Can you build your own deck?

• <div><p>It is possible to build your own deck, but it’s typically better to leave the work to a decking professional. Decks can be exceptionally complicated, especially if you want a wrap-around or <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/second-story-deck-ideas.htm'">second-story deck</a>, and you don’t want to risk making an expensive or dangerous mistake. It’s usually better to hire a decking pro who can pull permits and build a structurally sound deck that will last for decades and provide the maximum return on investment.</p></div>

Is Ipe more expensive than Trex decking?

• <div><p>Yes, Ipe is more expensive than Trex decking—both in terms of materials and installation (plus, Ipe trees are endangered). On average, Ipe decking costs $10 to $25 per square foot, while <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-cost-trex-decking.htm">Trex decking costs</a> $5 to $12 per square foot. Because Ipe is harder to work with, the price of installation is higher, too. For Ipe decking, you’ll pay between $20 and $45 per square foot for labor. However, with Trex decking, the labor costs range from $8 to $22 per square foot.</p></div>

How do you make a deck gate not sag?

• <div><p>You can use a few different tactics to prevent your deck gate from sagging. Aside from using strong, rot-resistant woods, introducing a diagonal element—such as a tension rod or solid piece of wood to act as a brace—across the gate will offer better support. You can also use rigid joists to prevent the gate from sagging.</p></div>

Top 10 Best Deck maintenance specialists in Drasco, AR

Q: What is the proper and most comfortable height for a stair riser or deck step?

• <div><p>The proper height for a stair riser or deck step is between four and seven inches, with seven inches often considered the most comfortable. Building your stairs to this height ensures a strain-free step position and minimizes the risk of trip and fall injuries. For optimal safety and comfort, especially on deck stairs, a rise of around seven inches should be paired with a tread depth (or run) of at least 10 to 12 inches. While it is possible to design stairs with risers up to 12 inches, this height can be challenging for children, pets, or individuals with mobility issues. Always check with your local building codes, as they may mandate specific dimensions that differ from these general recommendations.</p></div>

Q: Can you build your own deck?

• <div><p>It is possible to build your own deck, but it&rsquo;s typically better to leave the work to a decking professional. Decks can be exceptionally complicated, especially if you want a wrap-around or <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/second-story-deck-ideas.htm'">second-story deck</a>, and you don&rsquo;t want to risk making an expensive or dangerous mistake. It&rsquo;s usually better to hire a decking pro who can pull permits and build a structurally sound deck that will last for decades and provide the maximum return on investment.</p></div>

Q: Is Ipe more expensive than Trex decking?

• <div><p>Yes, Ipe is more expensive than Trex decking&mdash;both in terms of materials and installation (plus, Ipe trees are endangered). On average, Ipe decking costs $10 to $25 per square foot, while <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-cost-trex-decking.htm">Trex decking costs</a> $5 to $12 per square foot. Because Ipe is harder to work with, the price of installation is higher, too. For Ipe decking, you&rsquo;ll pay between $20 and $45 per square foot for labor. However, with Trex decking, the labor costs range from $8 to $22 per square foot.</p></div>

Q: When is a deck railing required and how high does it need to be?

• <div><p>Building codes for deck railings can vary by location, so it's important to consult your local regulations before construction. Generally, a guardrail is required for any deck that is more than 30 inches above the ground.</p><p>For residential properties, the standard minimum height for a deck railing is 36 inches. However, some states and municipalities have stricter requirements; for example, California and Washington mandate railings that are at least 42 inches high. Therefore, a 42-inch railing is not considered too high and may be required in your area or chosen voluntarily for additional safety.</p><p>In addition to height requirements, codes also specify other safety features, such as the maximum spacing between balusters to ensure they are close enough to prevent a child from squeezing through.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Maintenance pros in Drasco, AR

*The Angi rating for Deck Maintenance companies in Drasco, AR is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Deck Maintenance needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Deck Maintenance companies in Drasco, AR is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Deck Maintenance needs.

Last update on May 30, 2026

Reviewed in May 2026
Donovan is dependable, hardworking, and professional. He did an excellent job landscaping a shaded area of my yard where grass would not grow. I explained what I wanted and he did an excellent job, providing me with a beautiful, very low maintenance area. I will be hiring him to go more...
D's Extreme Services
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Reviewed in May 2026
Excellent work. Very pleased with the new metal roof on my sons house. Job done right at a fair price.
Freeman Roofing
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Reviewed in September 2025
August 12, 2025 Subject: Formal Notice to Correct Deficiencies in Back Patio Deck Construction Dear Greers Ferry Total Property Maintenance, I am writing to formally address serious concerns regarding the back patio deck your company constructed and completed the end of November, 2024....
Greers Ferry Total Property Maintenance
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Reviewed in July 2024
Did a great job. Cleaned up all the debris from the demolition. Very professional.
MISSION SITE SERVICES, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2023
HF lawn care provides excellent service at a fair price.
HF Lawncare, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2023
everything put back where it was supposed to be .cleaned up mess.very courteous fantastic job. will recommend
Storehouse Remodeling
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Reviewed in March 2020
He has done a lot of work for us over the years to include the remodeling of our home, and designed and built our deck which is huge and beautiful and had all the neighbors reaching out to find out who did the work. Jim and his entire crew are exceptional - professional and personable. I have...
JM Services, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2018
Very helpful and did a great jib on our deck
Rickey Joe Petty
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Reviewed in September 2013
Inspection took 2.5 hrs and we were present the entire time. Seemed appropriate time for a 4 br, 2.5 house w/attic. <br /> Inspector started outside which included him walking the entire roof and checking all structures including deck, soffits, fascia, gutters, chimney, crawl space, etc. He...
Clearview Inspections Inc.
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Find Deck maintenance specialists in Drasco

Painter J & Company, LLC

5.0(

)

Serving Drasco, AR and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"jason is the best painter I ever hired in my 82-years and owned many houses. Jason is a super nice person and highly recommend him."

