Get matched with top deck maintenance specialists in Mount Sterling, IL

Q: What is the best type of wood for an outdoor or deck gate?

• <div><p>When building an outdoor or deck gate, it's crucial to use durable wood that can withstand harsh weather conditions like sunlight, rain, wind, and snow. Redwood and cedar are excellent choices as they naturally resist decay. While redwood is considered more elegant, cedar is a more affordable option. Other suitable woods include oak and pressure-treated pine, which is specifically treated to resist rot. Although some softwoods like pine are popular, untreated softwoods such as pine and spruce should generally be avoided for outdoor projects because they are susceptible to damage from water, rot, and the sun. Ultimately, it's wise to consider your local climate when selecting the right wood for your gate.</p></div>

Q: Does a composite or Trex deck increase home value?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

Q: What is the life expectancy of decking boards?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

Q: Can I pressure wash my own deck?

• <div><p>It is possible to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-power-wash-deck.htm">pressure wash your deck</a>, but it&rsquo;s usually best to leave the work to a professional for two main reasons. First, power washers are expensive, and you can avoid high upfront costs by hiring a deck washing pro instead. Second, you must be careful to use the correct setting to avoid damaging your deck material. You can only clean soft woods like pine with a wide spray and a low pressure; otherwise, the water will leave unpleasant marks on your deck. Hard woods, composite material, and metal can stand up to increasingly higher water pressures.</p></div>

Q: What’s the difference between pressure-treated decking and other decking types?

• <div><p>Pressure-treated wood contains preservatives that give the material internal protection from rot and pests. Untreated lumber won&rsquo;t last more than a few years unless you choose a more expensive wood, like cedar, that naturally stands up well to moisture. Composite decking can outlast wood but is more expensive and doesn&rsquo;t look as natural. Keep in mind that you&rsquo;ll need to seal any exterior wood product to protect it from the elements and other forms of external damage.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Maintenance pros in Mount Sterling, IL

*The Angi rating for Deck Maintenance companies in Mount Sterling, 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 Mount Sterling, 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 November 19, 2025

Reviewed in November 2025
We had a vision of what we wanted our kitchen and sunroom to look like. Jay delivered that vision. We discussed our vision with him and he was on board to make it a reality. He totally understood our vision. He offered great ideas. The ending result was everything we dreamed of plus more....
Lincoln Land Handyman
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Reviewed in December 2022
This company is very easy to work with. The office staff is very friendly and professional. Orion, is very easy to work with and does a great job. His employees are, also, easy to work with. Would, definitely, recommend this company.
Southern Painting Solutions
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Reviewed in August 2021
He was very easy to work with. He saw the vision of what was needed and did it to perfection. He is very fair with his estimate and stayed with price quoted. Ask several times durning job if it was to our satisfaction and he also did a couple of other things that were not on his list but made...
Moore Excavation
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Reviewed in October 2020
Professional did a outstanding job clean highly recommended them
Fix It Phillips Construction
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Reviewed in August 2020
From estimate to repair excellent service and satisfaction. It was awesome our on-site inspection was same day as our call and we received our estimate next day. And was even available to answer our questions before and during repairs. We had a tree fall on our house that caused fractures down...
Midwest Tuckpointing Pros LLC
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Reviewed in February 2015
This past saturday my computer crashed and I thought for sure i'd lost all my pics and work files. So I called a few places and these guys were the only ones willing/able to come out to my house that day. (it was Saturday) They came out and hooked my computer up to this screen thing and then...
Corner Store Computer Services
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Reviewed in June 2013
Les came to the house on a Saturday, just a couple days after I called, and fixed the leak that day.
Follis Welty Roofers
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Reviewed in January 2012
I went through the worst experience with these people. They came out 3 times to fix a plumbing problem, didn't fix the problem, couldn't tell us what the problem actually was and then tried to charge more than triple the hours they worked. The most annoying thing was that they would work and...
DAVIS ELECTRIC PLUMBING HTG AND COOLING
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Reviewed in March 2009
Very good prompt curteous service. Prices were competitive and the job was well done. One little glitch with security system.
Angler Home Repair
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Find Deck maintenance specialists in Mount Sterling

Christopher White

New to Angi

Serving Mount Sterling, IL and surrounding areas

Approved

Small jobs welcome

Offers commercial services

I've been doing handyman, construction, carpentry work for 16 years now. Over that time I've learned how to do countless different jobs and overcome various different snags and setbacks. Efficiency and dedication drive me and I will work as much as needed to meet a deadline.

2 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Custom Cleaning Services

5.0(

)

Serving Mount Sterling, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Alex did a great job detailing my truck down to using a small paint brush to get the dirt out of trapped areas. It was as clean as the day I bought it brand new!"

+20

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Smith Welding Service, LLC

4.5(

)

Serving Mount Sterling, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Did a great job on a custom stand I needed made! Welds look great and are strong. I asked and received more than I asked for. Was very nice, let me know what was going on and showed me his progress. Will be definitely having more work done here!"

