Why does my deck shake when people walk on it?

Author: Yoshiko Predovic  |  Last update: Friday, July 11, 2025

Loose or corroded fasteners are usually the simplest cause of deck wobbles to fix.

Should a deck shake when walking on it?

It should be difficult to get a deck to sway a noticeable amount. Maybe a little if you run and then try to stop as quickly as you could, but normal movement shouldn't do anything.

How do I stop my deck from shaking?

Diagonal bracing under the joists - just a 2x4 that creates a triangle across the deck should do. Some horizontal joist blocking away from the house should help reduce movement. Some larger diagonals from post to beam would help more.

How to stop a deck from bouncing?

Bouncy Deck Boards

To remedy this issue, you will need access to framing beneath your deck. If your deck is low to the ground, the repair may be much more difficult. The best way to get rid of extra movement is to add extra support in the form of additional beams or posts.

Is deck sway normal?

People walking on the deck parallel to the house will cause a sideways force, and the deck will shake. Often the decking acts as enough of a diaphragm to stiffen the deck itself against these forces. Another thing that keeps most decks from moving too much is the length of their posts, which is usually 4 ft. or less.

Why the floor shakes when I walk by, because of floor deflection

Why is my deck shaking?

Over time, fasteners and connectors that hold your deck together can loosen due to weather exposure, temperature changes, and age. This can occur in many places, most commonly the connections between the deck and the house, between joists and beams, and in the decking boards themselves.

How do I know if my deck is unsafe?

Loose, Corroded, Splintered, or Missing Nails and Screws
  1. Nails and screws that protrude into the walking space.
  2. Nails and screws that fall onto the deck.
  3. Stairs that are sturdier at one end than the other.
  4. Nails and screws that are bent, twisted in place, or crooked.

How to make a deck not wobble?

Installing V-Bracing is one of the most simple and inconspicuous ways to prevent sway in your deck. V-Bracing consists of two 2x6 that are installed at a 45-deg. angle and run from the ledger board out to the beam. Once installed, the two boards form the shape of the letter V.

Why do most decks collapse?

Common Causes of Deck Collapses

Older decks may be weakened by rotting wood and rusted screws and nails. In other cases, the wood may not have been treated or sealed properly, resulting in water damage. Termite infestation: Properly treating wood can prevent termite infestation.

Is cross bracing necessary?

Cross bracing is used to keep buildings stable when the wind blows and during seismic events, such as an earthquake. It also limits the building's lateral movement, reducing the likelihood of damage to the structure's components and cladding.

How to repair a wobbly deck?

How to Repair a Loose Wood Deck Railing
  1. Tighten any loose bolts or screws. ...
  2. Mount extra blocking between rim joists. ...
  3. Remove and replace any loose post-to-rail hardware. ...
  4. Remove and replace any rails with signs of bowing, warping, or rot. ...
  5. Remove any rust from the loose railing. ...
  6. Tighten any loose post-mounting hardware.

Do decks need diagonal bracing?

A deck that is more than 24 inches above grade must resist lateral loads in accordance with the following: Diagonal Bracing. Provide diagonal bracing both parallel and perpendicular to the beam at each post as shown in Figure 18.

Why is my decking lifting?

If you notice your wooden deck boards are starting to lift or lever upwards, it's a clear sign of structural weakness. This could be due to moisture absorption, poor installation, or natural ageing.

Is it normal for the floor to vibrate when walking?

If your home has a lightweight frame or if the flooring materials are inadequate, it can lead to noticeable vibrations, especially in high-traffic areas. Additionally, the spacing of the floor joists plays a significant role; if they're too far apart, the floor may not have the necessary support to remain stable.

How do I know if my deck joists are bad?

Here are the signs you should look at to determine if you need to replace the joists of your deck:
  1. Rot, Decay, and Mildews. ...
  2. Shaking Rails and Deck. ...
  3. Cracked Joists. ...
  4. Sunken Deck and Warped Joists. ...
  5. Damaged Frames. ...
  6. Changing the Deck's Materials. ...
  7. Termite Problems. ...
  8. Deck Constructions.

Should decking be smooth or grooved side up?

Grooved decking offers no superior grip over smooth decking. Laying your decking groove side up can aid water runoff, but this is only possible if your decking is laid at a slight angle. Flat, grooved decking can also lead to standing water and grime build-up, which can be time-consuming to clean.

What decks last the longest?

Ipe decking, also known as Brazilian Walnut, takes the crown as the longest-lasting decking material. Renowned for its incredible durability and resistance to decay, Ipe can last up to an astonishing 75 years with proper maintenance. Its dense structure and natural oils make it resistant to rot, insects, and even fire.

What accounts for 90% of all deck collapses?

About 90% of deck collapses occurred as a result of the separation of the deck ledger board from the house, allowing the deck to swing away from the house.

How much weight can most decks hold?

According to Fortress Building Products, most decks that are built with traditional pressure-treated wood frames (or southern yellow pine) and decking boards can hold up to 50 pounds per square foot (PSF). So then, if your deck has 100 square feet, it'll support up to 5000 pounds.

Is it normal for a deck to shake?

It does not necessarily mean that there is cause for concern if your deck wobbles as you walk across it. However, the wobbling could loosen joists from the rim joist or leger board over time. This issue can be easily fixed by fastening angle bracing under the deck.

How do you make a free standing deck sturdy?

A solid, strong beam is essential to your freestanding deck. To make your surface as safe as possible, we suggest using beams made of three 2x10-inch wood boards. This might take longer than traditional techniques that use one large solid beam, but it's often easier to install correctly.

Where to put blocking on a deck?

Deck blocking, a sturdy wooden element utilized in deck framing, can be strategically placed between joists throughout the deck structure. Common placements include over the beam and at the mid-span. Its purpose is to minimize joist twisting, deck frame movement, and enhance the overall rigidity of the deck framework.

How many years should a deck last?

If you're going to install a new one, or you moved into a house that already has a deck, you're likely wondering when you'll need to consider replacing it. You can typically expect a deck to last 10-30 years for untreated wood and 50 or more years for treated wood and composite.

Is deck damage covered by homeowners insurance?

Homeowners insurance policies typically cover accidental damage to your deck caused by events like fallen trees, a vehicle collision, or other unforeseen accidents. If your deck is damaged by such incidents, your insurance policy may provide coverage for repairs or replacement.

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