Abstract: A channel shaped strip formed of a resilient material that is press-fitted over the beams of a deck to protect the beams from water damage and the like. The strip also contains a series of raised resilient ribs equally spaced along its length. The inside distance between adjacent ribs is equal to the width of the planking mounted upon the beams. The strips are fitted upon the beams to that the ribs are co-aligned in rows that are perpendicular to the beams so that the planks can be laid down between the ribs in spaced apart parallel alignment.