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>

Get matched with top deck maintenance specialists in Lakehead, CA

Q: What is the best type of wood for an outdoor or deck gate?

• <div><p>When building an outdoor or deck gate, it's crucial to use durable wood that can withstand harsh weather conditions like sunlight, rain, wind, and snow. Redwood and cedar are excellent choices as they naturally resist decay. While redwood is considered more elegant, cedar is a more affordable option. Other suitable woods include oak and pressure-treated pine, which is specifically treated to resist rot. Although some softwoods like pine are popular, untreated softwoods such as pine and spruce should generally be avoided for outdoor projects because they are susceptible to damage from water, rot, and the sun. Ultimately, it's wise to consider your local climate when selecting the right wood for your gate.</p></div>

Q: What are the spindles on a deck called?

• <div><p>Spindles on a deck may also be called balusters or pickets. While not as important to the structural support of the deck as the rail posts, they play a critical role in ensuring the deck is safe to use by closing in large gaps in the railing. For this reason, balusters must be no more than 4 inches away from one another.</p></div>

Q: How long does a pressure-treated decking last?

• <div><p>Pressure-treated decks last 15 to 20 years on average, but with proper maintenance, you could get 40 to 50 years of value from yours. Reseal your deck every one to two years, and replace old or rotted wood as soon as possible to avoid structural damage. Where you live plays a role in the lifespan of your deck. Intense sunlight, rainfall, wind, and hail can reduce the deck&rsquo;s lifespan.</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>

Q: Can I pressure wash my own deck?

• <div><p>It is possible to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-power-wash-deck.htm">pressure wash your deck</a>, but it&rsquo;s usually best to leave the work to a professional for two main reasons. First, power washers are expensive, and you can avoid high upfront costs by hiring a deck washing pro instead. Second, you must be careful to use the correct setting to avoid damaging your deck material. You can only clean soft woods like pine with a wide spray and a low pressure; otherwise, the water will leave unpleasant marks on your deck. Hard woods, composite material, and metal can stand up to increasingly higher water pressures.</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your deck maintenance project in Lakehead, CA?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Deck Maintenance pros in Lakehead, CA

*The Angi rating for Deck Maintenance companies in Lakehead, CA 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 Lakehead, CA 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 March 07, 2024

Reviewed in March 2024
He fixed and extended our deck in 3 days. He did an excellent job. He does clean work. We would hire him again.
EMC
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2023
He was on time, courteous, did the repair quickly and at a reasonable price.wish all home repair people were like him .
Get Wired Low Voltage Company
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2022
I am very happy with the job Walker's tree service did for me. Nick and his team were fast, professional and on time. And the price was very reasonable. I've already recommended Walker's to two people!
Walker's Tree Service
Request a quote
Reviewed in January 2021
Cleans cuts and clean yard! Great tree service that I would highly recommend to anyone looking to hire.
WALKER'S TREE SERVICE
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2020
Aaron and crew did a great job!! They were also able to schedule me in pretty quickly! That was a nice surprise! Would highly recommend them for tree trimming and removal. I will definitely use them again in the future.
Lovell Tree Service
Request a quote
Reviewed in January 2020
The details of the job were reviewed before agreeing on an estimate and I believe that the estimate was reasonable for services rendered. It was an expansion of an existing, partially operating, irrigation system on 1/2 acre with trees/shrubs. The work was tailored for quality, costs and long...
DICK KOHLBECK
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2017
The technician was friendly and very accommodating. I was putting a cranky grand baby down for a nap and my husband works nights. He did all his work and didn't wake up either of them. He was knowledgeable and explained everything clearly. He also gave us tips on maintenance, and what trouble...
A & R HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
Request a quote
Reviewed in March 2017
Allen had to contend with a few surprises which he coped with.The deck was constructed of individually chosen planks. High quality all round. Above and beyond. I should not sound so enthusiastic as we plan to have him finish off another section when we have raised the funds.
Allen Ottinger Construction
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2015
Horst Handyman repaired a ramp that had wood rot along with wooden rails and reset the ramp so it was more solid in its foundation. He also repaired our back deck which had some wood that was in bad shape and repaired and replaced wood in our front steps. Horst Handyman used paint restore and he...
Horst Handyman
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2014
<p>Golden State Comfort: Brian Stewart, came out at first for a contract service repair from American Home Sheild. He fixed the problem with our A/C and he showed me where and what went wrong and repaired the unit. We called him out to provide maintenance on our A/C unit. He was very thorough!...
Golden State Comfort
Request a quote

Find Deck maintenance specialists in Lakehead

Mega Power Electric, Inc

5.0(

191

)

Serving Lakehead, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Mega Power Electric is an excellent company to work with. Gary and his team are knowledgeable, honest, and will go out of their way to get the job done right. We installed panels and solar battery storage unit in our home and we're reaping the benefits of being clean and green."

