If you've got kids, these kid safe deck tips are good to know.

Chances are you've done the rounds inside your house making sure that everything sharp, pointed, hot, poisonous, or climbable is out of reach.

Here are a few tips for kid-proofing your deck that will result in a safer outdoor space for children and adults alike.

Clean your deck regularly to be free of slimy green algae and debris that collects where water pools, making the surface slick and dangerous. A stiff bristle brush should do the trick with a mild detergent or deck cleaner. Remember to thoroughly hose down your deck after scrubbing.

Repair popped nails, broken boards, and splintery spots. Keeping a regular deck maintenance schedule will go a long way to avoiding stubbed toes and splinters. Nails that work their way loose over time should be hammered back down. And every year you should check for splintered or broken boards and repair them immediately. Old decks that have been badly maintained are a haven for splinters so a good sanding to smooth out rough areas is a must. To sand a large deck area to a silky smooth finish, use an orbit sander with 80-grit sandpaper

Install security gates for decks with stairs, an obvious tip but important nonetheless. Gates should swing inward when installed so that if a child leans on it and it isn't shut properly, the gate doesn't swing outward causing the child to topple down the stairs.

Install railing guards. These are protective mesh guards that attach to deck railings and banisters with ties or screws and prevent children from climbing or forcing heads and limbs between the spindles.

Ensure that sliding doors or French doors that lead onto your deck have appropriate locking mechanisms to keep little ones from venturing out onto the deck unsupervised.

source: Unplash.com

Keep all types of deck seating, tables, hose caddies, and deck storage boxes-anything that kids can climb onto-away from deck railings.

Secure or anchor patio heaters and free-standing umbrellas so that they can't be easily overturned.

Practice safe barbeque grilling habits. Position barbeques in a spot where kids can't touch. When grilling, the barbeque should be at least five feet from a wall and never left unsupervised. Remember that a barbeque is still hot to touch well after the cooking is done, so little hands can still be seriously burned.

Follow these tips and you will have a kid safe deck.