Do deck stringers need hangers?

• <div><p>Hangers are one way of attaching stair stringers to a deck. These metal hangers are usually adjustable, allowing you to find the ideal angle for a secure installation. They’re the best choice for installing longer staircases, such as one on a two-story deck, to reduce the load on the deck frame while keeping the stairs stable.</p></div>

How hard is it to build a deck yourself?

• <div><p>Building a deck isn't too hard if you’re handy with carpentry, have the necessary tools, and are willing to put effort into it. However, other factors, such as plans, permits, and design, can be hard if you don’t have experience in those areas.</p><p>Note: You’ll need another person to help you build the deck (especially for framing and setting the beams). Building a deck yourself will be very difficult if you don’t have an extra set of hands to help.</p></div>

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Q: Should there be a gap between the house and the deck?

• <div><p>In most cases, there should be a small gap between the house and the deck, usually no more than &frac12; to &frac34; of an inch. This space allows water and moisture to flow through instead of pooling against the side of your house. It also lets flashing protect your siding from runoff, which is one of the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/5-common-deck-problems-and-solutions.htm">most common issues with decks</a>.</p></div>

Q: How hard is it to build a deck yourself?

• <div><p>Building a deck isn't too hard if you&rsquo;re handy with carpentry, have the necessary tools, and are willing to put effort into it. However, other factors, such as plans, permits, and design, can be hard if you don&rsquo;t have experience in those areas.</p><p>Note: You&rsquo;ll need another person to help you build the deck (especially for framing and setting the beams). Building a deck yourself will be very difficult if you don&rsquo;t have an extra set of hands to help.</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: Should I use 2x6 or 2x8 for deck joists?

• <div><p>When deciding if you should use 2x6 or 2x8 deck joists, consider the size of the deck, joist spacing, and materials. Larger decks, larger-spaced joists, and weaker wood all require more support, meaning they need larger joists. For example, 2x8 redwood joists spaced 16 inches apart can only safely span up to 10 feet and 7 inches. On the other hand, 2x10 southern pine joists spaced 12 inches apart can be as big as 16 feet and 2 inches. If you aren&rsquo;t sure what size joist is best for your project, speak with your deck builder.</p></div>

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J & D Handyman Services, LLC

4.5(

)

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

Serving Ellsworth, KS and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Justin is a great guy. He installed 6 cellular shades, hung some complicated art work like a pro and fixed a few small things that were bugging me. Hire this guy. You will not be disappointed."

+16

Response time3 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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

Serving Ellsworth, KS and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Jason was just tremendous to work with. He did a quality job and didn't take any shortcuts. We are so glad we found him. We will definitely be using him in the future. We would recommend him to anyone in need of a handyman."

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 Ellsworth, 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

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

Serving Ellsworth, KS and surrounding areas

In business since 2005

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Very professional & friendly. Did a great job. Cleaned up the work area very nice."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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

Serving Ellsworth, 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 Ellsworth, 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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Complete Home Landscaping

5.0(

)

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

Serving Ellsworth, KS and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Tyler did an excellent job Spring cleaning my landscaping beds! Mulch removal and replacement, cutting pampas grass, trimming bushes and plants. He repaired and replaced broken sprinkler heads as well. He communicated when he would be there and how long the job would take and followed up the day before to confirm. Great job at a fair price! Will definitely be contacting Complete Home Landscaping for future work and projects!"

Response time5 hrs

Response rate100%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Jeff power Wash And Painting - Home Facebook

New to Angi

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

Serving Ellsworth, KS and surrounding areas

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Central Kansas Powerwashing and Painting proudly serves its customers with pride, integrity and attention to the details that matter most to you. This is one of the many things that sets us apart from the rest. We are locally owned and operated. Give us a call today!

Response time5 days

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Superior Exteriors - Home Facebook

5.0(

)

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

Serving Ellsworth, KS and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

"Darin did a excellent job at painting my house, he did not miss any spots paid attention to detail I'm very happy with a job well done."

Response time6 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Walker's Landscaping and Maintenance

New to Angi

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving Ellsworth, KS and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity in all aspects of our business. We offer a variety of lawn care and landscaping services that are customizable to each individual property. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction!

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Showing 1-10 of 13

Deck Cleaning questions, answered by experts

In most cases, there should be a small gap between the house and the deck, usually no more than ½ to ¾ of an inch. This space allows water and moisture to flow through instead of pooling against the side of your house. It also lets flashing protect your siding from runoff, which is one of the most common issues with decks.

Hangers are one way of attaching stair stringers to a deck. These metal hangers are usually adjustable, allowing you to find the ideal angle for a secure installation. They’re the best choice for installing longer staircases, such as one on a two-story deck, to reduce the load on the deck frame while keeping the stairs stable.

Building a deck isn't too hard if you’re handy with carpentry, have the necessary tools, and are willing to put effort into it. However, other factors, such as plans, permits, and design, can be hard if you don’t have experience in those areas.

Note: You’ll need another person to help you build the deck (especially for framing and setting the beams). Building a deck yourself will be very difficult if you don’t have an extra set of hands to help.

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.

When deciding if you should use 2x6 or 2x8 deck joists, consider the size of the deck, joist spacing, and materials. Larger decks, larger-spaced joists, and weaker wood all require more support, meaning they need larger joists. For example, 2x8 redwood joists spaced 16 inches apart can only safely span up to 10 feet and 7 inches. On the other hand, 2x10 southern pine joists spaced 12 inches apart can be as big as 16 feet and 2 inches. If you aren’t sure what size joist is best for your project, speak with your deck builder.

The Ellsworth, KS homeowners’ guide to deck cleaning services

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