Can you build a composite deck in the winter?

• <div><p>Yes. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-install-composite-decking.htm">Composite decking</a> is resistant to moisture and freezing temperatures, so it’s an ideal material to use in particularly cold or damp seasons. You can install this type of decking throughout the year since it does not warp or split in the cold.</p></div>

How long should I season my deck before staining?

• <div><p>It’s important to make sure the wood on a new deck is properly seasoned. Seasoning a deck is simple: Once you build it (or have a pro do so), just leave it alone so it can acclimate to the environment. If you don’t give the deck proper seasoning time before staining, the stain can lock in any lingering moisture and cause mold, rot, and other moisture issues down the road. Give the wood at least four to eight weeks to season before you stain.</p></div>

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Q: How do you remove deck boards with hidden fasteners?

• <div><p>Cutting the boards directly is one of the fastest ways to remove deck boards with hidden fasteners. Mark two parallel lines that are one-third of the total measurement on both ends and cut out the centerpiece. Then, remove the end of the board that doesn&rsquo;t have a fastener. Finally, pry open the fastened side and pull it up to pop out the screw or access the fastener. This also allows you to salvage portions of boards for other projects. </p></div>

Q: What do you put down before decking?

• <div><p>Before installing a deck, you must build a base for the deck to rest upon, often made of compacted soil or gravel. While gravel is an optional material, it helps with drainage. Some contractors also recommend installing a weed control membrane, which helps provide a solid foundation for the frame. In the case of an elevated deck, a pro will often lay down a concrete slab as a foundation. </p></div>

Q: Do I need to seal the underside of a deck?

• <div><p>Staining and sealing the underside of a deck creates a moisture barrier but traps water in the boards, quickly leading to rot. No matter how well you seal the above deck, water still gets through via nails and screw heads on the surface. Allow this water to flow naturally under the deck, where it is routed through the drainage system.</p></div>

Q: How long should I season my deck before staining?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s important to make sure the wood on a new deck is properly seasoned. Seasoning a deck is simple: Once you build it (or have a pro do so), just leave it alone so it can acclimate to the environment. If you don&rsquo;t give the deck proper seasoning time before staining, the stain can lock in any lingering moisture and cause mold, rot, and other moisture issues down the road. Give the wood at least four to eight weeks to season before you stain.</p></div>

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Quality One LLC

4.6(

)

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Cordova, AK and surrounding areas

In business since 2004

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Quality One provided me quick help that perfectly addressed my needs. They were communicative, helpful, and I felt confident in the rate they quoted me. I will definitely work with them again!"

Response time5 days

Response rate100%

Recommended by84%of homeowners

Request Quote

Heart and Home Builder

5.0(

)

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Cordova, AK and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"JK Construction is awesome. They responded quickly, came out the next day. Their work is awesome and I will definitely use them regularly."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Total Lawn Care Service

3.8(

)

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Cordova, AK and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

"They were very good and they did a nice job"

+14

Recommended by85%of homeowners

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Crystal Clear Window Washing

5.0(

)

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Cordova, AK and surrounding areas

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"David is wonderful. He did a terrific job on a house with many windows on various levels. I have recommended him to my neighbors and will use him again this coming summer."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Avalanche Construction Inc.

4.0(

)

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Cordova, AK and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"Very well. Great communication the entire time. There were some time set backs due to the pandemic but we were notified of all progress as the job went along. Photos and videos were uploaded to the app they use to keep us informed. The work site was clean and orderly the entire time as well. No issues with debris in the yard or driveway. Overall we had a great experience and would recommend them to friends and family. Very knowledgeable, friendly, and easy to work with. A definite company to consider for all construction or remodeling needs."

+38

Recommended by83%of homeowners

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Pride & Beauty Land Care

New to Angi

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Cordova, AK and surrounding areas

Free estimates

We specialize in tree services, tree trimming, tree removal, stump grinding, stump removal, and more! We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Check out all the services we offer below and call -- or-- click to schedule a free estimate today!

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Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

Cutting the boards directly is one of the fastest ways to remove deck boards with hidden fasteners. Mark two parallel lines that are one-third of the total measurement on both ends and cut out the centerpiece. Then, remove the end of the board that doesn’t have a fastener. Finally, pry open the fastened side and pull it up to pop out the screw or access the fastener. This also allows you to salvage portions of boards for other projects.

Before installing a deck, you must build a base for the deck to rest upon, often made of compacted soil or gravel. While gravel is an optional material, it helps with drainage. Some contractors also recommend installing a weed control membrane, which helps provide a solid foundation for the frame. In the case of an elevated deck, a pro will often lay down a concrete slab as a foundation.

Yes. Composite decking is resistant to moisture and freezing temperatures, so it’s an ideal material to use in particularly cold or damp seasons. You can install this type of decking throughout the year since it does not warp or split in the cold.

Staining and sealing the underside of a deck creates a moisture barrier but traps water in the boards, quickly leading to rot. No matter how well you seal the above deck, water still gets through via nails and screw heads on the surface. Allow this water to flow naturally under the deck, where it is routed through the drainage system.

It’s important to make sure the wood on a new deck is properly seasoned. Seasoning a deck is simple: Once you build it (or have a pro do so), just leave it alone so it can acclimate to the environment. If you don’t give the deck proper seasoning time before staining, the stain can lock in any lingering moisture and cause mold, rot, and other moisture issues down the road. Give the wood at least four to eight weeks to season before you stain.

The Cordova, AK homeowners’ guide to deck maintenance services

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