How do you make a deck gate not sag?

• <div><p>You can use a few different tactics to prevent your deck gate from sagging. Aside from using strong, rot-resistant woods, introducing a diagonal element—such as a tension rod or solid piece of wood to act as a brace—across the gate will offer better support. You can also use rigid joists to prevent the gate from sagging.</p></div>

Get matched with top deck maintenance specialists in Clay Center, KS

Q: Can you build a deck and not attach it to the house?

• <div><p>Yes. Freestanding or floating decks are exactly what the name implies&mdash;structures with their own support beams. You can <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-build-a-deck.htm">build a deck yourself</a> and place it next to a house for the illusion of a connected deck without the hassle. Or you can construct it in a separate part of your yard for a dedicated outdoor entertainment space. For the purpose of removing a freestanding deck, the steps are the same as an attached deck, but you don&rsquo;t have to cut the deck away from the home. </p></div>

Q: What not to do when staining a deck?

• <div><p>When staining a deck, don&rsquo;t skip surface prep, avoid staining damp or dirty boards, and don&rsquo;t apply stain in extreme heat, cold, or wet conditions. Never overload the wood with a stain, as too much can cause tackiness or peeling. Also, don&rsquo;t forget to test a small area first to ensure the color and finish look right. </p></div>

Q: What’s the average cost to replace a 20-by-20-foot deck?

• <div><p>Expect to spend around $10,000 to $11,000 to replace a 20-by-20-foot deck. Using high-end materials like composite or exotic hardwoods can drive up the cost, as can custom features and design elements. You can also expect to pay more than average if your deck replacement requires a site evaluation or if you need the work done during the busy season.</p></div>

Q: Do I need to sand an old deck before staining?

• <div><p>In most cases, sanding an old deck before staining it is necessary to achieve a decent finish. If your old deck has a relatively new stain finish on it and you're only doing touch-ups, you can generally skip the sanding part. However, if your goal is to make the deck look and function better, sanding first is a must. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Maintenance pros in Clay Center, KS

*The Angi rating for Deck Maintenance companies in Clay Center, KS 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 Clay Center, KS 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 20, 2025

Reviewed in May 2025
Peyton and his crew came out to do some grading and driveway work, they did efficient and fast quality work.
PB Land Management LLC
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Reviewed in July 2024
100% PLUS satisfied with my Solar system from start to finish!!! Customer service at its BEST!!!! Transparent, honest, knowledgeable and very patient in explaining the process as I had many questions. Quote was very detailed and explained how my system would work, quality products used and...
Solar Co2
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Reviewed in July 2024
He was amazing! Very courteous and fast! A large tree next to our driveway was struck by lightning and a huge branch with dozens of smaller branches fell over onto our driveway making it impassable. It turned out the large branch (10-12 inches wide) was alive but hollow. He gave me an estimate...
B&B Tree Service
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Reviewed in July 2024
They go above & beyond for their customers I am so repeat, satisfied customer.
Andersons Tree Service LLC
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Reviewed in April 2024
We highly recommend Dog Guard! Our labs would leave our property frequently, and we often worried about their safety. We appreciate the professionalism of Dog Guard and the on-site training. Our dogs are now very happy staying within their boundaries and we have peace of mind.
Dog Guard
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Reviewed in May 2022
Sufficient clean job....great smell afterwards
The Wright Connection
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Reviewed in March 2022
When itâ s time to replace, I will look no further than Carlson Heating & Air.
Carlson Heating & AC, LLC
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Reviewed in February 2022
Professional service, friendly workers who explained everything in great detail!
Continental Siding Supply, Inc.
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Reviewed in March 2021
It was absolutely amazing. They were timely. They did everything that was expected on a lawn maintenance service. They were attention to detail.
R&S Lawn Care & Landscaping
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Reviewed in November 2020
Very professional...work well done..will contact for next project
Pepin 360 Handyman Service
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Find Deck maintenance specialists in Clay Center

Shaw's Dirt Work LLC

New to Angi

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving Clay Center, KS and surrounding areas

Approved

Veteran, family owned a operated landscape and dirt services company. We starve to provide a quality and affordable service. We strive to leave every jobsite with happy customers we will do what we can to work with any budget big or small! Never the less we will only do the job one way, the right way!