+32

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Lakehead, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Chet was great to work with. Took the time to go over what he would be doing. He painted the outside of my house. Went to the paint store with me because I wasn,t sure what I wanted other then green. Cleaned up at the end of each day.Was always on time. ( That means a lot to me ). Came out before he painted to power wash the house in the rain. Fixed some trim on the side of the house. He really cared about his work and wanting to make sure that we were happy. My house now looks new. I love it. A few months after that I had a wood shed made. He came out on his own time to paint it for me ."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Kuhno's Roof and Surface Cleaning

New to Angi

Serving Lakehead, CA and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

Offers commercial services

Kuhno’s Roof & Surface Cleaning Services\nWe specialize in restoring the look and life of your home with professional roof and exterior cleaning.\nOur roof cleaning service safely removes buildup and stains to bring your roof back to life while helping protect it from long-term damage.\nWe also offer power washing and surface cleaning for driveways, sidewalks, patios, and other exterior areas.\nUsing professional equipment and careful techniques, we remove dirt, mildew, and grime to leave your property looking fresh and well maintained.\nOur goal is simple: affordable, reliable, and high-quality cleaning services that make your home stand out.\nFirst-time customers can even receive a free small surface cleaning with their first service.\n✔ Roof Cleaning\n✔ Driveways & Sidewalks\n✔ Patios & Exterior Surfaces\n✔ Affordable Prices\n✔ Free Small Surface Cleaning for First-Time Customers\nGive your home the clean it deserves.\nContact Kuhno’s Roof & Surface Cleaning Services today for a free estimate.

Request Quote

Petty's Handyman Service

New to Angi

Serving Lakehead, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2016

Free estimates

We're a locally owned and operated company. We value honesty and integrity in all aspects of our business. We offer a variety of Home Improvement services that are customizable to each individual project. We specialize in handyman/carpentry work and a variety of related service and repair projects. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction!

Request Quote

Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

When building an outdoor or deck gate, it's crucial to use durable wood that can withstand harsh weather conditions like sunlight, rain, wind, and snow. Redwood and cedar are excellent choices as they naturally resist decay. While redwood is considered more elegant, cedar is a more affordable option. Other suitable woods include oak and pressure-treated pine, which is specifically treated to resist rot. Although some softwoods like pine are popular, untreated softwoods such as pine and spruce should generally be avoided for outdoor projects because they are susceptible to damage from water, rot, and the sun. Ultimately, it's wise to consider your local climate when selecting the right wood for your gate.

Spindles on a deck may also be called balusters or pickets. While not as important to the structural support of the deck as the rail posts, they play a critical role in ensuring the deck is safe to use by closing in large gaps in the railing. For this reason, balusters must be no more than 4 inches away from one another.

Pressure-treated decks last 15 to 20 years on average, but with proper maintenance, you could get 40 to 50 years of value from yours. Reseal your deck every one to two years, and replace old or rotted wood as soon as possible to avoid structural damage. Where you live plays a role in the lifespan of your deck. Intense sunlight, rainfall, wind, and hail can reduce the deck’s lifespan.

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.

It is possible to pressure wash your deck, but it’s usually best to leave the work to a professional for two main reasons. First, power washers are expensive, and you can avoid high upfront costs by hiring a deck washing pro instead. Second, you must be careful to use the correct setting to avoid damaging your deck material. You can only clean soft woods like pine with a wide spray and a low pressure; otherwise, the water will leave unpleasant marks on your deck. Hard woods, composite material, and metal can stand up to increasingly higher water pressures.

The Lakehead, CA 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
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does a Floating Deck Cost? [2026 Data]
Discover floating deck cost estimates, including average prices, installation factors, and ways to save. Learn what impacts your floating deck cost.
Scott Dylan Westerlund
•
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.
Mitchell Grant
•
May 2, 2026May 2, 2026
How Much Does a Pressure-Treated Wood Deck Cost? [2026 Data]
Looking to update your yard with a new outdoor entertaining area? Learn how much a pressure-treated wood deck costs and how to estimate your total.
Deirdre Sullivan
•
May 3, 2026May 3, 2026
How to Build a Deck Around a Tree: 8 Helpful Tips
For homeowners wondering how to build a deck around a tree, the first thing to remember is to keep the tree happy to protect your investment.
Deirdre Sullivan
•
May 21, 2026May 21, 2026
What’s the Best Material for Decks? What to Choose for the Ultimate Hangout Spot
Know the best materials for decks for different styles, colors, maintenance, climates, wood decking, regular decking, and pool decks.
Deirdre Sullivan
•
Apr 6, 2026Apr 6, 2026
Building a Deck Checklist for Easy Planning, Construction, and Maintenance
Before you build the outdoor space of your dreams, read this building a deck checklist brimming with information every homeowner needs to know.