SideQuest 20 | Q&A: Deck Permits, Failing Handrails, and Toxic Gardens!
Welcome back to the Side Quest, where we answer your most pressing home-improvement questions! This week, Samantha, Arley, and Emily are diving into the mailbag to tackle some sticky legalities, major safety hazards, and gardening dilemmas.
Here is a breakdown of the advice we shared this week:
Do I Need a Permit to Replace Deck Boards?
Listener Aaron asked if a permit is required when replacing just the deck boards, but leaving the substructure intact.
The short answer: Usually, no.
The asterisk: If you are removing and replacing safety items like railings, your municipality might require one. A good rule of thumb is that decks under 30 inches high don't legally require handrails, so the permit rules are often looser.
Pro Tip: If you're ever unsure, just Google your local building inspector's email address and ask! They usually respond very quickly.
MAJOR RED FLAG: Homeowners can legally pull their own permits if they are doing the work themselves. However, if you hire a contractor and they ask you to pull the permit for them, say no!. Licensed contractors pull their own permits so they are legally on the hook if the work is faulty.
The Great Mulch Debate
An anonymous listener asked if they can lay down mulch over an existing weed barrier.
Yes, you can absolutely mulch over a weed barrier!. However, ensure your barrier is permeable. If you put down a solid plastic barrier, any plants you add won't be able to get water.
Regional Warning: We live in Michigan, where mulch is highly recommended. But if you live in a warmer, more humid climate, check your local landscaping subreddits before putting down heavy mulch—in some regions, it can become a breeding ground for cockroaches and mosquitoes!.
Never Use Drywall Anchors for Handrails!
Aaron also wrote in with a terrifying scenario: her handrail ripped right out of the wall, taking the metal anchors with it.
If your handrail ripped out of the wall, it is almost certainly because it was not anchored into the wooden studs. Handrails should never be hung with drywall anchors. As Emily says, the worst safety equipment is poorly installed safety equipment, because you expect it to catch you when you fall.
The Fix: You cannot reinstall the bracket in the exact same spot using a drywall patch—patches are not structural.
The Hack: Handrails must legally sit between 34 and 38 inches from the stair nose. Have a friend hold the handrail at the correct height, and use a stud finder to locate the studs along that diagonal line. You can physically unscrew the metal brackets from the handrail and move them up or down the rail so they align perfectly with your studs!. Fill the old holes in the wood with wood filler, and you're good to go.
Is Pressure-Treated Lumber Poisoning My Plants?
Debbie asked if the chemicals in pressure-treated lumber can poison the soil and the plants around it.
The short answer is yes, it does contain chemicals. While studies show the toxicity isn't incredibly high, we highly recommend avoiding pressure-treated wood for raised garden beds where you are growing food you intend to eat.
The Alternative: Opt for naturally rot-resistant woods like Cedar for your vegetable gardens!.
The Exception: It is perfectly safe to use pressure-treated lumber for fence posts—the grass will still grow right next to it just fine. Just don't chew on it!.
Got a question you want answered on the podcast? Email us at hthm@myhandymaam.com and we might feature it on our next Side Quest!.