+20

Response time1 day

Recommended by80%of homeowners

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Agape Construction & Improvement

4.0(

)

Serving Mount Sterling, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"
Brady is the best you'll ever find for home remodeling projects.
Showed up on time. Took the time to make ever job right.
Projects were worked on over a number of months, one at a time.

The best and most honest tradesmen I've ever found.
We moved to Texas in January of 2014. We whish Brady could have come with us.
I've found some good (and bad) people to work on the Texas home. But no one who comes close to the quality of work done by Brady Brower.
"

Recommended by90%of homeowners

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Green Earth Enterprises Inc

4.7(

)

Serving Mount Sterling, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"It was one if the most stress free experiences I've had since being a property owner. I will use them for all my properties an refer them to all my friends. Thanks so much Maid Simple."

Recommended by71%of homeowners

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American Custom Homes

5.0(

)

Serving Mount Sterling, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"Absolutely perfect, imagine remodeling your kitchen and knowing what you want and actually getting what you want right in front of your eyes.
"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Mount Sterling, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2002

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Very personable. He takes his time, and does thinks right."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Smith Welding Service

New to Angi

Serving Mount Sterling, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Hello, At Smith Welding Service, we are a general contractor this is a one stop shop for all your contracting needs. We strive to have the best quality and the best turn over rate. Safety and quality are our TOP priority

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Pure Pressure Property Maintenance

New to Angi

Serving Mount Sterling, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

We are committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers' interests and make their concerns the basis of our business. Call us today!

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Gateway Roof Cleaning

1.7(

)

Serving Mount Sterling, IL and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Gateway Roof Cleaning provides quality work to our customers in doing cleaning services we ensure the highest level of service if you need a pro call us. \nThe chemicals we use don't threaten health to family, pets, trees, shrubs flowerbeds, or anything else. We only use low pressure cleaning.\n\n

Recommended by33%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 14

Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

When building an outdoor or deck gate, it's crucial to use durable wood that can withstand harsh weather conditions like sunlight, rain, wind, and snow. Redwood and cedar are excellent choices as they naturally resist decay. While redwood is considered more elegant, cedar is a more affordable option. Other suitable woods include oak and pressure-treated pine, which is specifically treated to resist rot. Although some softwoods like pine are popular, untreated softwoods such as pine and spruce should generally be avoided for outdoor projects because they are susceptible to damage from water, rot, and the sun. Ultimately, it's wise to consider your local climate when selecting the right wood for your gate.

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.

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.

It is possible to pressure wash your deck, but it’s usually best to leave the work to a professional for two main reasons. First, power washers are expensive, and you can avoid high upfront costs by hiring a deck washing pro instead. Second, you must be careful to use the correct setting to avoid damaging your deck material. You can only clean soft woods like pine with a wide spray and a low pressure; otherwise, the water will leave unpleasant marks on your deck. Hard woods, composite material, and metal can stand up to increasingly higher water pressures.

Pressure-treated wood contains preservatives that give the material internal protection from rot and pests. Untreated lumber won’t last more than a few years unless you choose a more expensive wood, like cedar, that naturally stands up well to moisture. Composite decking can outlast wood but is more expensive and doesn’t look as natural. Keep in mind that you’ll need to seal any exterior wood product to protect it from the elements and other forms of external damage.

The Mount Sterling, 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

Angi
•
Apr 16, 2026Apr 16, 2026
How Much Does Mahogany Decking Cost? [2026 Data]
Discover mahogany decking costs and learn about material, labor, and installation factors to budget your new deck project with confidence.
Scott Dylan Westerlund
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
Cost to Seal or Waterproof a Deck [2026 Data]
Sealing a deck is important for protecting it against the elements. Find out the cost to seal a deck, whether you DIY or hire a pro to do the job.
Mitchell Grant
•
May 2, 2026May 2, 2026
How Much Does a Pressure-Treated Wood Deck Cost? [2026 Data]
Looking to update your yard with a new outdoor entertaining area? Learn how much a pressure-treated wood deck costs and how to estimate your total.
Derek Rose
•
Apr 5, 2026Apr 5, 2026
How to Install Composite Decking for a Low-Maintenance Outdoor Space
Learn how to install composite decking with some power tools and basic DIY carpentry skills. Find steps, tips, and more in this guide.
Angi
•
May 21, 2026May 21, 2026
How to Hire a Deck Repair Pro
Find the best deck repair pro for your project. Learn how to hire qualified contractors, what questions to ask, and credentials to verify.
Catherine Hiles
•
Apr 10, 2026Apr 10, 2026
What Is Composite Decking and Is It Right for Your Outdoor Space?
Composite decking is made of synthetic and natural materials and tends to last longer than wood. Learn what composite decking is and its pros and cons.