Small Town Boy: Professional Fencing Company Serving Tallahassee, FL 32312

Salt air from the Gulf can cause metal brackets, screws, and nails on decks to rust prematurely. This weakens connections and leads to structural instability. We recommend using stainless steel or coated fasteners and applying protective sealants to prevent corrosion.

Look for warped or rotted wood near plants, mold or mildew growth, and lifted boards caused by roots. Vines can trap moisture against the deck, accelerating decay. Regular trimming and proper spacing between plants and your deck help minimize damage.

For long-term durability, consider composite decking with hidden fasteners and aluminum or stainless steel substructures. These materials are impervious to rot and rust. We also recommend installing a gravel or concrete perimeter barrier to prevent direct wood-to-soil contact and reduce vegetation encroachment.