Does a deck add more value than a patio?

• <div><p>Both a well-constructed deck and a patio can add value to your home. Patios are generally cheaper to build but don’t offer the same aesthetics as a quality deck. Therefore, decks can be more appealing to buyers than patios, increasing a home's resale value. </p></div>

Get matched with top deck maintenance specialists in Grethel, KY

Q: Should I replace my deck before selling my house?

• <div><p>That depends on the condition of your deck. An older deck that looks drab, worn, or has multiple damaged boards might be worth replacing before selling. However, if your deck is in good condition, you can simply clean, repaint, or stain it. </p></div>

Q: What is the standard spacing for railing spindles or balusters?

• <div><p>Most building codes require that railing spindles (also known as balusters) on decks or stairs be spaced no more than four inches apart. This safety standard is often called the '4-inch sphere rule,' which means a sphere with a 4-inch diameter should not be able to pass through the opening between balusters. This rule is in place to prevent small children and pets from slipping through the railing. For the same reason, the space between the bottom rail and the deck or floor surface should also be no more than four inches. As a general guideline, professionals often install three balusters per foot of railing. However, since specific requirements can vary by location, it is essential to check your local building codes to ensure compliance before starting your project.</p></div>

Q: Which way should a gate swing, in or out?

• <div><p>The best direction for a gate to swing depends on its location and purpose, but swinging inward is the general rule. An inward swing is often considered safer, prevents the gate from opening into public spaces like a sidewalk, and may be required by local building codes.</p><p>There are exceptions and specific considerations. If your property is on a slope, an inward swing might not be possible. For a deck gate, it's safest to have it swing away from any steps. In a backyard, the direction can be a matter of preference, though an inward swing can be helpful when carrying heavy items like a wheelbarrow into a garden.</p><p>Regardless of direction, ensure the gate can open fully without hitting any objects or blocking spaces. While an inward swing is standard, a gate that can swing both in and out offers the most flexibility if your setup allows for it.</p></div>

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>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your deck maintenance project in Grethel, KY?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Deck Maintenance pros in Grethel, KY

*The Angi rating for Deck Maintenance companies in Grethel, KY 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 Grethel, KY 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 November 20, 2024

Reviewed in November 2024
Excellent service. Will use them for all my electrical needs.
First Response Electrical
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2023
They r a good crew to have to come out an work for u they do there job an then some extra work that not included in there contract
Patriot Tree Service
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2023
I was very happy, the owner of the company was so wonderful, jumped up with everything, and it was great.
Show Us Your Junk
Request a quote
Reviewed in May 2023
They removed and hauled off the junk water heater and all other junk! Not only great plumbers. They changed my wet ceiling tile, lights and mopped the water up! ð
K&S Custom Plumbing, LLC
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2022
The quality of work was excellent and they cleaned up. I would absolutely use the service again.
Big Blue Power Pressure Soft Washing lawncare & Landscaping
Request a quote
Reviewed in February 2022
I was very impressed with their service. They wore shoe covers to limit the mess and cleaned up what mess they did make before leaving.
Mr. Plumber
Request a quote
Reviewed in January 2022
Excellent service very professional well mannered clean would definitely hire again prices reasonable
Mizfits Plumbing
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2021
We had them remove trees and clean up did such a good job called them back to remove a few more. Great bunch of guys!
Climb High Tree Service
Request a quote
Reviewed in August 2021
Paul was a pleaser to work with .. very quick at getting report back and was willing to explain the report after the inspection
iVerify Home Inspections - Home Facebook
Request a quote

Find Deck maintenance specialists in Grethel

Brian Chapman

5.0(

)

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

Serving Grethel, KY and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Brian Chapman is a great carpenter, he put our wooden Swingset together beautifully."

Response time2 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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

Serving Grethel, KY and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They are hardworking and kind. Done my house and driveway in a days notice and made sure the job was done and in pristine condition."

Response time4 hrs

Response rate92%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Bursting with pressure

3.7(

)

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

Serving Grethel, KY and surrounding areas

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Fantastic!! I will for sure see them again, in the future!! I didn't think our deck would ever look new again, but it does!! THANKS SO MUCH!!"

