Buying Guide · Plain English
The Deck & Fence Buying Guide
Warning signs, materials, permits and the questions to ask before you build, explained in plain English by builders.
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Warning Signs
What Your Deck and Fence Are Telling You
Safety first. If a deck, stair or railing feels unsteady, keep people and pets off it until it has been checked. If someone is hurt, call 911. Then call us at 615-357-7797 for help.
Soft, Spongy or Rotted Boards
Boards that flex, crumble when poked or have dark, soft spots are a sign that water has been sitting on the wood.
It may be
- Water trapped between boards and joists
- Old or failed finish
- Poor drainage under the deck
What to do
- Stay off any section that feels soft, and have the framing checked before replacing boards. A good inspection tells you whether to repair, resurface or rebuild.
A Wobbly Railing or Stair
A railing that moves when you lean on it, or a stair with loose treads, is a safety problem that should not wait.
It may be
- Loose or rotted posts
- Failing fasteners and connections
- Railings built too low or with wide gaps
What to do
- Keep kids and guests away from the area and call us for a repair. Rails and stairs are the safety parts of a deck.
A Leaning or Sagging Fence
A fence that leans, bows or has sections pulling away from the posts usually has a post or footing problem.
It may be
- Rotted or broken posts
- Footings that were too shallow
- Wind, wet soil or tree damage
What to do
- Resetting or replacing the failing posts can save the rest of the fence. We tell you honestly whether a repair makes sense.
Gray, Peeling or Faded Wood
Wood that has turned gray, is peeling or looks dry is losing its protective finish, and unprotected wood weathers faster.
It may be
- Sun and rain wearing the finish
- Mildew and algae growth
- Finish that was never maintained
What to do
- Clean it, let it dry and refinish with a stain or sealer suited to the wood. Do it before the wood starts to rot.
A Gate That Drags or Will Not Latch
Gates carry a lot of leverage. When one drags, sags or will not latch, it usually needs a stronger post or a braced frame.
It may be
- Posts that are too light or too shallow
- Frames without diagonal bracing
- Worn hinges and latches
What to do
- A re-hung, braced gate with heavy hardware can last for years. For driveways, an opener can be added to a strong gate.
An Old Fence You Have Outgrown
Sometimes the fence just no longer fits: too low, too open, too worn out or the wrong style for your home and your pets.
It may be
- A fence that no longer gives privacy
- Failing posts along the whole run
- A style that no longer suits the house
What to do
- Replacing it lets you choose a better height, material and gate, and fix the problems at their roots.
General information, not an inspection. If a deck or railing feels unsafe, stay off it and call us.
Free Interactive Tool
Try the Decking Matchmaker
Slide your priorities and compare materials side by side.
Planning aids only, not engineering, code or permit advice. Nothing you enter is sent anywhere until you choose to send it to us.
Before You Build
Five Things to Sort Out First
Know your property lines, ask your neighborhood or HOA about rules for height, materials and colors, and check whether your project needs a permit. We help with each of these steps.
Utilities matter too: we have underground lines located before digging, and we plan footings and post holes around them. Then pick a material that fits how much upkeep you want, and a design that fits how you live.
What is the best wood for a deck?
There is no single best wood. Pressure-treated pine is practical, cedar is beautiful and naturally resistant to rot, and tropical hardwoods are extremely dense. We help you pick based on look, upkeep and budget.
How tall can my fence be?
Height limits depend on your city, neighborhood and where the fence sits on your property. Back-yard privacy fences are often six feet, and front yards are often lower. We help you check the rules.
Who finds my property line?
The property owner is responsible. If you have a survey, we use it. If not, we can help you locate pins and talk about getting a survey before we build.
How do I care for my deck or fence?
Wash it a few times a year, keep plants and soil away from the boards, and refinish wood on a schedule that suits the product. We give you care tips when we finish.
Ready When You Are
Let’s Build the Yard You Have Been Picturing
Book your free estimate. Tell us about your project and we will contact you shortly, or call now and talk to a builder.
- Free estimates
- 14 Middle Tennessee cities
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Music City Deck & Fence, a division of Music City Builder Group, designs and builds decks, fences, railings and outdoor living spaces across Nashville and Middle Tennessee.
Call us today615-357-7797- Serving 14 Middle Tennessee cities
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