"It was better than my highest expectations! Jose & his workman were on time and never stopped working. His estimates on time and material were exactly how it came out. I needed a ditch filled with dirt along a new back fence. Not only did he have the dirt delivered and filled the ditch, but he transplanted some large container plants and power washed the whole walkway & patio they had transversed with the dirt. He is very knowledgeable about plants & an excellent communicator in English & Spanish. I’d hire him again in a minute! It was a joy to have Lopez Landscaping! !"
"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!"
"Raul is very professional and his crew are also very professional and did an excellent job! Did the whole exterior of our house and or deck had it completed in 4 days. Would highly recommend this company"
"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."
"Work was very well done and attention to detail was high. Care was taken to repair deck, strip, sand and stain. The stain selection was well done and the deck (front, side and back) looks amazing."
"These people were very professional both during the interview process and during the actual cleaning of my home. They did a detailed, deep cleaning of my entire home and did an outstanding job of it. They were very careful when handling my decorative objects. They were very friendly nice people and I have nothing but great praise for their work. I am going to continue to use their service and would highly recommend them to others."
Cutting the boards directly is one of the fastest ways to remove deck boards with hidden fasteners. Mark two parallel lines that are one-third of the total measurement on both ends and cut out the centerpiece. Then, remove the end of the board that doesn’t have a fastener. Finally, pry open the fastened side and pull it up to pop out the screw or access the fastener. This also allows you to salvage portions of boards for other projects.
Yes, adding a composite deck, such as one made from Trex, can significantly increase your home's value. It is a valuable home renovation for recouping costs, with some estimates for return on investment (ROI) ranging between 60% and 70%. More recently, Remodeling's 2024 Cost vs. Value Report suggests a deck addition has an ROI of 82.9%, with an average resale value of nearly $14,600. A new deck makes your yard more functional, enhances the landscape's aesthetic, and can entice prospective buyers. The investment may have a higher return if the deck adds usable square footage to the property.
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.
Building codes for deck railings can vary by location, so it's important to consult your local regulations before construction. Generally, a guardrail is required for any deck that is more than 30 inches above the ground.
For residential properties, the standard minimum height for a deck railing is 36 inches. However, some states and municipalities have stricter requirements; for example, California and Washington mandate railings that are at least 42 inches high. Therefore, a 42-inch railing is not considered too high and may be required in your area or chosen voluntarily for additional safety.
In addition to height requirements, codes also specify other safety features, such as the maximum spacing between balusters to ensure they are close enough to prevent a child from squeezing through.
The life expectancy of deck boards varies widely based on the material, climate, and maintenance. Untreated wood boards typically last 10 to 30 years with proper care, while pressure-treated boards can last up to 50 years. Hardwoods generally outlast softwoods. Composite boards also tend to last longer than natural wood. Environmental factors like arid or humid climates can shorten a deck's lifespan. To extend the life of wood decking, it's important to consistently clean and seal it to protect against moisture, UV light, and insects.
The Santa Maria, CA homeowners’ guide to deck maintenance services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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.
Finding maintenance-free decking that works for your home, budget, and lifestyle can be challenging. This guide lists the 7 best low-maintenance deck materials.
