Do you nail or screw composite decking?

• <div><p>You can nail or screw composite decking, but 3-inch decking screws are the better fastener choice. Unlike nails, decking screws won’t back out of the composite material over time. There’s also little danger of splitting composite material when driving screws, so you don’t need to pre-drill holes unless otherwise recommended by your decking manufacturer. </p></div>

Best deck cleaning pros near Forest City, IA

Q: Should I use 2x6 or 2x8 for deck joists?

• <div><p>When deciding if you should use 2x6 or 2x8 deck joists, consider the size of the deck, joist spacing, and materials. Larger decks, larger-spaced joists, and weaker wood all require more support, meaning they need larger joists. For example, 2x8 redwood joists spaced 16 inches apart can only safely span up to 10 feet and 7 inches. On the other hand, 2x10 southern pine joists spaced 12 inches apart can be as big as 16 feet and 2 inches. If you aren&rsquo;t sure what size joist is best for your project, speak with your deck builder.</p></div>

Q: What is the best homemade deck cleaner?

• <div><p>If you want to make a deck cleaner from products already in your home, there are various options. The most common is to use a gentle blend of 1 gallon of warm water and 2 tablespoons of ammonia-free dish soap. You can also mix water with distilled vinegar. Sprinkling on some baking soda can help to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-remove-mold.htm">remove mold</a> and mildew. You can add oxygen bleach (but never damaging chlorine bleach) to the water and ammonia-free dish soap solution for something a bit stronger. </p></div>

Q: Should decks be painted or stained?

• <div><p>Whether to paint or stain a deck depends on your personal preference for appearance and budget. Stain provides a natural look with a range of undertones, is typically less expensive, and may only require one coat, but it does not last as long as paint. Paint offers a sleeker finish with a virtually unlimited color palette. Both options will protect your deck from outdoor elements like rain, snow, and general wear and tear.</p></div>

Q: Should a gate swing in or out?

• <div><p>Ideally, a gate should be able to swing both in and out. However, if it can only open in one direction, it is generally best for it to swing inward. This is often the safest option, especially for deck gates near steps, as you'll want the gate to swing away from the stairs. An inward swing also prevents the gate from opening into a public space, like a sidewalk, and can be more convenient when carrying heavy items like a wheelbarrow into a garden.</p><p>There are exceptions, however. The layout of your property may require a different approach. For example, if your property is on a slope, the gate may not be able to swing inward. You should also ensure the gate can open fully without colliding with any objects or blocking access to other areas. For a backyard garden gate where public access isn't a concern, the direction it swings is largely a matter of personal preference. Finally, always check your local building codes, as they may have specific requirements for which way a gate must swing.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Cleaning pros in Forest City, IA

*The Angi rating for Deck Cleaning companies in Forest City, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Deck Cleaning needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Deck Cleaning companies in Forest City, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Deck Cleaning needs.

Last update on July 15, 2025

Reviewed in July 2025
He came the same day to clean my upholstered loveseat and chair. He was also able to clean 3 other upholstered pieces of furniture, an area rug, and shampoo the living room carpet--he did everything and was awesome! He went above and beyond to help me, was very polite, and professional.
Advanced Interior Care, LLC
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Reviewed in December 2024
Our installer, Levi L., did a fantastic job on our new shower. It is beautiful. The bathroom and surrounding area was perfectly clean when he was done. He answered all of our questions and made sure we understood the paper work at the finish. Very friendly and polite. I would recommend him to...
Mad City Windows & Baths
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Reviewed in October 2024
Judy and 2 helpers washed the inside and outside of our solarium windows. I was very pleased with the results and the efficiency in cleaning the windows. I would recommend her highly. Bev
JMetro Cleaning
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Reviewed in June 2023
They were professional, timely, and cleaned up everything before they left. I would recommend them and would hire them again.
Arneson Tree Service
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Reviewed in August 2021
This company is more than a cleaning company. They do painting and many small jobs around construction sites!! Very versatile workers! A+++
Clean Streak
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Reviewed in July 2021
Answered all my questions, professional and cleaned up afterwards. Would hire them again.
JW Efficiencies
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Reviewed in January 2021
It was beautiful. They were all very good, very clean, very cordial and very much on time.
John Holland Contracting
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Reviewed in September 2018
Like so many other reviewers, I was very happy with the quality of work done by Express Tree Service but had difficulty scheduling. I nicked them a half star because I waited for them for a full day on the day they were supposed to remove a tree and they ended up rescheduling at 4:00 to come the...
Express Tree Service - Home Facebook
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Reviewed in August 2018
Did a great clean up job. Fast and efficient service.
Fowlkes Tree and Stump Removal, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2018
Great experience. Good price and did good clean up.
Cannon Lawn & Tree
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Top-Rated Deck cleaning pros in Forest City - Updated Nov 2026

Rhyno Pressure Washing

4.0(

)

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

Serving Forest City, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"He did a great job on the deck! Very personable and showed up when he said he was going to show up. I would hire again! A+"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Dave Navarro Construction

5.0(

)

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

Serving Forest City, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

"The workmanship was excellent. The work was completed within the time frame agreed upon as well as the price quoted. Everything was done very professionally from start to finish. I HIGHLY recommend Dave Navarro Construction for any interior remodeling. I will definitely use him again - without hesitation."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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

Serving Forest City, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2002

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Came when he said he would and finished the job in a timely manner."

