Get matched with top deck maintenance specialists in Franklin Park, IL

Q: What is the difference between a deck and a porch?

• <div><p>While the terms deck and porch are often used interchangeably, they are two distinct structures. A porch is a covered structure, usually attached to the front of a home, that offers protection from the elements. In contrast, a deck is an open, uncovered platform, often attached to the back or side of a home. Because porches have a roof, they typically require less maintenance than decks, but both features need regular cleaning and repairs to stay in good condition.</p></div>

Q: Should there be a gap between the house and the deck?

• <div><p>In most cases, there should be a small gap between the house and the deck, usually no more than &frac12; to &frac34; of an inch. This space allows water and moisture to flow through instead of pooling against the side of your house. It also lets flashing protect your siding from runoff, which is one of the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/5-common-deck-problems-and-solutions.htm">most common issues with decks</a>.</p></div>

Q: Do decks need to be primed before painting?

• <div><p>Unless you&rsquo;re using a 2-in-1 formula or painting over an existing coat of paint, it pays to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/quick-primer-interior-painting.htm">apply a coat of primer</a> ahead of your new paint. Decks see a lot of footfall and exposure to extreme and sudden temperature changes and moisture levels. The primer promotes better paint adhesion, moisture repellency, and a smoother finish, which means you&rsquo;ll often need fewer coats of paint. </p></div>

Q: What is the standard spacing for spindles or balusters on a deck or stair railing?

• <div><p>Most building codes require that spindles or balusters on deck and stair railings be spaced no more than four inches apart. This safety standard, often called the '4-inch sphere rule,' is designed to prevent small children or pets from slipping through the railing. A good way to visualize this is that a 4-inch sphere should not be able to pass between two spindles. For the same safety reason, the space between the bottom rail and the deck floor should also be no more than four inches. As a general guideline, professionals often install three balusters per foot of railing. However, since specific requirements can vary by location, it is crucial to check your local building codes to ensure compliance before starting your project.</p></div>

Q: What are the disadvantages of eco-decking?

• <div><p>While eco-friendly decking, also called composite decking, is a win for the environment because it consists of recycled materials, it has trade-offs. These sustainable options often come with steeper price tags, lack natural wood's warm look, and can become uncomfortably hot under full sun. Some composite materials can also become slick when wet, posing a potential hazard.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Maintenance pros in Franklin Park, IL

*The Angi rating for Deck Maintenance companies in Franklin Park, IL 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 Franklin Park, IL 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 May 05, 2025

Reviewed in May 2025
We have used NuAgain for several years to keep our deck in decent shape. They have always done a good job and they respond quickly when requesting service.
NuAgain Deck and Fence Renewal, Inc.
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Reviewed in April 2025
The crew arrived promptly on the scheduled day, tore off the old shingles, installed the new OSB boards over the old 1 x 10 decking, then installed the felt paper and drip edge and finally the new shingles. The crew kept the site and our neighbors property clean throughout the day. They were...
Williams Roofing & Insulation, Inc.
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Reviewed in July 2024
Ruben and his team from RT Roofing Exteriors did an outstanding job replacing our expansive flat roof and installing a brand new deck on our second floor. Ruben is very skilled with replacing and repairing flat roofs. He assessed our 20 year old existing roof and cement block patio and...
RT Roofing Exteriors LLC
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Reviewed in May 2024
I was extremely pleased with the work done on my deck. The work was completed within the specified time frame, communication between Marco and myself was excellent, the price was fair and the deck turned out beautifully. I could not be happier.
MAGIC TEAM LLC
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Reviewed in February 2024
Deck design is complete. Rusty, took what I was looking to accomplish and added a few tweaks to make it even better. Very pleased. Finalized material list and looking forward to getting underway.
BluSky Lights
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Reviewed in September 2023
Maintenance individual was vey knowledgeable and explained things thoroughly.
Four Seasons Heating & Air Conditioning
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Reviewed in November 2022
Elias is a true professional very polite helpful answers all questions i am so happy that we hired him to beautify our deck thank you Elias
True 45 Construction, Inc.
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Reviewed in July 2022
We hired DAL to replace our existing wood deck with a composite one. They also replaced one of our gutters, and tuckpointed the masonry around the bottom of our house. Tim and his team were extremely professional, communicative, and did a wonderful job. The new deck looks fantastic. We’d...
DAL Builders
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Reviewed in September 2021
Frank provided a fair price to resurface my deck ,railings and stairs with all new wolmanized wood. My old Cedar deck was starting to rot. The job was done top notch and he and his crew even fixed my fence wooden gate. Highly recommended!
Jeremy Morris Carpentry
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Reviewed in September 2021
Adam and his crew did an excellent job of repairing our multi-level deck. The project began shortly after we retained Belmont Builders and was completed in a very timely fashion. We couldn't be happier with the results.
Belmont Builders
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Find Deck maintenance specialists in Franklin Park

Sal's Power Washing

4.5(

)

