"Excellent! Very hard working and communication went great. Power washed the house and deck. Also reinforced steps. The paint job looks great and the recommended colors are perfect. Clean up after the project was done. Would recommend."
"Great job done by Kyle and Richard. The cleaned and repaired our gutters as well as put up handrails, spreading insulation in our attic and fixed a gable trim piece."
""Highly recommend T win Services! They were incredibly efficient, fast, and did a fantastic job. Truly very good at what they do—I couldn't be happier with their work. Will definitely use them again!""
Hi, I’m Kevin with Klock Home Services, proudly serving the Fox Valley area. I provide reliable, detail-oriented handyman and home repair services at fair prices. From furniture and drywall repair to minor carpentry, fixture installs, and general maintenance, I treat every project like it’s in my own home. Whether it’s a small fix or a larger task, you can count on quality work done right the first time.
"There a lot a deck businesses out there that do this as a side gig. Hire an expert. Thomas knows decks, products to use and how to bring your deck to life. Get the best with no stress."
"Excellent! Very hard working and communication went great. Power washed the house and deck. Also reinforced steps. The paint job looks great and the recommended colors are perfect. Clean up after the project was done. Would recommend."
"Pablo and his associate did an incredible job. Very punctual, efficient, clean and hardworking. They painted roughly 7 rooms for an incredible price. If I could give him 100 stars I would. I highly recommend Ayala."
The proper height for a stair riser or deck step is between four and seven inches, with seven inches often considered the most comfortable. Building your stairs to this height ensures a strain-free step position and minimizes the risk of trip and fall injuries. For optimal safety and comfort, especially on deck stairs, a rise of around seven inches should be paired with a tread depth (or run) of at least 10 to 12 inches. While it is possible to design stairs with risers up to 12 inches, this height can be challenging for children, pets, or individuals with mobility issues. Always check with your local building codes, as they may mandate specific dimensions that differ from these general recommendations.
For a 12x20-foot (240-square-foot) deck, you can expect to pay between $7,200 and $14,400. This cost is based on a general price of $30 to $60 per square foot. The final price will depend on factors such as the decking material, design complexity, deck type, location, and local labor costs. Keep in mind that add-ons will increase the total; for example, adding an under-deck drainage system to a deck of this size could cost an additional $7,700.
Cutting the boards directly is one of the fastest ways to remove deck boards with hidden fasteners. Mark two parallel lines that are one-third of the total measurement on both ends and cut out the centerpiece. Then, remove the end of the board that doesn’t have a fastener. Finally, pry open the fastened side and pull it up to pop out the screw or access the fastener. This also allows you to salvage portions of boards for other projects.
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.
Footings for ground-level decks need to be at least 12 inches deep, and some areas require them to be even deeper. A standard range for deck footings is anywhere from 12 to 48 inches. The minimum footing depth is determined by an area’s frost line and soil conditions. If you’re unsure how deep to install deck footings, check local building codes to find the minimum footing depth in your area.
The Rockford, IL homeowners’ guide to deck cleaning services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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.
Learn how to clean a deck before staining to ensure long-lasting adhesion, weatherproofing, and optimum appearance of this coloring and protecting treatment.
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.