9 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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B&W Services

New to Angi

Serving Drasco, AR and surrounding areas

Approved

My name is jarred brownlee my partner is nick Washam. We are just a couple guys who are trying to build our own business. We always work hard and have gathered a bunch of skills in our 30 years. We will always be kind and respectful. I hope you can give our little company a chance.

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Dixie Power Washing, LLC

New to Angi

Serving Drasco, AR and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

Rebecca is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.\n

Serving Drasco, AR and surrounding areas

In business since 1985

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"The service was excellent. Everything that they needed they will call me out and asked me on how it will done and they have very good ideas on how to install the deck."

+30

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Drasco, AR and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Glen from the O'Kirbys LLC was very easy to work with and eager to provide the best value service. Their work was thorough and high quality, yet priced very reasonably. Our project included pressure washing, masonry repair, painting, and some carpentry and they were able to do it all."

Response time1 day

Recommended by72%of homeowners

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Risher's Cleaning & Handymen

3.8(

269

)

Serving Drasco, AR and surrounding areas

In business since 1993

Free estimates

"It was a great service and they are a very nice couple."

Recommended by70%of homeowners

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Bird Dog Construction

4.6(

)

Serving Drasco, AR and surrounding areas

In business since 2015

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"Jim Hall was very professional. He built q beautiful deck for us. I highly recommend him."

Response time2 days

Recommended by88%of homeowners

Serving Drasco, AR and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Warranties offered

Small jobs welcome

"Quickly handled my Leaf Guard gutter repairs. Professional,experienced and through. Would recommend to all."

Response time2 days

Response rate94%

Recommended by25%of homeowners

Serving Drasco, AR and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Justin and his sons did a wonderful job in installation of two windows at the front of the house and removing sheet rock in 5 rooms. I am happy to see a dad instilling work ethic in his kids. They were very well mannered and stayed on task.The kids worked hard and I was happy to have them working in the house. Teens need to have responsibilities and looks like this dad has figured it out."

Response time2 days

Recommended by88%of homeowners

Serving Drasco, AR and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"his crew was here 30 minutes early stayed till the job was done. his crew was very professional and courteous did an excellent clean up after the job We are more than satisfied and would highly recommend Travis and the guys with Duraplex very reasonably priced and very high quality materials and workmanship
"

+16

Recommended by91%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 46

Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

The proper height for a stair riser or deck step is between four and seven inches, with seven inches often considered the most comfortable. Building your stairs to this height ensures a strain-free step position and minimizes the risk of trip and fall injuries. For optimal safety and comfort, especially on deck stairs, a rise of around seven inches should be paired with a tread depth (or run) of at least 10 to 12 inches. While it is possible to design stairs with risers up to 12 inches, this height can be challenging for children, pets, or individuals with mobility issues. Always check with your local building codes, as they may mandate specific dimensions that differ from these general recommendations.

It is possible to build your own deck, but it’s typically better to leave the work to a decking professional. Decks can be exceptionally complicated, especially if you want a wrap-around or second-story deck, and you don’t want to risk making an expensive or dangerous mistake. It’s usually better to hire a decking pro who can pull permits and build a structurally sound deck that will last for decades and provide the maximum return on investment.

Yes, Ipe is more expensive than Trex decking—both in terms of materials and installation (plus, Ipe trees are endangered). On average, Ipe decking costs $10 to $25 per square foot, while Trex decking costs $5 to $12 per square foot. Because Ipe is harder to work with, the price of installation is higher, too. For Ipe decking, you’ll pay between $20 and $45 per square foot for labor. However, with Trex decking, the labor costs range from $8 to $22 per square foot.

Building codes for deck railings can vary by location, so it's important to consult your local regulations before construction. Generally, a guardrail is required for any deck that is more than 30 inches above the ground.

For residential properties, the standard minimum height for a deck railing is 36 inches. However, some states and municipalities have stricter requirements; for example, California and Washington mandate railings that are at least 42 inches high. Therefore, a 42-inch railing is not considered too high and may be required in your area or chosen voluntarily for additional safety.

In addition to height requirements, codes also specify other safety features, such as the maximum spacing between balusters to ensure they are close enough to prevent a child from squeezing through.

You can use a few different tactics to prevent your deck gate from sagging. Aside from using strong, rot-resistant woods, introducing a diagonal element—such as a tension rod or solid piece of wood to act as a brace—across the gate will offer better support. You can also use rigid joists to prevent the gate from sagging.

The Drasco, AR homeowners’ guide to deck maintenance services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Mitchell Grant
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May 2, 2026May 2, 2026
How Much Does a Pressure-Treated Wood Deck Cost? [2026 Data]
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Scott Dylan Westerlund
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May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
Cost to Seal or Waterproof a Deck [2026 Data]
Sealing a deck is important for protecting it against the elements. Find out the cost to seal a deck, whether you DIY or hire a pro to do the job.
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Apr 16, 2026Apr 16, 2026
How Much Does Mahogany Decking Cost? [2026 Data]
Discover mahogany decking costs and learn about material, labor, and installation factors to budget your new deck project with confidence.
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Apr 5, 2026Apr 5, 2026
Top Deck Maintenance Tips for Every Decking Material
Deck maintenance is vital to protecting a wooden deck. Cleaning, staining and sealing a deck after pressure washing will add years to its lifespan. Protect a deck by following these deck maintenance tips for cedar and other types of wood materials.
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Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
Deck Maintenance Checklists for Every Season
Keep your decking looking new with this deck maintenance checklist.
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Apr 9, 2026Apr 9, 2026
7 Best Maintenance-Free Decking Materials
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