Get matched with top deck cleaning pros in Parkland, FL

As with patios, there are many types of deck choices to choose from to add personalization to your home. Some common deck options include:

• Attached decks are anchored to the home and include simple ground-level options or multi-level structures with stairways and separate landings. 

• Detached island decks are not attached to the home; they’re a freestanding structure in the yard. 

• Wraparound decks connect the back of the house with at least one other side and often are built with railings for safety. 

• Multi-level decks connect your deck through varying levels of elevation, featuring landings that are attached to stairs.

In most cases, your deck will need some form of deck footing to hold it in place, preventing moisture from rotting your wood and decreasing your deck’s lifespan. Concrete deck blocks are the most common type of footing for floating decks. Some homeowners use ground-level deck footings. For added security, consider digging and laying your ground-level footings below ground.

For the best results, stay off of your deck for at least 48 hours after sealing it. Giving the sealant at least two full days to cure ensures it can fully penetrate the wood, giving you the most protection from sun and weather damage later on. Walking on the deck too soon can prevent it from properly curing and cause your deck to weather prematurely.

Staining and sealing the underside of a deck creates a moisture barrier but traps water in the boards, quickly leading to rot. No matter how well you seal the above deck, water still gets through via nails and screw heads on the surface. Allow this water to flow naturally under the deck, where it is routed through the drainage system.