Decks

Creating a Kid-Friendly Deck: Safety and Play Features

Creating a Kid-Friendly Deck: Safety and Play Features

Your deck is an integral part of your outdoor space. If you’ve just moved into a new home or added a new addition to the family, you might be thinking about how to make the deck more kid-friendly. These are Tri State Building Center’s top tips for creating a safe and fun outdoor area that might encourage you to spend more time outside.

First Up: Safety Features for Your Young Family

Take stock of the reality of your deck before embarking on these projects. If you have a space that only needs a few additions to make it safe and fun for the family, read on for the best safety features to add to the patio.

Add a Gate or Railing

The first safety feature you’ll want to incorporate for young kids is a safety gate or railing so that little ones can play without your constant supervision. Gates can also be a beneficial way to keep pets and small children separated.

Choosing a Permanent or Short-Term Gate

If you think you’ll only need a gate for a few years, consider a retractable or plastic gate that can be easily installed and removed when you’re finished with it.

Using power tools to build a more permanent gate can add value to your deck. Be sure to choose an outdoor-safe wood and match the rest of the stain on the deck when building a swinging door.

Deciding on a Railing

Many different materials can be utilized to add a permanent railing to an established deck: glass panels, wrought iron, or classic wood. Ensure the chosen material is high enough to stop small children from escaping the area. Ensure a toddler cannot stick their head through the bars if you use wood or wrought iron bars.

Light Up the Landscape 

Mood lighting is an excellent way for adults to set the mood for a relaxing evening in the yard. However, for little kids, brighter lights at night would be better. Choose a large bulb or a slightly higher wattage so they can read a book or play a board game in the evening. 


Smooth Out the Surface

Save everyone from stubbing their toes or tripping over loose boards on the deck by ensuring that both lie flat and smoothed out.

Bring Out the Power Sander – For an extra smooth surface that is free from splinters, take out your power sander and give the entire deck a few passes.

Re-stain and Seal – Add a new layer of stain and lacquer to seal any loose splinters or frayed wood.

Extra Fun Play Features

Before jumping into any of these projects, make sure they’re age-appropriate for your kids and something they’ll be interested in.

Add Games for the Whole Family

Having a few fun things already set up on the deck is the perfect excuse to go out after dinner and play a quick game before bedtime. You can also send the kids out on the patio with their friends for a fun-filled afternoon while you get some much-needed rest indoors.

Choosing an Age-Appropriate Game

Party games like Jenga or cornhole can be enjoyed by everyone. However, they might not be age-appropriate for smaller children who could get hurt by a falling Jenga tower or who don’t have the hand-eye coordination needed for tossing a bean bag.

A doll house, colorful wood blocks, or a car race track for young Hot Wheels enthusiasts can be set up for younger children.

Water Sports for the Summer Months

If you have enough space on the deck, setting up a kiddy pool or a slip-and-slide can be the ultimate safe space for your kids.

Set up the hose and allow your kids to entertain themselves for hours within the safety of the confined deck.

Built-in Slide for the Ultimate Deck Accessory

A deck that ascends from a second story of the house into the yard is the perfect place to add a slide instead of steps for the kids. You might become a legend in the neighborhood for adding this fun feature!

Choosing a Slide

Depending on your budget and the amount of space that you have will affect the type of slide that you can add. If your deck is on the second floor, add a massive corkscrew slide, reminiscent of the type of slide you might see at a waterpark.

A small plastic slide just a few feet high can be an excellent choice for smaller children who need just a bit of height to entertain themselves.

Create a Safe and Fun Deck Today!

Making your deck space safe and inviting with the right games and accessories can be an easy way to promote imaginative play.

The experts at Tri State Building Center are ready to assist with all your chores, projects, and super-fun plans today!

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