The Deck Guy

unknown

During estimate we were told that the cost would be about 10% of the cost to do a total deck replacement, based on the price given by Lowes for a deck replacement this was accurate. The deck was completed about a week after we confirmed that we wanted him to do our deck. We were able to choose our preferred stain color so that it would match our house well. For payment we payed in 3 installments: initial deposit, second installment after cleaning, final installment after deck was finished.
The estimate was for $1250 and then additional cost if needed for repairs and labor if there were more repairs than originally planned. He did give an hourly rate but when he did the extra work he did not explain to us until the end that he added and extra $100 for labor and materials.
Overall the deck looked okay when completed, not what we were hoping for since not all the deck boards match. The repairs and new boards that were added did not match the rest of the deck since they were new boards. This would be expected except during the estimate we were told that he would be able to match the new wood to the old wood so that we could not tell it was replaced. The staining in general was good. Most of the deck matches there are certain areas that do not match or look like a little different shade. It seems like the stain might have settled some so some portions got a darker stain. There were also some areas that were darker due to double coating or stain that dripped to create drip spots in certain areas.
I felt that the day that the staining was done the process was rushed. The contractor was trying to get it finished before 5pm so that he could deposit our check before he over-drafted his account. We feel that this is one of the reasons that the deck does not match in all areas and is not the quality of work that we expected.
On the final day the contractor said that he would come back the next day to get his scaffolding and do touch up and check in with us to see what we thought. He did not come the next day. Two days later he did come and get his scaffolding but failed to check in with us to see what we thought or from what I can tell do any touch up. We were home the whole day with the garage door open so it was obvious that we were at home. It seems that he knew we wouldn't be happy with the deck and so didn't want to speak with us.
The deck is not to the point that we would pay to get it done again. Overtime with weathering it will probably match and end up looking decent. In the future when we need to get it retained we will not be using this contractor. I feel like we did not get his best work. The contractor has a book of pictures that he shows of decks that he has done in the past, I doubt that he would include pictures of our deck in that book.

The Deck Guy was fabulous. Came out the day we called and started work immediately and throughout the weekend to get the deck looking like new. We had no idea it could look like it does - I almost didn't want to put the furniture on it to cover it up! Phil and his wife were professional and answered all of our questions throughout the process. They were very careful to remove downspouts and hangers for plants and they brushed the stain onto the deck by hand to make sure nothing got stained that should not. Great folks, with a wonderful work ethic. We are happy we found them!

I saw the job he did on our neighbor's deck and wanted the same. He talked us out of the stain color the neighbor had chosen, and recommended a color that looks much better with our house. Very professional. Finished the work on a SUNDAY!