"J.D.S. Improvements is a company that I can fully stand behind. Their employees are very responsible, respectful, and professional. We had a large TREX deck built and it turned out beautiful. I would recommend them for all your renovations."
"All of the work was done as described and in a timely manner. Alvaro (president) explained the process and answered any questions we had. The crew was punctual, courteous and respectful of the property. Windows, doors and vigas were taped off, drop cloths were used where material would splatter. After the completion of the project everything was cleaned up and put back in place. The workmanship is outstanding and the house looks brand new."
"Nothing but a positive experience from Aaron Trail. Very easy to communicate with. Very prompt, kept all appointments. The new paint looks amazing and just the colors we selected. All stucco repairs that were made were blended so well, there is no way to tell where the original issues were! I already have recommended them to friends and family, I will continue to do so. Very happy with Aaron Trail! "
"They were professional and he is always looking online to find ways to get the job done and ask my opinion about it. He also clean the space where he works and that is incredibly the best quality service."
"Tim Ehlers DBA Patriot Roofing suggested that we go back to the company that actually put the roofing material on. He did not take advantage of the situation. Everything went efficiently. My husband had the main conversation with him and it wasn't a lot of time off of my husband's schedule, because I think he came from work to stop and visit with him. It seemed to go well."
"Palazuelos Painting did an excellent job, they did exactly as I asked, prices were fair , workers made sure everything was cleaned after they finished their work. Very happy, will definitely hire them again for future paint projects I have."
Satin paint is generally considered a better choice for woodwork—including trim, baseboards, cabinets, and doors—than flatter finishes like eggshell or matte. Its soft sheen enhances architectural details and stands up well to frequent cleaning and daily wear. Compared to eggshell and matte finishes, satin is more durable for high-touch areas because it is less porous and doesn't absorb dirt as easily. Matte finishes, in particular, are prone to scuffs and are harder to clean, making them less practical for surfaces like doors and cabinets.
Always wait until the morning dew has dried before you stain your deck. The stain needs a fully dry surface to sink into.
You don’t necessarily have to remove all the old paint before repainting your deck, but it’s best to remove as much as possible to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish. Prioritize scraping off loose, peeling, or flaking paint, and sand down rough areas to create a smooth surface for the new paint to bond with.
Limewash and whitewash are two techniques used to give brick a light, matte finish, but they differ in composition, application, and permanence. The best choice depends on your aesthetic goals and the specific surface.
Composition
Limewash: A natural and environmentally friendly option made from limestone, water, and sometimes pigments. It is breathable and soaks into porous surfaces like brick.
Whitewash: Traditionally made from lime, water, chalk, and binders, but a similar look can be achieved with watered-down white paint. It is paint-based and sits on top of the surface.
Appearance and Finish
Limewash: Provides a natural, textured appearance that allows the brick's character to show through. It offers a more traditional finish.
Whitewash: Creates a softer, more opaque finish, often used for a rustic or shabby-chic style.
Application and Permanence
Limewash: Is semi-permanent and can be removed, making it a good choice if you might want to change the look in the future. It requires more skill to apply and cannot be used on previously painted brick.
Whitewash: Is a more permanent solution. It is more forgiving to apply and can be used on painted brick. However, because it sits on the surface, it can trap moisture.
Ultimately, if you want a breathable, natural, and reversible finish for unpainted brick, limewash is a great option. If you need a more permanent, opaque coating that can be applied over painted surfaces, whitewash is the better choice. Whitewashing may also be more economical, costing approximately $1.40 to $4.20 per square foot.
Various kinds of substances and deck preservatives act as protective coatings for wood to prevent rot, which is caused by water getting into the wood and creating cracks and splits. Stains, paints, and sealants are the three best options to protect your wood, but there are also oils, varnishes, and waxes available. You’ll need to reapply sealant at least once per year, and you should inspect your wood deck regularly to look for signs of damage or general wear and tear.
The Leupp, AZ homeowners’ guide to deck staining services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
The best time to stain a deck is when it’s dry but not too sunny. How often you restain a deck depends on climate and wood type, but every two to three years is normal.
