Just like your home, it's important to make sure your deck is built right. Most experts agree that the average life expectancy of a wood deck is 10 to 15 years. It is estimated that there are thousands of decks in Canada that are beyond their useful life and may be unsafe. In fact, the number of deck collapses has increased in recent years.
f you're building a deck or have an existing deck, you should know how to evaluate its construction to make sure it's structurally sound and safe. Using the proper structural connectors and fasteners (like nails and screws) as well as regular maintenance are the keys to a safe, strong deck. We invite you to learn more about how to make your deck safe.
We carry the Simpson Strong Tie line of connectors. Most items are double coated with the "Z-Max" galvanizing system that has added protection from any corrosive materials in pressure treated lumber. There are many ways to build a deck and these fasteners could help you design the best deck. The Simpsons corporate site (USA) has a great section on building decks and the downloadable .pdf file is especially good for showing how the connectors work and their sizes.
Simpsons have come out with a screw (rather than the special nail that is currently used) for deck connectors.