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Exterior decking inspection checklists

Exterior decking inspection checklists for the rough-in, final and punch walks: 3 free lists, 36 items and 17 photo requirements, each item naming what to look for and the photo evidence it needs.

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The exterior decking walks, in build order

Exterior decking Rough-inExterior decking rough-in inspection checklistLedger flashed and bolted, framing sized and connected, and posts to footings set before decking covers the structure13 items9 photosExterior decking FinalExterior decking final inspection checklistDecking laid with consistent gaps, railings and guards secure to height, and stairs safe as the finished deck14 items5 photosExterior decking PunchExterior decking punch checklistCloseout callbacks for loose boards, wobbly guards and fastener pops on the finished deck9 items3 photos

Where each walk sits in the schedule

  1. 01rough-in

    Exterior decking rough-in inspection checklist

    After posts, beams, joists and the ledger are set and before decking is laid, while every connection is still open to view.

    Run by: The deck framing crew, or the GC's superintendent walking the structure before the deck boards hide the framing.

  2. 02final

    Exterior decking final inspection checklist

    After decking, railings and stairs are complete, before turnover and before the deck sees foot traffic.

    Run by: The deck crew lead with the GC's superintendent, walking the finished deck before the owner's walk and daily use.

  3. 03punch

    Exterior decking punch checklist

    During closeout, after the deck has been used and after the first weather cycle reveals movement and fastener pops.

    Run by: The deck crew on a callback, or the GC's superintendent clearing deck punch items before turnover.

What most often sends exterior decking work back

  • The ledger nailed instead of bolted, or bolted with no flashing behind it, so it works loose and rots the band it hangs on.
  • Joist hangers installed with roofing nails or half the holes empty, so the hanger never reaches the capacity it is rated for.
  • Post-to-beam and post-to-footing connections left toe-nailed with no metal connector, so the frame racks under lateral load.
  • Guard and railing posts lag-screwed to the rim with no blocking or tension tie, so the guard flexes when someone leans on it.
  • Baluster spacing run wide in a bay so a gap opens past the allowable spacing on a finished guard.
  • Decking gaps run tight or inconsistent so composite boards buckle in heat and water sits instead of draining through.
  • A fastener that popped or a board that squares up loose re-driven at the surface without checking the joist below it is still sound.
  • A guard that developed a wobble tightened at the visible screw but never re-anchored to blocking, so it works loose again.

Common questions

4 answers

Which exterior decking inspections do these checklists cover?
Exterior decking rough-in inspection checklist (rough-in): After posts, beams, joists and the ledger are set and before decking is laid, while every connection is still open to view. Exterior decking final inspection checklist (final): After decking, railings and stairs are complete, before turnover and before the deck sees foot traffic. Exterior decking punch checklist (punch): During closeout, after the deck has been used and after the first weather cycle reveals movement and fastener pops.
Who runs an exterior decking inspection?
The deck framing crew, or the GC's superintendent walking the structure before the deck boards hide the framing. The deck crew lead with the GC's superintendent, walking the finished deck before the owner's walk and daily use. The deck crew on a callback, or the GC's superintendent clearing deck punch items before turnover.
What most often sends exterior decking work back?
The ledger nailed instead of bolted, or bolted with no flashing behind it, so it works loose and rots the band it hangs on. Joist hangers installed with roofing nails or half the holes empty, so the hanger never reaches the capacity it is rated for. Post-to-beam and post-to-footing connections left toe-nailed with no metal connector, so the frame racks under lateral load. Guard and railing posts lag-screwed to the rim with no blocking or tension tie, so the guard flexes when someone leans on it.
Can I run these checklists in RTI?
Yes. Start a free RTI workspace and load any of the 3 lists (36 items in total). The Photo Gate holds the submit button until every mandatory item is answered and its photos are attached, and approved inspections roll into a branded turnover package with a tamper evident audit trail.

Run these lists with the Photo Gate.

Tag one area, scan it, and the submit stays locked until the photos exist.

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