+15

Recommended by66%of homeowners

Request Quote

C & J Handyman Service

5.0(

)

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving Grethel, KY and surrounding areas

In business since 2014

Free estimates

Our happy and satisfied customers recommend us to their friends and family all the time. We are proud of our reputation and we feel it has been well earned. We are also happy that we can help you feel good knowing that you are working with a reputable company that stands behind its products and services.

Response time2 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

JJ Flooring & Trim, LLC

New to Angi

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

Serving Grethel, KY and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

When it comes to your flooring and trim projects call on us at JJ Flooring & Trim, LLC. The cfaftsmanship and quality of work is second to none. At JJ Flooring & Trim, LLC, we take on every project as if it was there own. Call today to set an appointment with us at JJ Flooring & Trim, LLC.

Request Quote

Turner Contracting

New to Angi

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

Serving Grethel, KY and surrounding areas

In business since 1985

Free estimates

Warranties offered

Turner Contracting is your best choice in Kentucky for all your building and home improvement needs! We are your one stop shop for anything from trees too roofs! We have been in business for over 30 years and we pride ourselves on quality finished projects at fair and reasonable prices! \n\nCall us today for a free estimate!

Request Quote

Marshall's Contracting

New to Angi

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving Grethel, KY and surrounding areas

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Marshall's Contracting is a full service home repair company. We provide nothing but the highest quality craftsmanship adjusted to meet your needs. As a locally owned and family run business, we build close relationships with our clients and strive to offer the most honest, dependable, and affordable services around.

Response time3 days

Request Quote

Bygums services

New to Angi

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

Serving Grethel, KY and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

Hello we are a family owned and operated company looking to fulfill all your home service needs. No job to big or small we do it all.

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving Grethel, KY and surrounding areas

In business since 2016

Free estimates

We're a well established business with over 17+ years of unmatched expertise. Customer preference and priorities are always first. We're very timely with our work and never lose attention to detail. Our goal is to satisfy & guarantee the best work to you the special customer and thank you for helping build America better!\n\n

Response time2 days

Request Quote

Miller's Exterior Transformation, LLC

New to Angi

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

Serving Grethel, KY and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Miller's Exterior Transformation,LLC, has been established for many years. We service the community in many projects such as deck rebuilds, porch builds and much more! You can always count on Miller's Exterior Transformation, LLC, to do the job right the first time. Call today to get your projects up and running!

Request Quote

Showing 1-10 of 12

Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

That depends on the condition of your deck. An older deck that looks drab, worn, or has multiple damaged boards might be worth replacing before selling. However, if your deck is in good condition, you can simply clean, repaint, or stain it.

Most building codes require that railing spindles (also known as balusters) on decks or stairs be spaced no more than four inches apart. This safety standard is often called the '4-inch sphere rule,' which means a sphere with a 4-inch diameter should not be able to pass through the opening between balusters. This rule is in place to prevent small children and pets from slipping through the railing. For the same reason, the space between the bottom rail and the deck or floor surface should also be no more than four inches. As a general guideline, professionals often install three balusters per foot of railing. However, since specific requirements can vary by location, it is essential to check your local building codes to ensure compliance before starting your project.

The best direction for a gate to swing depends on its location and purpose, but swinging inward is the general rule. An inward swing is often considered safer, prevents the gate from opening into public spaces like a sidewalk, and may be required by local building codes.

There are exceptions and specific considerations. If your property is on a slope, an inward swing might not be possible. For a deck gate, it's safest to have it swing away from any steps. In a backyard, the direction can be a matter of preference, though an inward swing can be helpful when carrying heavy items like a wheelbarrow into a garden.

Regardless of direction, ensure the gate can open fully without hitting any objects or blocking spaces. While an inward swing is standard, a gate that can swing both in and out offers the most flexibility if your setup allows for it.

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.

Both a well-constructed deck and a patio can add value to your home. Patios are generally cheaper to build but don’t offer the same aesthetics as a quality deck. Therefore, decks can be more appealing to buyers than patios, increasing a home's resale value.

The Grethel, KY 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

Scott Dylan Westerlund
•
Aug 31, 2026Aug 31, 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.
Mitchell Grant
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 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.
Angi
•
Apr 16, 2026Apr 16, 2026
How Much Does Mahogany Decking Cost? [2026 Data]
Discover mahogany decking costs and learn about material, labor, and installation factors to budget your new deck project with confidence.
Jenna Jonaitis
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 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
•
Jul 31, 2026Jul 31, 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.