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

Serving Franklin Park, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1982

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Review by Andy in Woodridge, IL I would recomend Sal's team his men where on time 1st day power washed our deck and 2nd day painted the deck it looks great very happy"

+20

Response time2 days

30 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by92%of homeowners

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

Serving Franklin Park, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"M&M Roofing & Masonry is Family owned by 2 Close Brothers who Work Great Together in the Knowledge of their Trade to give you a Personal Deal to Complete & Accomplish what is Needed at your Home. They Answer Quickly to Your Questions & Work as Fast as Possible with Weather Permitting to Get You Satisfaction in a Timely Matter!! Nancie"

Recommended by73%of homeowners

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

Serving Franklin Park, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Luis and his crew did a lot of work in power washing and staining my deck and interior touch up painting."

+75

Response time10 hrs

Response rate98%

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Slip Proof Safety, Inc.

4.1(

104

)

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

Serving Franklin Park, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2004

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Frank's crew has done a variety of tasks for us: ceiling painting, checking plumbing, redoing our front porch, fixing light fixtures and wiring, installing sensors in garage and front porch, and replacing our front door and storm door. Salvador and Manuel work well as a team; they are both hard workers. They are friendly and willing to answer our questions as well as ask us about our preferences. We wouldn't hesitate to hire them again for our contracting needs."

Tub to Shower conversion w heavy-duty grabbars

Before walk-in tub, removing original tub

+26

Recommended by74%of homeowners

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

Serving Franklin Park, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Very friendly and knowledgeable service. Reasonable prices and the job was done very well. After the clean up, it felt like a completely new space. Will be using them in the future and highly recommend!"

+19

Response time3 hrs

Response rate99%

4 neighbors recently requested a quote

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving Franklin Park, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2008

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"My property masters did great work on my deck."

Response time9 hrs

156 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by64%of homeowners

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Chicago Service Source, Inc.

4.2(

)

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

Serving Franklin Park, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1987

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Very well, clean and efficient."

Colored and stamped concrete with antiquing color release. Stamp is vintage wood plank pattern.

+66

Response time2 days

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by75%of homeowners

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving Franklin Park, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2024

Free estimates

"Antonio did a great job extending the pavers of my patio."

Response time1 day

Response rate100%

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

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

Serving Franklin Park, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2014

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Moises and his crew did a great job .They were clean, efficient and and knowledgeable when it came time for their input . My Fiancé is very very picky and she could not of been happier with the outcome of both the quality of the work and pricing . A totally awesome experience . In fact we will be having them back later this summer for additional projects"

Response time9 hrs

Recommended by50%of homeowners

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Gentlemen Design & Remodeling, LLC

5.0(

)

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

Serving Franklin Park, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They made me feel very confident they would get the work done in a timely fashion and they did!"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

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Showing 1-10 of 257

Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

While the terms deck and porch are often used interchangeably, they are two distinct structures. A porch is a covered structure, usually attached to the front of a home, that offers protection from the elements. In contrast, a deck is an open, uncovered platform, often attached to the back or side of a home. Because porches have a roof, they typically require less maintenance than decks, but both features need regular cleaning and repairs to stay in good condition.

In most cases, there should be a small gap between the house and the deck, usually no more than ½ to ¾ of an inch. This space allows water and moisture to flow through instead of pooling against the side of your house. It also lets flashing protect your siding from runoff, which is one of the most common issues with decks.

Unless you’re using a 2-in-1 formula or painting over an existing coat of paint, it pays to apply a coat of primer ahead of your new paint. Decks see a lot of footfall and exposure to extreme and sudden temperature changes and moisture levels. The primer promotes better paint adhesion, moisture repellency, and a smoother finish, which means you’ll often need fewer coats of paint.

Most building codes require that spindles or balusters on deck and stair railings be spaced no more than four inches apart. This safety standard, often called the '4-inch sphere rule,' is designed to prevent small children or pets from slipping through the railing. A good way to visualize this is that a 4-inch sphere should not be able to pass between two spindles. For the same safety reason, the space between the bottom rail and the deck floor should also be no more than four inches. As a general guideline, professionals often install three balusters per foot of railing. However, since specific requirements can vary by location, it is crucial to check your local building codes to ensure compliance before starting your project.

While eco-friendly decking, also called composite decking, is a win for the environment because it consists of recycled materials, it has trade-offs. These sustainable options often come with steeper price tags, lack natural wood's warm look, and can become uncomfortably hot under full sun. Some composite materials can also become slick when wet, posing a potential hazard.

The Franklin Park, IL homeowners’ guide to deck maintenance services

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

See all articles

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•
Oct 29, 2025Oct 29, 2025
How Much Does Deck Repair or Replacement Cost in Chicago, Illinois? [2026 Data]
Deck repair costs depend on materials, damage you need to fix, and more. See how much it costs to replace or repair a deck in Chicago, IL.
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•
Oct 27, 2025Oct 27, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck in Chicago? [2026 Data]
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•
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•
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