"Rupert and Michael just completed staining and sealing our very complicated deck/pergola project and did a masterful job. Their communication was prompt, every appointment was on time and their knowledge and craftsmanship was evident from start to finish. We especially appreciated their attention to detail and their care in protecting the surrounding detail of our 1906 home. Our finished deck is beautiful!"
"Excellent quality work, good attention to detail, punctual, honest, friendly, left everything clean and tidy. I am thrilled with my newly painted kitchen. I highly recommend this company."
"Very easy to work with. I'd used them before but this time I got estimates from other contractors and was amazed how much more reasonable Cal Preserving was. The difference may be that the others pointed to additional steps that could be taken. Did Cal Preserving "miss" these things or recognize they weren't necessary--I'm inclined to believe the latter."
"Fantastic job! I can't believe how bright and clean the deck and the surrounding areas look. It's clear that Blue Wave takes pride in their work and goes the extra step to please the customer. The windows have never looked better. Some are quite hard to reach and have not been cleaned in ages. They look brand new. I'm so happy with the expert and professional service provided by Indira and her team. I will definitely call Blue Wave again."
"It was great. Nice to have Bill assist with picking out the color. Very understanding when I decided to change the color on my door twice. Very pleased with the work and would hire them again. "
"Excellent. Bob picked up the paint from the paint store that we recommended. He draped everything with new drop cloths and was very meticulous in cleaning up. When we did a walk through and noticed some areas that needed cleaning, he was quick to address the issues."
"We worked with Ali (sales manager) and Tony (project manager), who took the time to design a project that made sense for our property and our budget, made a number of suggestions and recommendations and were never pushy or tried to "sell" us on something. The crew really went above and beyond to provide top quality workmanship and overall we were in very good hands. Highly recommended!"
The best direction for a gate to swing depends on its location and purpose, but swinging inward is the general rule. An inward swing is often considered safer, prevents the gate from opening into public spaces like a sidewalk, and may be required by local building codes.
There are exceptions and specific considerations. If your property is on a slope, an inward swing might not be possible. For a deck gate, it's safest to have it swing away from any steps. In a backyard, the direction can be a matter of preference, though an inward swing can be helpful when carrying heavy items like a wheelbarrow into a garden.
Regardless of direction, ensure the gate can open fully without hitting any objects or blocking spaces. While an inward swing is standard, a gate that can swing both in and out offers the most flexibility if your setup allows for it.
In many areas, a floating deck that isn’t connected to your home and stays under 200 square feet and below 30 inches in height may not need a permit. These freestanding structures are often considered low-risk, which can simplify the building process. However, building codes vary greatly based on location. Before investing in any home improvement project, check with your local permitting office for deck-building guidelines.
Composite decking requires a solid foundation, substructure, or subframe to ensure stability. This base is typically composed of posts, beams, joists, and footings. The frame's joists can be built from various materials like composite, plastic, timber, or metal, as long as the base can support the deck's weight without shifting. A professional deck builder might recommend installing the frame on a solid concrete base for added durability. The final design and materials for the substructure will depend on your budget, the type of deck, and environmental conditions.
The best time to paint your deck is when temperatures are neither too cold (below 60 degrees) nor too hot (above 85 degrees). Always paint your deck when there’s no risk of rain. For fast-drying paint like acrylic or latex, ensure your deck can dry for at least four hours. Oil-based paints take longer to dry and may require 48 hours to completely cure.
It’s best to prime composite decking before painting. This promotes better paint adhesion, helps create a smooth finish, and can mean the paint job will last longer. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application, allow ample primer drying time before painting (typically 24 to 48 hours), and thoroughly clean the deck boards to promote the best adhesion.
The Los Gatos, CA homeowners’ guide to deck cleaning services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Refinishing your deck is a great way to restore its appearance and fall in love with your outdoor space. Use this guide to learn how much it costs based on factors like size and type.
Learn how to clean a deck before staining to ensure long-lasting adhesion, weatherproofing, and optimum appearance of this coloring and protecting treatment.
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.
