Deck check

Spring has seen us emerge from the innards of the Sow's Ear and we are enjoying the outdoors more.

During the last few weeks, we've been giving the garden some much needed attention, but it has a long way to go.

Since we are outdoors more, we've noticed how grotty the concrete paths and deck have become. A good friend lent me her high pressure cleaner so I could clean the concrete under the deck and give the deck a spruce.

While cleaning, I inadvertently blasted one of the deck railings off, revealing some major wood rot.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, why is it that one minor job always leads to another? And it is always more substantial than the first job...

Just as well. It is better to notice now, rather than to discover it in the event of an accident. Two-year old Son# 3 will, no doubt, thank us when he is alive to see his third birthday.

Anyhow, it is a timely reminder that we need to check the deck - floor boards, joists and railings. There have been too many deck accidents in Queensland. The deck collapse two years ago in the suburb of Ascot, killing one and injuring several others, still sends shivers up my spine.

If you are reading this Mr Rooney, our esteemed builder and descendant of the Rooney & Co timber merchants, who pioneered Queenslander architecture (we like to know the lineage of our builders)...

We might need your help.