We are having a deck built and we need to know what the 'code' or 'gold standard' as to how far apart the vertical slats on the sides need to be. My 'DH' and I are in disagreement on this. He thinks there is no need for it, in fact he had the guy built horizontal slats. I weigh 200 pounds and I could lay down and crawl underneath these slats! So we are going to have to have vertical pieces put in. But I need to know how far apart. Thanks. Oh, the builder only put one handrail going down the stairs. 'cause that's what 'DH' told him to do!

As you can see I am not happy about the deck. Also he isn't putting anything along the sides of the deck, no lattice or anything. I need suggestions on how to hide the unsightly ground under the deck. It is built off a kitchen in a bi-level so it's high up.

I wish I had pictures of the before deck so I can compare to the new one. The only ones I have are from our big ice storm when parts of out tree took part of the deck off.

We took the deck from 12 foot square to 16 foot square so I am also having a conundrum as to what to put on it. I am not a griller!