Today I met with a new client to document the area in which I would be helping them – replacing their existing deck and the garden in the immediate vicinity. I followed the owner around on the deck as we noted what bad shape it is in. Then I found out just how bad the deck’s shape really is. My foot went through one of the 1 x 4 boards! So this evening I’m nursing a sore leg, tailbone, shoulder and neck. If you smell something like rotting wood when you step onto an old deck, don’t step on it with your feet in alignment with a board. Rather, step crosswise and try to step only where you will also be above a joist that is holding up the deck.
Hi Vanessa–I’m sorry to hear you were hurt! Nothing broken I hope? I also appreciate the advice about where to step. Take care of yourself and I hope you feel better soon.
HI Pat,
My leg is looking pretty colorful right now and I’m pretty sore still, but I’m getting around okay. Thanks for pinch-hitting for me with Ann for the PCC students. I had looked forward to being there, so was disappointed to have to back out.