How hard is it to build a deck yourself?

• <div><p>Building a deck isn't too hard if you’re handy with carpentry, have the necessary tools, and are willing to put effort into it. However, other factors, such as plans, permits, and design, can be hard if you don’t have experience in those areas.</p><p>Note: You’ll need another person to help you build the deck (especially for framing and setting the beams). Building a deck yourself will be very difficult if you don’t have an extra set of hands to help.</p></div>

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Q: How hard is it to build a deck yourself?

• <div><p>Building a deck isn't too hard if you&rsquo;re handy with carpentry, have the necessary tools, and are willing to put effort into it. However, other factors, such as plans, permits, and design, can be hard if you don&rsquo;t have experience in those areas.</p><p>Note: You&rsquo;ll need another person to help you build the deck (especially for framing and setting the beams). Building a deck yourself will be very difficult if you don&rsquo;t have an extra set of hands to help.</p></div>

Q: What is the best way to sand a deck?

• <div><p>The best way to sand a deck is by cleaning it, sanding the boards and stairs with 60- or 80-grit sandpaper, and sanding the railings and posts with 80-grit sandpaper. You should sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid damaging the timber. When sanding your deck, use medium pressure and aim for an even sand. Pressing too hard with a sander can damage decks, as most are softwoods. </p></div>

Q: How many board feet are in a 2x4?

• <div><p>There are approximately 5.33 board feet in a 2x4. You can use the board foot calculator in this article to easily find the answer. A 2x4 is 2 inches of thickness by 4 inches of width, so you need to find the length, with 8 feet being the most common. You&rsquo;d use the calculator here to multiply 2 times 4 times 8, and then divide by 12, arriving at a total of 5.33 board feet. </p></div>

Q: Should there be a gap between the house and the deck?

• <div><p>In most cases, there should be a small gap between the house and the deck, usually no more than &frac12; to &frac34; of an inch. This space allows water and moisture to flow through instead of pooling against the side of your house. It also lets flashing protect your siding from runoff, which is one of the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/5-common-deck-problems-and-solutions.htm">most common issues with decks</a>.</p></div>

Q: What’s the average cost to replace a 20-by-20-foot deck?

• <div><p>Expect to spend around $10,000 to $11,000 to replace a 20-by-20-foot deck. Using high-end materials like composite or exotic hardwoods can drive up the cost, as can custom features and design elements. You can also expect to pay more than average if your deck replacement requires a site evaluation or if you need the work done during the busy season.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Maintenance pros in Mountain View, AR

*The Angi rating for Deck Maintenance companies in Mountain View, 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 Mountain View, 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 April 16, 2026

Reviewed in April 2026
I've had several inspections in my past & never have had such a great experience. He didn't hurry doing the inspection, I know the home owner was nervous each time he stopped to write something down on his report. He wrote up the roof & sad to have new roof put on, which helped out big time....
Precision Home Inspections
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Reviewed in October 2025
Mario arrived on time and did an excellent job of reinstalling and stretching the carpet.
First choice flooring
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Reviewed in August 2025
I was more than satisfied with the repair and replacement of the chain link fence. The job was done well, ahead of time and at a fair price. David and his assistant were easy to work with and I would happily have them do more jobs in the future.
K.T.B. SOLUTIONS, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2024
Great work, highly recommend. Honest and hardworking, makes sure all the work is done and done properly. Charges a fair price, I have 1 acre and it was $80, could not beat that price anywhere!
Manning's Maintenance and Landscaping
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Reviewed in April 2024
Fantastic job with no debris left behind. Will hire again if I need stump grinding.
Ozark Tree Monkeys
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Reviewed in September 2023
Tony did a superb job and I am very pleased with his work
Storehouse Remodeling
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Reviewed in May 2023
Work was done professionally and in a timely manner. All of my specific concerns were addressed. Tim was personable and professional. This was a complicated driveway grading for drainage. Seems to be working to prevent pooling of runoff. Pricing is on the higher end.
Precision X, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2023
Alan does a great job each week keeping my pool clean and operational at a very reasonable price.
Stay Blu Pool Care
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Reviewed in January 2023
Alan does a great job weekly cleaning and servicing our pool and equipment for a very reasonable price.
Peace of Mind Pool Services
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Reviewed in September 2021
They go out of their way to please the customer. Always on time. And keep you posted of any changes. This has been the best company I have found for lawn care in years. I would highly recommend them for any one looking for a good company which provides great service
Universal Fence Construction
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Find Deck maintenance specialists in Mountain View

K.T.B. SOLUTIONS, LLC

4.9(

)

Serving Mountain View, AR and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"David and Tanner did a great job on my deck refurbish!!…. Very honest and dependable. Will definitely use them for future projects."

