You're definitely right about drainage—it's sneaky how quickly moisture can cause hidden damage. Another thing I've noticed is that people often overlook the hardware itself. Even treated lumber can outlast the screws and bolts holding it together, especially if they're not corrosion-resistant. I usually give a quick glance underneath to check for rust or loose connections every few months. It's surprising how often something minor pops up... better to catch it early than deal with a bigger repair later on.
"Even treated lumber can outlast the screws and bolts holding it together, especially if they're not corrosion-resistant."
That's a great point about hardware—I hadn't really thought about screws and bolts wearing out faster than the wood itself. Makes me wonder, do you think it's worth investing in stainless steel hardware upfront, or is regular checking and replacing cheaper in the long run? I'm always trying to balance cost with safety, so curious what others have found works best...
I've wrestled with the same question myself. Stainless hardware is definitely pricier upfront, but honestly, the peace of mind might be worth it—especially if you're not great about regular inspections (like me). On the other hand, if you're disciplined enough to check every year or two, standard galvanized hardware could be fine. Either way, good on you for thinking ahead about safety... too many folks overlook that stuff until it's too late.
I tend to check mine every spring, just part of my routine when the weather warms up. Honestly though, even galvanized hardware can last a long time if installed properly and kept relatively dry. Stainless is nice, sure, but sometimes feels like overkill unless you're in a really wet climate or near saltwater. For most of us, a quick annual look-over and tightening loose bolts usually does the trick...
I usually give mine a quick once-over around springtime too, but honestly, it's more of a "coffee-in-hand stroll" than a thorough inspection. One year I skipped it entirely, thinking everything looked fine from the kitchen window...until my brother-in-law nearly went through a loose board during our July BBQ. Lesson learned—now I at least tap around with my foot and tighten anything suspicious. Stainless hardware does seem fancy, but galvanized has held up just fine for me so far.
