time, even if it appears structurally sound on the surface. Regular exposure to moisture, movement, and wear makes decks one of the most demanding structures on a home. Without proper construction, inspection, and maintenance, small issues like loose bolts or soft wood can quickly turn into serious hazards. Knowing where to look—and what to look for—is the first step in keeping your outdoor space safe.
Deck failures rarely happen without warning—but the signs are easy to miss if you don’t know what to look for. Many of the most dangerous issues begin subtly: a slight wobble in the railing, a soft spot underfoot, or a faint pull where the deck meets the house. These red flags may seem minor at first, but they often point to serious structural problems hiding beneath the surface.
One of the most important areas to check is the connection between the deck and the house, typically where the ledger board is installed. If you notice a visible gap forming between the deck and the siding, or signs of water intrusion around that area—like staining, mildew, or warped trim—it could indicate that the ledger board is no longer securely fastened. This is one of the most common points of failure in older decks, especially those without proper flashing or bolted connections.
Loose or unstable railings are another warning sign that shouldn't be ignored. Railings should feel solid when you lean against them—any movement, sway, or “give” in the posts can signal that the fasteners are failing or the wood has begun to deteriorate internally. Since railings are often relied upon for safety at elevated heights, their failure can lead to serious injuries, especially during social gatherings when people instinctively lean or rest on them.
The condition of the decking surface itself also provides important clues. Boards that feel spongy, springy, or soft underfoot may be suffering from internal rot, especially if water has been pooling or seeping into the material over time. Likewise, visible cracks, splintering, or sagging areas can suggest that the underlying joists or beams have weakened. Even surface-level damage can indicate deeper structural deterioration if it’s widespread or concentrated in high-traffic zones.
You should also examine the support posts and footings. Posts that appear tilted, cracked, or are set directly in soil without visible concrete bases are more likely to shift, sink, or rot at the base—particularly in areas with freeze-thaw cycles or drainage issues. Diagonal bracing between posts and beams should be tight and secure; missing or loose bracing can reduce the deck’s ability to resist lateral forces like wind or movement.
Finally, inspect all metal hardware and fasteners. Corroded joist hangers, rusted bolts, or nails pulling away from the wood are all signs that the structural integrity may be compromised. Even if the deck seems steady today, failing connectors can lead to sudden collapse under stress, especially if the deck is loaded with people or heavy furniture.
Many of these signs are easy to overlook or downplay, especially if the deck is still “functioning.” But the appearance of stability isn’t the same as safety. A deck doesn’t need to fall down to be dangerous—it just needs one critical weakness in the wrong place. Regular inspections and timely repairs can extend the life of a deck and help prevent accidents long before they happen.
Spotting a problem is only half the equation—what you do next is what keeps people safe. Fortunately, most deck failures are preventable, and there are clear, actionable steps homeowners can take to reduce risk and extend the life of their outdoor space. Whether your deck is a few years old or pushing past its prime, the right combination of maintenance, professional guidance, and common-sense upgrades can make all the difference.
The most important thing any homeowner can do is schedule a professional deck inspection—especially if the structure is more than 10–15 years old or hasn’t been evaluated since it was built. A qualified inspector can assess everything from the ledger connection and fasteners to the footing depth and railing stability, catching potential failures that might not be visible during a casual walk-through. Inspections are often overlooked until there’s an obvious issue, but a trained eye can spot red flags well before they become emergencies.
In many cases, older decks don’t just need cosmetic attention—they may require structural upgrades or complete replacement. Rotting joists, undersized beams, or outdated hardware can undermine the entire system. If your deck was built using framing techniques or fasteners that no longer meet code, reinforcing it with modern materials can greatly increase safety and performance. At Deck Remodelers, we specialize in precisely this kind of work. When a deck needs to be rebuilt the right way, our licensed team brings unmatched experience and craftsmanship—not just to restore structural integrity, but to transform your outdoor space into a stunning, functional backyard retreat that you and your family will love for years to come.
Unfortunately, many decks lack that level of professional care. With only 40% of decks in the U.S. built by qualified professionals, there’s a good chance your deck—or your neighbor’s—was constructed without the oversight, permits, or engineering expertise required for long-term safety. Working with licensed builders like us ensures your deck meets current building codes, handles the correct live load, and uses structural hardware designed to resist rot, movement, and corrosion. These aren’t just technical details—they’re the foundation of safety and peace of mind.
Of course, routine maintenance plays a major role in long-term durability. That means cleaning and sealing decking boards regularly, checking visible hardware for rust, tightening fasteners as needed, and clearing debris from between boards and around support posts. Moisture control is especially critical: a well-ventilated, properly flashed deck frame will outlast one that traps water and encourages hidden rot.
And finally, practice smart usage. Don’t overload your deck with heavy planters, grills, or large groups beyond its design capacity. Avoid installing additional structures like pergolas, privacy walls, or hot tubs without proper load assessments. If you’ve purchased a home with an existing deck, have a professional evaluate it before you start using it heavily—it’s the only way to know what you're really standing on.
Deck safety isn’t just about preventing failure—it’s about creating a secure, comfortable environment that lasts. With the right construction, care, and experience behind it, your deck can be one of the safest, most enjoyable parts of your home.
A safe deck isn’t something to take for granted. With so many older structures still in use and thousands of injuries happening each year, it’s clear that many outdoor spaces aren’t built to last—especially without the right materials, design, and craftsmanship behind them.
Whether you’re replacing an outdated deck or starting fresh, the smartest way to ensure long-term safety and performance is to work with experienced, licensed professionals who do it right from the ground up.
If you're ready to build a better deck—one that’s beautiful, durable, and built to code—we’d love to help. Contact us to get started today.
