Get matched with top deck maintenance specialists in Cloverdale, IN

Q: Can you build your own deck?

• <div><p>It is possible to build your own deck, but it&rsquo;s typically better to leave the work to a decking professional. Decks can be exceptionally complicated, especially if you want a wrap-around or <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/second-story-deck-ideas.htm'">second-story deck</a>, and you don&rsquo;t want to risk making an expensive or dangerous mistake. It&rsquo;s usually better to hire a decking pro who can pull permits and build a structurally sound deck that will last for decades and provide the maximum return on investment.</p></div>

Q: What do you put down before decking?

• <div><p>Before installing a deck, you must build a base for the deck to rest upon, often made of compacted soil or gravel. While gravel is an optional material, it helps with drainage. Some contractors also recommend installing a weed control membrane, which helps provide a solid foundation for the frame. In the case of an elevated deck, a pro will often lay down a concrete slab as a foundation. </p></div>

Q: What is the best way to remove paint from a deck?

• <div><p>The best and fastest way to remove paint from a deck often involves combining a chemical stripper with a pressure washer. Gel-based paint strippers are highly recommended because their thick consistency makes them less messy and easier to apply than liquid strippers. After applying the stripper to loosen the paint, you can use a pressure washer to efficiently wash away the residue. When using a pressure washer for this task, it's important to use a low pressure (under 1000 PSI) to avoid forcing too much moisture into the wood, which could lead to mildew or rot.</p></div>

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: When is a deck railing required and how high does it need to be?

• <div><p>Building codes for deck railings can vary by location, so it's important to consult your local regulations before construction. Generally, a guardrail is required for any deck that is more than 30 inches above the ground.</p><p>For residential properties, the standard minimum height for a deck railing is 36 inches. However, some states and municipalities have stricter requirements; for example, California and Washington mandate railings that are at least 42 inches high. Therefore, a 42-inch railing is not considered too high and may be required in your area or chosen voluntarily for additional safety.</p><p>In addition to height requirements, codes also specify other safety features, such as the maximum spacing between balusters to ensure they are close enough to prevent a child from squeezing through.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Maintenance pros in Cloverdale, IN

*The Angi rating for Deck Maintenance companies in Cloverdale, IN 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 Cloverdale, IN 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 April 27, 2026

Reviewed in April 2026
Service Master in Greencastle provides excellent service. This is the 3rd time I’ve hired them and am never disappointed. They arrive on time, professional, and do excellent work. I hired them to clean outdoor cushions on a patio set . The cushions were good quality but very dirty from previous...
Service Master Clean
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Reviewed in November 2025
2nd story deck replacement. Very good attention to detail in every way. This deck is also 100% carpenter bee proof. An under deck rain water drainage system was incorporated to keep the area underneath dry. All persons working on the project were extremely nice. The new structure far exceeded...
Browns Land Improvements
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Reviewed in March 2025
Tuddy’s excavating & land clearing did an amazing job in stalling my septic tank an new drive way they was very professional, did a very good fast job I would highly recommend them for any of excavating needs.
Tuddy's Excavating and Grading
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Reviewed in June 2024
We had Ninja build a sun room on our deck. 16X16 room with a cathedral ceiling. Sliding door opening onto a 4 X 20 deck with a cable railing and steps. Also added a service door and 8 windows. Carsiding for two outer walls and cathedral ceiling. Drywall on two walls. Laminate plank floor. ...
Ninja Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2022
Barrow Electric installed outdoor outlets for our pool and patio. They had to trench to bury the lines and add posts to mount the outlets. The customer service was excellent and we are very satisfied with our finished product
Barrow Electric, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2022
Dropped and cut up 4 pine trees around house and maple that had begun to rot out. No issues. Would hire again.
Luke Heckman & Sons A-Z Tree Service
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Reviewed in July 2022
We are completely satisfied with the way our house looks! The crewâ s work ethic was outstanding and they were very personable! I was totally dreading the whole project, but after seeing the well oiled machine at work it completely absolved my fears. The cost of the project came in thousands...
Seasor's Restoration & Remodeling
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Reviewed in August 2021
Andrew P and Eric D accomplished the sod repair quickly. Included was removal of clumps of sod averaging 7" above ground after 5 1/2 months waiting for them to "blend, sink, melt" into the ground and become undetectable. They leveled soil and seeded/fertilized each of the ten areas in question.
Groundworks
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Reviewed in July 2020
I have a big two story house that needed the trim painted and the front porch repainted. The trim and the porch had not been painted since '95. Some wood needed replacement. I chose Elite Pro to do the work. Partially because of the excellent reviews but what made the decision easy was talking...
Elite Pro Painting
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Reviewed in April 2019
They did an outstanding job, on the first day they arrived at my home at 7 am and left 7 pm, I rarely saw anybody take a brake, all damaged decking and trim boards were replaced, the added cost was very fair. The second day was a repeat performance, the roof was completed in 2 days, the crew did...
SRS Inc
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Find Deck maintenance specialists in Cloverdale

Maximus General Contracting LLC

4.4(

135

)

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

Serving Cloverdale, IN and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"It has held up well. No further issues. Very professional.
"

Recommended by92%of homeowners

Request Quote

Legacy Window & Door LLC

4.1(

151

)

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

Serving Cloverdale, IN and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"All was great! Very easy to work with and they went out the way to accommodate a couple other things I needed while the hole was open in my foundation. Highly Recommended!!"