Response time3 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Vazquez Powerwashing, LLC

New to Angi

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

Serving Forest City, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

At Vazquez Powerwashing, LLC, our company is based on the belief that our customers' needs are of the utmost importance. Our team is committed to meeting those needs. We welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you the best service. No job is too big or too small for our experienced team. Call today for a quote. \n \n

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S-P-R Service Property Restoration

5.0(

)

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

Serving Forest City, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity in all aspects of our business. Not only are we focused on quality work and outstanding results, we are also committed to educating our clients through our wide range of expertise, in turn creating a level of value unmatched by any of our competitors. We look forward to building lasting relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction!

Response time1 day

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving Forest City, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Excellent job. Prompt service. Did a final walk through for approval. It looks great. Thank you"

Response time10 hrs

Response rate89%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Garcia's Reliable Powerwasher

New to Angi

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

Serving Forest City, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business! Book with us online or feel free to give us a call today!

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d and m painting and staining

New to Angi

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

Serving Forest City, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 1995

Free estimates

We�re a locally owned and operated company with 15+ years of industry experience. We value honesty and integrity, and stand behind our work. We specialize in both interior and exterior residential and commercial painting projects. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building long-term relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction!

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving Forest City, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2004

Free estimates

"very efficient and did a good job"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Janssen Services

New to Angi

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

Serving Forest City, IA and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

We work extremely hard for the owner and our company strives to take care of all our client's unique needs and always have the owner's best interest at heart. We are very detailed and meticulous in our work. Our long-term vision is for us to become your go to Contractor with capabilities to do multiple types of projects. Call us today you'll be relieved you did. Thank you!

Response time10 mins

Response rate100%

Request Quote

Showing 1-10 of 14

Deck Cleaning FAQs, answered by experts

When deciding if you should use 2x6 or 2x8 deck joists, consider the size of the deck, joist spacing, and materials. Larger decks, larger-spaced joists, and weaker wood all require more support, meaning they need larger joists. For example, 2x8 redwood joists spaced 16 inches apart can only safely span up to 10 feet and 7 inches. On the other hand, 2x10 southern pine joists spaced 12 inches apart can be as big as 16 feet and 2 inches. If you aren’t sure what size joist is best for your project, speak with your deck builder.

If you want to make a deck cleaner from products already in your home, there are various options. The most common is to use a gentle blend of 1 gallon of warm water and 2 tablespoons of ammonia-free dish soap. You can also mix water with distilled vinegar. Sprinkling on some baking soda can help to remove mold and mildew. You can add oxygen bleach (but never damaging chlorine bleach) to the water and ammonia-free dish soap solution for something a bit stronger.

Whether to paint or stain a deck depends on your personal preference for appearance and budget. Stain provides a natural look with a range of undertones, is typically less expensive, and may only require one coat, but it does not last as long as paint. Paint offers a sleeker finish with a virtually unlimited color palette. Both options will protect your deck from outdoor elements like rain, snow, and general wear and tear.

You can nail or screw composite decking, but 3-inch decking screws are the better fastener choice. Unlike nails, decking screws won’t back out of the composite material over time. There’s also little danger of splitting composite material when driving screws, so you don’t need to pre-drill holes unless otherwise recommended by your decking manufacturer.

Ideally, a gate should be able to swing both in and out. However, if it can only open in one direction, it is generally best for it to swing inward. This is often the safest option, especially for deck gates near steps, as you'll want the gate to swing away from the stairs. An inward swing also prevents the gate from opening into a public space, like a sidewalk, and can be more convenient when carrying heavy items like a wheelbarrow into a garden.

There are exceptions, however. The layout of your property may require a different approach. For example, if your property is on a slope, the gate may not be able to swing inward. You should also ensure the gate can open fully without colliding with any objects or blocking access to other areas. For a backyard garden gate where public access isn't a concern, the direction it swings is largely a matter of personal preference. Finally, always check your local building codes, as they may have specific requirements for which way a gate must swing.

The Forest City, IA homeowners’ guide to deck cleaning services

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

See all articles

Deane Biermeier
•
Sep 17, 2026Sep 17, 2026
How Much Does Deck Refinishing Cost? [2026 Data]
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.
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•
Oct 1, 2026Oct 1, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Pressure Wash a Deck? [2026 Data]
The cost to pressure wash a deck depends on its size, condition, material, and whether you DIY the job. Help set your budget with this cost guide.
Jenna Jonaitis
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
How to Clean Decking Safely and Naturally
Cleaning your deck at least once a year boosts its durability and appearance. Learn how to clean decking, whether it's wood or composite.
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•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
How to Clean a Deck Before Staining
Learn how to clean a deck before staining to ensure long-lasting adhesion, weatherproofing, and optimum appearance of this coloring and protecting treatment.
Jenna Jonaitis
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
Top Deck Maintenance Tips for Every Decking Material
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.
Jill Harness
•
Mar 6, 2026Mar 6, 2026
How to Clean and Seal Your Deck in One Weekend
Knowing how to clean and seal a deck can help extend its life and keep it looking like new. This DIY guide sheds light on the best way to clean a wood deck.