How long should I season my deck before staining?

• <div><p>It’s important to make sure the wood on a new deck is properly seasoned. Seasoning a deck is simple: Once you build it (or have a pro do so), just leave it alone so it can acclimate to the environment. If you don’t give the deck proper seasoning time before staining, the stain can lock in any lingering moisture and cause mold, rot, and other moisture issues down the road. Give the wood at least four to eight weeks to season before you stain.</p></div>

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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>

Q: How long should I season my deck before staining?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s important to make sure the wood on a new deck is properly seasoned. Seasoning a deck is simple: Once you build it (or have a pro do so), just leave it alone so it can acclimate to the environment. If you don&rsquo;t give the deck proper seasoning time before staining, the stain can lock in any lingering moisture and cause mold, rot, and other moisture issues down the road. Give the wood at least four to eight weeks to season before you stain.</p></div>

Q: Is composite decking better than real wood?

• <div><p>Whether composite decking is better than wood depends on your priorities, especially regarding budget and maintenance. Composite decking offers superior longevity (30 to 50 years) and durability, and it is low-maintenance, requiring no sanding, staining, or sealing. In contrast, wood decks typically last 10 to 30 years and need refinishing every few years. While the upfront cost of composite is higher than wood, the reduced maintenance can lead to long-term savings. If a lower initial cost is the primary factor, wood is the more affordable choice.</p></div>

Q: How do I prepare the ground under the deck?

• <div><p>Before installing any materials under the deck for removing moisture, you should perform some prep work on the ground. Work the dirt under the deck to create a grade away from the home. A grade of at least six inches for every 10 feet works well. Do not leave a gap between the dirt and the home&rsquo;s foundation where water could pool. Once you or a contractor <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-do-i-regrade-around-my-house-foundation.htm">regrades the dirt under the deck</a>, you then can add materials over the top.</p></div>

Q: What are the spindles on a deck called?

• <div><p>Spindles on a deck may also be called balusters or pickets. While not as important to the structural support of the deck as the rail posts, they play a critical role in ensuring the deck is safe to use by closing in large gaps in the railing. For this reason, balusters must be no more than 4 inches away from one another.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Maintenance pros in Swayzee, IN

*The Angi rating for Deck Maintenance companies in Swayzee, 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 Swayzee, 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 May 31, 2026

Reviewed in May 2026
We were very well pleased with the service. The work was done very well and in a timely manner at a very affordable price. Would highly recommend Jax Lawncare Service!
Jax Lawncare Services
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Reviewed in February 2026
This gentleman was very fast and efficient. Reasonable rates. Very kind to my mother who needed the maintenance done. Will definately be hiring him again the next time we need some work completed.
Pray it Forward
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Reviewed in September 2025
Work was completed in 1 day, they replaced damage area's along with the original work promised. The company ensured all cleanup was completed the next day. The workers were very polite and professional.
Clemens Home Solutions
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Reviewed in September 2024
CNH tree service was very professional. The man who trim my trees and remove my stamps was very skilled and used the most modern equipment. The prices were reasonable and I would definitely recommend them to anyone.
C&H Tree Services
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Reviewed in June 2024
Recently I had an Exterior house project to stain and paint my wood home and, replace wood on the deck of my home and paint it. I went into a local paint store and was given contact information… (MyM Painting LLC.) Melin, the company owner came to my home to give me a quote for my project. A...
MyM Painting LLC
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Reviewed in January 2024
Did an amazing job, and the cleanup was excellent considering the fact that it was in the snow even shoveled our sidewalks free of charge to help out highly recommend this company definitely will be rehiring them for future projects guys are very nice. Very polite, punctual excellent crew thank...
Evergreen Tree Service & Construction
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Reviewed in September 2023
Riley Construction did a wonderful job building me a front and back deck for my house. They were very helpful on what would look best and very affordable.
Riley Construction
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Reviewed in April 2023
Speedy and his crew went above and beyond just the asphalt paving-they helped move a portion of my deck, shaved down a hill, took out a cracked sidewalk, and took out a tree stump! He kept in constant contact with me when the project got pushed back (due to unforeseen circumstances, not their...
Central Indiana Paving & Construction
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Reviewed in February 2022
The service is impeccable. I really couldnâ t believe the difference in the patio. Very detail oriented and does not cut corners. If you are looking for a reliable hard working individual to provide these services to you, look no further!!
UB's Flooring & Exterior Cleaning Services
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Reviewed in July 2016
Action Outdoor Maintenance is great. They are very responsive to inquires for service, The work they provide is timely and done each week to my satisfaction. I would highly recommend Action Outdoor Maintenance,
Action Outdoor Maintenance
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Find Deck maintenance specialists in Swayzee

