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>

Get matched with top deck maintenance specialists in Wakefield, KS

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: How often do wood decks need to be replaced?

• <div><p>Wood decks need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years on average. Natural wood is highly vulnerable to infiltration and damage from moisture, which can occur rapidly due to exposure to outdoor elements. You can protect your deck and maximize its lifespan by sealing it every year or two. </p></div>

Q: Should a gate swing in or out?

• <div><p>Ideally, a gate should be able to swing both in and out. However, if it can only open in one direction, it is generally best for it to swing inward. This is often the safest option, especially for deck gates near steps, as you'll want the gate to swing away from the stairs. An inward swing also prevents the gate from opening into a public space, like a sidewalk, and can be more convenient when carrying heavy items like a wheelbarrow into a garden.</p><p>There are exceptions, however. The layout of your property may require a different approach. For example, if your property is on a slope, the gate may not be able to swing inward. You should also ensure the gate can open fully without colliding with any objects or blocking access to other areas. For a backyard garden gate where public access isn't a concern, the direction it swings is largely a matter of personal preference. Finally, always check your local building codes, as they may have specific requirements for which way a gate must swing.</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: What is the most affordable type of decking?

• <div><p>Pressure-treated lumber is one of the most affordable types of decking upfront. This material is widely available, so you can usually find pressure-treated lumber at almost any local home improvement store you visit. Keep in mind that wood requires a lot of upkeep with repainting and restaining, so any kind of wood may be more expensive in the long run than something like PVC decking.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Maintenance pros in Wakefield, KS

*The Angi rating for Deck Maintenance companies in Wakefield, 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 Wakefield, 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 18, 2026

Reviewed in May 2026
Received a call the same day I sent out the request from Angi. Set up an appointment for a quote for that week. Consistent communication! A good quote at a reasonable price for 3 mature healthy trees in a tricky area, stump grinding AND root removal!!! They did it the next week and were done...
Shiver Me Timbers LLC
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Reviewed in October 2025
Damaris and her crew did a fabulous job for us. We are nothing but pleased. Friendly, hardworking, honest people. We are looking forward to along relationship with Diamond Cleaning.
The Diamond Cleaning Service, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2025
Hope did a great job building a wood privacy fence for our yard. He was excellent at communicating with us throughout the process, laid out his plans and maintained a good work schedule throughout to ensure it was done in a timely manner. I would definitely hire him again!
Hope Construction
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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 December 2023
The quality of work and customer service is the best in the business. They are very transparent from the start and use only the best equipment available and know their stuff. I had no idea I could do so much with Solar. Great investmentâ ¦ my elec bill has been reduced 90%. The most the...
Solar Co2
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Reviewed in September 2023
Dustin at Kansas Roofing Group went Above and Beyond to make sure everything from beginning to end was a great experience. I couldn't recommend him more. He truly was great to work with & my roof looks absolutely amazing! Please reach out to KRG for any of your needs 10/10 recommend.
Kansas Roofing Group, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2023
Jeff and his entire team knocked out our large back patio in no time. The completed work is best in class. If you are looking for a trustworthy company to do some dirt work or concrete work, look no further because Lakeside Construction is the best.
Lakeside Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2023
TileMasters did a great job at a reasonable rate. We were very pleased with the results and wonâ t hesitate to use them again.
TileMasters
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Reviewed in May 2022
Sufficient clean job....great smell afterwards
The Wright Connection
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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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Find Deck maintenance specialists in Wakefield

Shaw's Dirt Work LLC

New to Angi

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving Wakefield, 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 Wakefield, 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 Wakefield, KS and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Jason was awesome! He did a great job on our back door replacement. He made sure he did it right. I will absolutely consider him for our next project!"

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 Wakefield, 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 Wakefield, 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 Wakefield, 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 Wakefield, 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 Wakefield, 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!

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Weisbender Homes, LLC

3.6(

)

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

Serving Wakefield, KS and surrounding areas

In business since 1986

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Weisbender homes did a great job fixing my ceiling. I called and he came out right away to get me an estimate. The work was professionally done with attention to detail. It was completed in a timely manner and at a resonable cost. I am very happy with my new ceiling."

+428

Response time2 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Pitchford Home Maintenance

0.5(

)

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

Serving Wakefield, KS and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We strongly believe in giving our absolute best in all of our projects no matter how big or small. We are experts in our trade and will always keep you educated on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!

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Showing 1-10 of 23

Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

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.

Wood decks need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years on average. Natural wood is highly vulnerable to infiltration and damage from moisture, which can occur rapidly due to exposure to outdoor elements. You can protect your deck and maximize its lifespan by sealing it every year or two.

Ideally, a gate should be able to swing both in and out. However, if it can only open in one direction, it is generally best for it to swing inward. This is often the safest option, especially for deck gates near steps, as you'll want the gate to swing away from the stairs. An inward swing also prevents the gate from opening into a public space, like a sidewalk, and can be more convenient when carrying heavy items like a wheelbarrow into a garden.

There are exceptions, however. The layout of your property may require a different approach. For example, if your property is on a slope, the gate may not be able to swing inward. You should also ensure the gate can open fully without colliding with any objects or blocking access to other areas. For a backyard garden gate where public access isn't a concern, the direction it swings is largely a matter of personal preference. Finally, always check your local building codes, as they may have specific requirements for which way a gate must swing.

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.

Pressure-treated lumber is one of the most affordable types of decking upfront. This material is widely available, so you can usually find pressure-treated lumber at almost any local home improvement store you visit. Keep in mind that wood requires a lot of upkeep with repainting and restaining, so any kind of wood may be more expensive in the long run than something like PVC decking.

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