Can you build your own deck?

• <div><p>It is possible to build your own deck, but it’s typically better to leave the work to a decking professional. Decks can be exceptionally complicated, especially if you want a wrap-around or <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/second-story-deck-ideas.htm'">second-story deck</a>, and you don’t want to risk making an expensive or dangerous mistake. It’s usually better to hire a decking pro who can pull permits and build a structurally sound deck that will last for decades and provide the maximum return on investment.</p></div>

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Q: Does the underside of a deck need to breathe?

• <div><p>Any wood deck provides some ventilation to the area below, as is the nature of that type of <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-often-should-i-inspect-my-deck.htm">deck design</a>. However, areas that experience excessive humidity and associated moisture benefit greatly from a dedicated ventilation system in the form of strip vents. This addition helps the various wood boards contract and expand evenly throughout the years and reduces the chances of twisting, warping, and buckling.</p></div>

Q: Can you build your own deck?

• <div><p>It is possible to build your own deck, but it&rsquo;s typically better to leave the work to a decking professional. Decks can be exceptionally complicated, especially if you want a wrap-around or <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/second-story-deck-ideas.htm'">second-story deck</a>, and you don&rsquo;t want to risk making an expensive or dangerous mistake. It&rsquo;s usually better to hire a decking pro who can pull permits and build a structurally sound deck that will last for decades and provide the maximum return on investment.</p></div>

Q: How many steps on a deck before you need a railing?

• <div><p>Local building codes don&rsquo;t specify the number of steps a deck can have before a railing is required, mainly because stair height varies widely. Most areas require decks 30 inches or higher to have a railing. While not exact, that roughly equates to four to seven steps.</p></div>

Q: Can I pressure wash my own deck?

• <div><p>It is possible to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-power-wash-deck.htm">pressure wash your deck</a>, but it&rsquo;s usually best to leave the work to a professional for two main reasons. First, power washers are expensive, and you can avoid high upfront costs by hiring a deck washing pro instead. Second, you must be careful to use the correct setting to avoid damaging your deck material. You can only clean soft woods like pine with a wide spray and a low pressure; otherwise, the water will leave unpleasant marks on your deck. Hard woods, composite material, and metal can stand up to increasingly higher water pressures.</p></div>

Q: Can professionals customize decks for unique spaces?

• <div><p>Yes, designing builds to fit space constraints and meet functional needs.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Maintenance pros in Hickman, KY

*The Angi rating for Deck Maintenance companies in Hickman, 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 Hickman, 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 August 27, 2025

Reviewed in August 2025
We hired MAR Painting to paint our home's exterior and were thoroughly impressed from start to finish. The communication was excellent, with clear explanations of the process and timelines. The team arrived on time, worked efficiently, and paid incredible attention to detail, ensuring a...
MAR Painting
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Reviewed in November 2024
The secretary and workers was very nice!!! I would definitely recommend and would hire them again!!!
Hector Painting
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Reviewed in March 2024
Highly recommended. Scheduled and finished all within a week
Trees N Chips
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Reviewed in February 2024
It went really well; they completed the task at hand, charged the amount they quoted, and so on. I would heartily suggest them because they are a little firm that follows through on its promises.
TGR Construction
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Reviewed in November 2023
Chad at CJ Sanders Logistics done a wonderful job clearing my flower beds and trimming up over grown bushes and weeds. He laid sod and spread grass seed and straw. Highly recommended for all outdoor needs. Will definitely use again. Friendly and affordable.
CJ Sanders Logistics LLC
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Reviewed in February 2022
They were wonderful. They came in and take a look. We never had any problem with their service. They contact us immediately and they communication was really clear.
Best Choice Roofing - Jackson, TN
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Reviewed in October 2021
Very professional, Hard working crew. The crew was very neat and they put tarps over our shrubs. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND DR Roofing. There was no mess to pick up when they finished my roofing job. THANKS
DR Roofing, LLC
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Reviewed in June 2021
On time. Careful not to damage property. Thoroughly cleaned up after completing job.
Cutting Edge
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Reviewed in October 2017
Tyler Tallent is a wonderful, polite, knowledgeable, capable and educated technician. Would highly recommend their services to anyone needing a dependable crawl space encapsulation and maintenance.
Redeemers Group
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Reviewed in April 2013
When we moved here, this area was between our house and our pool. We could not see our pool from our house. I had two stepping stone paths on either side of the pond that I was constantly having to maneuver in order to maintain the pool. The area was overgrown and leaves, branches, and pond...
J D Dudley Concrete Works
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Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

Any wood deck provides some ventilation to the area below, as is the nature of that type of deck design. However, areas that experience excessive humidity and associated moisture benefit greatly from a dedicated ventilation system in the form of strip vents. This addition helps the various wood boards contract and expand evenly throughout the years and reduces the chances of twisting, warping, and buckling.

It is possible to build your own deck, but it’s typically better to leave the work to a decking professional. Decks can be exceptionally complicated, especially if you want a wrap-around or second-story deck, and you don’t want to risk making an expensive or dangerous mistake. It’s usually better to hire a decking pro who can pull permits and build a structurally sound deck that will last for decades and provide the maximum return on investment.

Local building codes don’t specify the number of steps a deck can have before a railing is required, mainly because stair height varies widely. Most areas require decks 30 inches or higher to have a railing. While not exact, that roughly equates to four to seven steps.

It is possible to pressure wash your deck, but it’s usually best to leave the work to a professional for two main reasons. First, power washers are expensive, and you can avoid high upfront costs by hiring a deck washing pro instead. Second, you must be careful to use the correct setting to avoid damaging your deck material. You can only clean soft woods like pine with a wide spray and a low pressure; otherwise, the water will leave unpleasant marks on your deck. Hard woods, composite material, and metal can stand up to increasingly higher water pressures.

Yes, designing builds to fit space constraints and meet functional needs.

The Hickman, KY 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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