Response time10 hrs

8 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Painter J & Company, LLC

5.0(

)

Serving Mountain View, 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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Deano's Construction & Maintenance

New to Angi

Serving Mountain View, AR and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1990

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We are a local construction and maintenance company with over 30 years in the industry. Whether is replacing a ceiling fan or building you a custom deck, our team can tackle any job and ensure 100% customer sanctification guaranteed. If you want your project done right, give us a call today!

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Dixie Power Washing, LLC

New to Angi

Serving Mountain View, 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

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Risher's Cleaning & Handymen

3.8(

269

)

Serving Mountain View, AR and surrounding areas

In business since 1993

Free estimates

"It was good. I called them in the morning and they came later that day. They did a good job. They were professional and clean."

Recommended by70%of homeowners

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Bird Dog Construction

4.6(

)

Serving Mountain View, AR and surrounding areas

In business since 2015

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"Jim was prompt, great result. Already loving our new deck. recommend!"

Response time2 days

Recommended by88%of homeowners

Serving Mountain View, AR and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Warranties offered

Small jobs welcome

"The job was done great, I have plans to hire these guys again for other works."

Response time2 days

Response rate94%

Recommended by25%of homeowners

Serving Mountain View, 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 Mountain View, AR and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Travis' roofing team showed up early and got to work. The job went quickly and professionally. The roofers were careful to clean up everything before they left. They really did a good job I had another roofer come and inspect their work and he said everything was done correctly to uphold the shingles factory warranty. Apparently many roofers cut cost by using an inferior top shingle for the ridge causing the shingle's warranty to be void.
I would use Duraplex roofing in the future.
"

+16

Recommended by91%of homeowners

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Memphis Aero Cleaning Solutions

5.0(

)

Serving Mountain View, AR and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Very professional. Very prompt. Photos were very crisp and clear. Video was thorough."

Steeple Base - Algae, Bird Droppings no more!

Pink coloring to see where its spraying.

+11

Response time2 days

Recommended by75%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 39

Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

Building a deck isn't too hard if you’re handy with carpentry, have the necessary tools, and are willing to put effort into it. However, other factors, such as plans, permits, and design, can be hard if you don’t have experience in those areas.

Note: You’ll need another person to help you build the deck (especially for framing and setting the beams). Building a deck yourself will be very difficult if you don’t have an extra set of hands to help.

The best way to sand a deck is by cleaning it, sanding the boards and stairs with 60- or 80-grit sandpaper, and sanding the railings and posts with 80-grit sandpaper. You should sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid damaging the timber. When sanding your deck, use medium pressure and aim for an even sand. Pressing too hard with a sander can damage decks, as most are softwoods.

There are approximately 5.33 board feet in a 2x4. You can use the board foot calculator in this article to easily find the answer. A 2x4 is 2 inches of thickness by 4 inches of width, so you need to find the length, with 8 feet being the most common. You’d use the calculator here to multiply 2 times 4 times 8, and then divide by 12, arriving at a total of 5.33 board feet.

In most cases, there should be a small gap between the house and the deck, usually no more than ½ to ¾ of an inch. This space allows water and moisture to flow through instead of pooling against the side of your house. It also lets flashing protect your siding from runoff, which is one of the most common issues with decks.

Expect to spend around $10,000 to $11,000 to replace a 20-by-20-foot deck. Using high-end materials like composite or exotic hardwoods can drive up the cost, as can custom features and design elements. You can also expect to pay more than average if your deck replacement requires a site evaluation or if you need the work done during the busy season.

The Mountain View, 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

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