How wide can deck stairs be with two stringers?

• <div><p>Deck stairs should have at least three stringers rather than two. The recommended minimum width for stairs is 36 inches, and the <a href="https://www.nachi.org/inspecting-stair-stringers.htm">International Association of Certified Home Inspectors</a> recommends at least three cut stringers to provide sufficient support on wood decking stairs of this width. Generally, stringers should be a maximum of 16 inches apart for wood decking and 12 inches apart for more flexible composite decking.</p></div>

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Q: Should deck boards be nailed or screwed?

• <div><p>When installing deck boards, screws are generally a better option than nails. Screws offer superior holding strength over time, keeping the boards securely in place. In contrast, nails are more likely to pop out, which can create a tripping hazard. While you can use either, we recommend using 3-inch galvanized deck screws. To minimize the risk of cracking the wood, it's a good practice to drill small pilot holes before driving the screws into the deck joists.</p></div>

Q: Do I need to sand a deck before repainting?

• <div><p>Always sand a deck before repainting so the wood is smooth and ready for paint. While you do not need to fully remove paint before repainting, sanding helps remove any areas with weather and sun damage. Sanding also helps remove chipped or flaking paint and opens the wood pores to improve paint adhesion.</p></div>

Q: Is it worth it to install a deck?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-build-a-deck.htm">Building a deck</a> is often worth the investment, not only because it provides more utility to your yard and gives you more space to entertain but also because decks tend to add value to your home. Keep in mind that second-story decks often require concrete footings, which means they will bump up your property taxes, while decks built on the first story generally don&rsquo;t require a permanent foundation and won&rsquo;t affect your taxes. Even with the tax increase, decks are usually a good investment in the long run.</p></div>

Q: How long does a vinyl deck last?

• <div><p>With proper installation and maintenance, a vinyl deck can last up to <b>30 years</b>. Factors like regular cleaning, minimal wear and tear, proper installation, and the use of higher-grade materials can extend its durability. However, extreme weather conditions or neglecting maintenance might shorten its lifespan. Adhering to manufacturer recommendations for care and occasional inspections can significantly prolong a vinyl deck's longevity.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Maintenance pros in Nevada City, CA

*The Angi rating for Deck Maintenance companies in Nevada City, 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 Nevada City, 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 June 22, 2026

Reviewed in June 2026
Plunkett Construction did a great job on our deck. He was able to solve several issues that arose during the work. He was an excellent communicator and very reliable. I recommend Plunkett Construction.
PLUNKETT CONSTRUCTION
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Reviewed in February 2026
Matthew and Green Bee designed and built our new deck. They did a beautiful job and I would highly recommended them for any construction project
Green Bee Construction Inc.
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Reviewed in December 2025
Meticulous job done. Very professional, courteous and took great care in making sure no damage occurred to chimney, roof or decking in near proximity. Also cleaned up nicely afterwards . Will definately rehire for future projects! Much Thanks to Kyle, Mel, Patrick and Wyatt👍👌
Tree Walker
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Reviewed in October 2025
Mike did an excellent job. On time in and out and even cleaned up pine needles that weren't from him and cleaned our deck and stairs
2 Bros And A Hose LLC
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Reviewed in February 2024
Mark at On the line construction is detail orientated and came up with a cost effective solution to replace the deck on my new house. He was very meticulous on the details of the deck and finished in the time frame that he bid the job. He is also very knowledgeable answering all my knit picky...
On The Line Construction
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Reviewed in January 2024
Contractor contacted me and scheduled work promptly. He did some work in addition to the deck repair. However, the additional work to resolve a leak associated with my rain gutter did not solve the problem.
Ingenuity Construction
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Reviewed in April 2023
They arrived like the calvery, fixed the problem I called about - and fixed another problem a plumber from another company fixed/caused the day before. The next day they returned to make sure we didnâ t have any leaks then wrapped the copper pipes (which were beautiful by the way!) and prepared...
DKH Plumbing, Inc.
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Reviewed in January 2023
Great crew. Very meticulous. They did a terrific job on my 30 year old redwood deck and stairs. Super clean-up. Very considerate crew. I would definitely hire them again.
Schaut Construction
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Reviewed in December 2022
They built me an amazing deck top notch quality and great price.
Ironstone Custom Decks
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Reviewed in July 2022
1,000 sq ft deck , excellent workmanship, communication between us was the best. All workers highly skilled. My dream deck was realized, project went as planned at every stage. I Highly recommend BTS Builders
BTS Builders
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Find Deck maintenance specialists in Nevada City

Mega Power Electric, Inc

5.0(

191

)

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Nevada City, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"We recently had Mega Power Electric Inc install a solar system and panels. The President and provided excellent communication all the way through the process. He even met with us after installation to explain the almost incomprehensible PG&E bill. Although not the least expensive bid, his was competitive and I felt he was as interested in educating me about solar and the various types of panels and inverter systems as he was in selling a system. He demonstrated how the array of panels would meet our energy needs and as opposed to some of the other companies, wasn't selling us more than we needed. We are very satisfied with our solar system and I highly recommended Mega Power Electric Inc."