+70

Recommended by84%of homeowners

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Advantage Company Roofing & General Contracting

5.0(

)

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

Serving Cloverdale, IN and surrounding areas

In business since 1970

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"These guys are good! They are courteous and professional. I checked into several of the big names out there, these guys saved me a ton of money and did a great job! Thank you Advantage, I’m sure you will be hearing from me again next time I have a job to big for me to handle!"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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

Serving Cloverdale, IN and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"HLM Landscape really did an awesome job removing a tree from our house and also removing four other mature trees on the property. I would highly recommend their services. They were very polite and went beyond what was required of them."

+17

Response time8 hrs

Response rate100%

Recommended by75%of homeowners

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Tri State Pressure Washing

5.0(

)

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

Serving Cloverdale, IN and surrounding areas

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Did a great job. Was quick and efficient. I would work with this pro again."

10 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by60%of homeowners

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

Serving Cloverdale, IN and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Credit card accepted

Offers commercial services

"Did not leave a mess like the last crew that came out"

Response time2 hrs

Recommended by50%of homeowners

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Big Z's Outdoor Services

5.0(

)

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

Serving Cloverdale, IN and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"I was pleased with their work."

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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

Serving Cloverdale, IN and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I'd highly recommend them. Our roof was put on quickly and they were professional and very reasonable in pricing. We were explained things every step of the way and are very happy with the way it turned out! We've hired them to build a new deck for us next!"

+21

Recommended by83%of homeowners

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Shelly's Home Services

4.0(

)

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

Serving Cloverdale, IN and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Shelly and her crew did an outstanding job. Had no issues with their work. Did the work on short notice and completed the work as promised. Worked in some very hot weather. Excellent landscaping, very pleased Would recommend highly.----John L."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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E&M Express Construction - Home Facebook

2.9(

)

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

Serving Cloverdale, IN and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"The work was very good. The price was reasonable. The job was done in a timely manner. They were very about keeping in touch about when the job would be done the progress."

Response time20 mins

Recommended by80%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 36

Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

It is possible to build your own deck, but it’s typically better to leave the work to a decking professional. Decks can be exceptionally complicated, especially if you want a wrap-around or second-story deck, and you don’t want to risk making an expensive or dangerous mistake. It’s usually better to hire a decking pro who can pull permits and build a structurally sound deck that will last for decades and provide the maximum return on investment.

Before installing a deck, you must build a base for the deck to rest upon, often made of compacted soil or gravel. While gravel is an optional material, it helps with drainage. Some contractors also recommend installing a weed control membrane, which helps provide a solid foundation for the frame. In the case of an elevated deck, a pro will often lay down a concrete slab as a foundation.

The best and fastest way to remove paint from a deck often involves combining a chemical stripper with a pressure washer. Gel-based paint strippers are highly recommended because their thick consistency makes them less messy and easier to apply than liquid strippers. After applying the stripper to loosen the paint, you can use a pressure washer to efficiently wash away the residue. When using a pressure washer for this task, it's important to use a low pressure (under 1000 PSI) to avoid forcing too much moisture into the wood, which could lead to mildew or rot.

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.

Building codes for deck railings can vary by location, so it's important to consult your local regulations before construction. Generally, a guardrail is required for any deck that is more than 30 inches above the ground.

For residential properties, the standard minimum height for a deck railing is 36 inches. However, some states and municipalities have stricter requirements; for example, California and Washington mandate railings that are at least 42 inches high. Therefore, a 42-inch railing is not considered too high and may be required in your area or chosen voluntarily for additional safety.

In addition to height requirements, codes also specify other safety features, such as the maximum spacing between balusters to ensure they are close enough to prevent a child from squeezing through.

The Cloverdale, IN 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

Catherine Hiles
•
Oct 30, 2025Oct 30, 2025
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck in Indianapolis? [2026 Data]
Thinking about adding a deck to your home? Explore this guide to learn about the average cost to build a deck in Indianapolis, IN based on factors like size, material, and labor.
Allie Ogletree
•
Oct 29, 2025Oct 29, 2025
How Much Does Deck Repair or Replacement Cost in Indianapolis, Indiana? [2026 Data]
Deck replacement costs depend on materials, any structural damage you need to fix, and more. This guide explores how much it costs to replace or repair a deck in Indianapolis, IN.
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.
Jenna Jonaitis
•
Apr 5, 2026Apr 5, 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.
Lawrence Bonk
•
Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
Deck Maintenance Checklists for Every Season
Keep your decking looking new with this deck maintenance checklist.
Deirdre Sullivan
•
Apr 9, 2026Apr 9, 2026
7 Best Maintenance-Free Decking Materials
Finding maintenance-free decking that works for your home, budget, and lifestyle can be challenging. This guide lists the 7 best low-maintenance deck materials.