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 Swayzee, 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

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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 Swayzee, IN and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"Installation went great. Very happy with the final product and will use again on my next project. Mark and Chris were very easy to work with on this project. Thanks again guys!!"

+70

Recommended by84%of homeowners

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Bautista Landscaping Services

4.5(

)

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

Serving Swayzee, IN and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Octavio and crew arrived early and worked hard all day long. Their price was fair and their work was absolutely amazing! They completely transformed the beds on all sides of our house and planted new shrubs in one day! They cleaned up all the debris also. I am so impressed by their work ethic! I highly recommend them for any work you need to have done."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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

Serving Swayzee, IN and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Couldn't be happier with their work. Roof is great, all repairs are great! Thank you, Shurco!"

Recommended by83%of homeowners

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

Serving Swayzee, IN and surrounding areas

"Does excellent work!!! Great pricing too!!! Love this dude!!"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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So Clean Exterior Cleaning

5.0(

)

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

Serving Swayzee, IN and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"I've never seen a small business owner do a better job. The price was absolutely reasonable. The most impressive part? He took great care to shield my landscaping from the wash so it wouldn't be ruined! I encourage anyone in need of their homes, roofs, decks washed, give them a try! You WON'T be disappointed. Owner is great to work with and did a free estimate!"

+55

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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

Serving Swayzee, IN and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

"They were on time, they did good work, were respectful they even did extra work that I asked them for."

Response time11 hrs

Recommended by66%of homeowners

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

Serving Swayzee, IN and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"I would hire them again as they did a good quality job for me."

+16

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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

Serving Swayzee, IN and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"He did a good job. He was a good communicator."

Response time2 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Zoey's Pressure Washing and Paint - Pgina inicial Facebook

3.9(

)

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

Serving Swayzee, IN and surrounding areas

In business since 2005

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"My project finished in one day. They correct the problems I found, and finished in a good quality with reasonable charge. If they can clean the mess around the house better. I would more appreciate."

Recommended by66%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 32

Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

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.

It’s important to make sure the wood on a new deck is properly seasoned. Seasoning a deck is simple: Once you build it (or have a pro do so), just leave it alone so it can acclimate to the environment. If you don’t give the deck proper seasoning time before staining, the stain can lock in any lingering moisture and cause mold, rot, and other moisture issues down the road. Give the wood at least four to eight weeks to season before you stain.

Whether composite decking is better than wood depends on your priorities, especially regarding budget and maintenance. Composite decking offers superior longevity (30 to 50 years) and durability, and it is low-maintenance, requiring no sanding, staining, or sealing. In contrast, wood decks typically last 10 to 30 years and need refinishing every few years. While the upfront cost of composite is higher than wood, the reduced maintenance can lead to long-term savings. If a lower initial cost is the primary factor, wood is the more affordable choice.

Before installing any materials under the deck for removing moisture, you should perform some prep work on the ground. Work the dirt under the deck to create a grade away from the home. A grade of at least six inches for every 10 feet works well. Do not leave a gap between the dirt and the home’s foundation where water could pool. Once you or a contractor regrades the dirt under the deck, you then can add materials over the top.

Spindles on a deck may also be called balusters or pickets. While not as important to the structural support of the deck as the rail posts, they play a critical role in ensuring the deck is safe to use by closing in large gaps in the railing. For this reason, balusters must be no more than 4 inches away from one another.

The Swayzee, IN homeowners’ guide to deck maintenance services

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

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Scott Dylan Westerlund
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Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 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.
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Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
How Much Does a Pressure-Treated Wood Deck Cost? [2026 Data]
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•
Apr 16, 2026Apr 16, 2026
How Much Does Mahogany Decking Cost? [2026 Data]
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•
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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.
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7 Best Maintenance-Free Decking Materials
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