+32

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Nevada City, CA and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Joshua is great! I purchased the toilets at Home Depot and arranged for Joshua to pick them up. Well HD Lancaster location only had two of the HE toilets that I wanted, so the 3rd toilet was picked up in the HD Palmdale store. Joshua did all this with pleasure. He was on time, work was completed superbly and cleanup was on point. I will always call on Joshua for my Handyman needs..."

Recommended by96%of homeowners

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High Mountain Surface Restoration LLC

5.0(

)

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Nevada City, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"The owner was very knowledgeable and explained every step and did fantastic work"

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Absolute Construction

4.2(

)

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving Nevada City, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

"We had an arrangement with 'Absolute Construction' to do the work around his normal jobs. He was able to get the work done in the amount of time that we were satisfied with. We know that times and jobs are hard around here and we wanted him to handle jobs he had already lined up and when he got a break, he could work on our projects. The work done was professional and we were pleased. Thanks."

+11

Recommended by83%of homeowners

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Big Time Movers

New to Angi

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Nevada City, CA and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

* 5 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ \n White glove Movers / transport /freight / junk removal *\nWe offer the best service ‼️\n⚫️Furniture \n⚫️ Packing\n⚫️Assemble\n⚫️ Car hauling\n⚫️Affordable prices\n⚫️Provide Packing\n⚫️Free Qoutes\n\nTreat each member as family?\n\nLocal & Long distance?\n\nNo Job to Big or Small ‼️\n\nCall Now ? 863-266-1850\n\n\nThe big time movers are here to make your moving experience peaceful in calm ? -Any assembly, dissassembly, all moving pads straps, dollys & travel time ALL INCLUDED IN PRICE\n-NO HIDDEN FEES\n-We offer "free haul away", we will take any unwanted furniture at NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU!!\n-We do both residential & commercial moves\n-Proffessional & Honest\n-Punctual & Reliable\n-We offer furniture protection (you only pay extra for supplies)\n-We move apartments, homes, offices, warehouses & even malls!\n-We offer junk removal services (enough to fill a pick-up truck, van, or box truck)\n-Long or short distance moves

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DPL General Contractors, Inc

New to Angi

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving Nevada City, CA and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

100 years of combined experiance with in our 3 partners

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Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

When installing deck boards, screws are generally a better option than nails. Screws offer superior holding strength over time, keeping the boards securely in place. In contrast, nails are more likely to pop out, which can create a tripping hazard. While you can use either, we recommend using 3-inch galvanized deck screws. To minimize the risk of cracking the wood, it's a good practice to drill small pilot holes before driving the screws into the deck joists.

Always sand a deck before repainting so the wood is smooth and ready for paint. While you do not need to fully remove paint before repainting, sanding helps remove any areas with weather and sun damage. Sanding also helps remove chipped or flaking paint and opens the wood pores to improve paint adhesion.

Building a deck is often worth the investment, not only because it provides more utility to your yard and gives you more space to entertain but also because decks tend to add value to your home. Keep in mind that second-story decks often require concrete footings, which means they will bump up your property taxes, while decks built on the first story generally don’t require a permanent foundation and won’t affect your taxes. Even with the tax increase, decks are usually a good investment in the long run.

Deck stairs should have at least three stringers rather than two. The recommended minimum width for stairs is 36 inches, and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors recommends at least three cut stringers to provide sufficient support on wood decking stairs of this width. Generally, stringers should be a maximum of 16 inches apart for wood decking and 12 inches apart for more flexible composite decking.

With proper installation and maintenance, a vinyl deck can last up to 30 years. Factors like regular cleaning, minimal wear and tear, proper installation, and the use of higher-grade materials can extend its durability. However, extreme weather conditions or neglecting maintenance might shorten its lifespan. Adhering to manufacturer recommendations for care and occasional inspections can significantly prolong a vinyl deck's longevity.

The Nevada City, CA homeowners’ guide to deck maintenance services

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

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