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Space deck handrail posts four to six feet apart. If the posts are more than six feet apart, the railing will be less able to withstand lateral forces and is more susceptible to breaking. Additionally, railing posts that are more than six feet apart may not be up to code, and you may face fines and be required to reinstall the posts to bring them up to code.

Any wood deck provides some ventilation to the area below, as is the nature of that type of deck design. However, areas that experience excessive humidity and associated moisture benefit greatly from a dedicated ventilation system in the form of strip vents. This addition helps the various wood boards contract and expand evenly throughout the years and reduces the chances of twisting, warping, and buckling.

It's okay to walk on a newly painted deck after about four to six hours as long as the weather has been dry. Be sure to wait at least 24 hours before you place any outdoor furniture or grills on a freshly painted deck, though.

Typically, most residential wooden decks are designed to support approximately 40 pounds per square foot, including the deck’s weight and any items placed on it. While this is fine for typical use, it is usually not enough to hold the weight of a hot tub filled with water and people. To safely support a hot tub, your wood deck will likely require reinforcement. Therefore, it’s best to have a contractor or a structural engineer assess it before hot tub installation.