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TD Builders LLC

New to Angi

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

Serving Clay Center, KS and surrounding areas

Approved

Experienced contractor in both residential and commercial building. Emphasis on concrete and remodel work.

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

Serving Clay Center, KS and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Superb job! Very reliable, professional and punctual. Strongly recommend. A+A+A+"

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 Clay Center, KS and surrounding areas

In business since 2005

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"very good at what they due I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS COMPANY AND WOULD RECOMMEND TO DUE WORK ANYTIME THEY ARE GREAT WHAT THEY DUE"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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

Serving Clay Center, KS and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

"Avery and His team did a wonderful job removing leaves from our 3/4 acre lot along with Our gutters. Would highly recommend these guys! Will be using again."

These are photos of the finished rock bed and photos of the property before the installation.

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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

Serving Clay Center, KS and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"I hired Jesse to repair and tune my sprinkler system. He traveled to do the work and was extremely pleasant. Not only was his work thorough and efficient but very affordable. I couldn't be more pleased with the entire experience and would have no hesitation to hire Jesse again."

Response time2 hrs

Response rate100%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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

Serving Clay Center, KS and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Caleb is professional & hardworking! He did just as asked and beyond. He was organized and considerate of us! HIGHLY recommend."

Response time50 mins

Response rate100%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Deck Doctor

New to Angi

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving Clay Center, KS and surrounding areas

In business since 2015

Free estimates

At Deck Doctor, we pride ourselves on providing quality service that customers can believe in. We will always see the project through to the customer's satisfaction. Call us for a free estimate and to get a Cleaning Service professional out to your home today!

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

Serving Clay Center, KS and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Everything was done how I wanted and it looked great when he was finished."

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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The Phoenix Paint Company

3.0(

)

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

Serving Clay Center, KS and surrounding areas

In business since 2002

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Welcome to The Phoenix Paint Company. We've been in business since 2002 but we have over 20 years of combined experience that's the answer to all your painting needs. Call us today.

Recommended by50%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 21

Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

Yes. Freestanding or floating decks are exactly what the name implies—structures with their own support beams. You can build a deck yourself and place it next to a house for the illusion of a connected deck without the hassle. Or you can construct it in a separate part of your yard for a dedicated outdoor entertainment space. For the purpose of removing a freestanding deck, the steps are the same as an attached deck, but you don’t have to cut the deck away from the home.

When staining a deck, don’t skip surface prep, avoid staining damp or dirty boards, and don’t apply stain in extreme heat, cold, or wet conditions. Never overload the wood with a stain, as too much can cause tackiness or peeling. Also, don’t forget to test a small area first to ensure the color and finish look right.

Expect to spend around $10,000 to $11,000 to replace a 20-by-20-foot deck. Using high-end materials like composite or exotic hardwoods can drive up the cost, as can custom features and design elements. You can also expect to pay more than average if your deck replacement requires a site evaluation or if you need the work done during the busy season.

In most cases, sanding an old deck before staining it is necessary to achieve a decent finish. If your old deck has a relatively new stain finish on it and you're only doing touch-ups, you can generally skip the sanding part. However, if your goal is to make the deck look and function better, sanding first is a must.

You can use a few different tactics to prevent your deck gate from sagging. Aside from using strong, rot-resistant woods, introducing a diagonal element—such as a tension rod or solid piece of wood to act as a brace—across the gate will offer better support. You can also use rigid joists to prevent the gate from sagging.

The Clay Center, KS 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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7 Best Maintenance-Free Decking Materials
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