Is it worth sanding a deck?

• <div><p>It is definitely worth sanding a deck to ensure the wood absorbs new stain. Sanding a deck removes the outer layers of aging wood, allowing the stain to penetrate. It also gives a fresh look to the entire surface as part of the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-refinish-deck.htm">deck refinishing process</a>. Without sanding, your stain or sealant is less likely to absorb into the wood. While sanding a deck is a time-intensive project, the rewards are noticeable and long-lasting.</p></div>

Do you nail or screw composite decking?

• <div><p>You can nail or screw composite decking, but 3-inch decking screws are the better fastener choice. Unlike nails, decking screws won’t back out of the composite material over time. There’s also little danger of splitting composite material when driving screws, so you don’t need to pre-drill holes unless otherwise recommended by your decking manufacturer. </p></div>

Get matched with top deck maintenance specialists in Cumberland, MD

Q: Is PVC decking hotter than composite?

• <div><p>PVC decking tends to be cooler than composite because the material is less dense and absorbs less heat. However, it depends on the deck&rsquo;s color. A dark-colored PVC deck may run hotter than a light-colored composite deck. If you&rsquo;re concerned about your deck getting too hot, it&rsquo;s best to stick to a light color such as beige or gray. </p></div>

Q: What are the signs that my deck needs professional repair?

• <div><p>Rotting wood, loose railings, or unstable stairs may indicate a need for expertise.</p></div>

Q: Is it worth it to install a deck?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-build-a-deck.htm">Building a deck</a> is often worth the investment, not only because it provides more utility to your yard and gives you more space to entertain but also because decks tend to add value to your home. Keep in mind that second-story decks often require concrete footings, which means they will bump up your property taxes, while decks built on the first story generally don&rsquo;t require a permanent foundation and won&rsquo;t affect your taxes. Even with the tax increase, decks are usually a good investment in the long run.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Maintenance pros in Cumberland, MD

*The Angi rating for Deck Maintenance companies in Cumberland, MD 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 Cumberland, MD 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 March 25, 2026

Reviewed in March 2026
Trent was kind, professional, HONEST and respectful. I reached out and he messaged within the hour. After brief conversation on the phone he was able to fit me in for a free water testing and system inspection that same day. I mentioned a 3 stage water system upgrade and after the water test...
Progressive Homecare Solutions
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Reviewed in September 2025
Once again, Rebel has helped me with a problem. Last time, he repaired my deck. This time, he sanded the cabinet so the new stove would fit in. And the results really look good. Rebel needs to get a bit more organized with time but he does such a good job that I'm not terribly concerned. And...
Killian Enterprises llc
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Reviewed in September 2024
These guys were amazing from start to finish. Gave me a free estimate and a very reasonable price for the project. They got the work done in a very timely manner, always asked if I had any questions and worked very hard to give me what I was looking for. I will definitely be calling them for...
Castillo Construction
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Reviewed in January 2022
Green Future Construction was one of few landscaping companies that would do our entire project holistically -- regrading side and rear yards and integrating and building a new deck within the plan. All parts of the business work seamlessly with other parts. Our main contact, Anthony Martone,...
Green Future Construction
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Reviewed in July 2018
Excellent communication, excellent response to my needs. Will continue to use for bi-weekly maintenance.
Larue Property Services
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Reviewed in June 2018
Whitehorse Woodworks was contacted (along with several other companies) about building a deck on the backside of my home. Lowell listened to what I was looking for in a deck, provided suggestions and recommendations for what would suit my needs. He also provided the best estimate. He then...
Whitehorse Woodworks
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Reviewed in May 2018
Before contacting them, I was shopping around and was very surprised to some contractors lack of knowledge. When I came across this company and the reviews they got, I decided to give them a try and I was very pleased with their work. Diaz seems to be knowledgeable and pleasant to work with....
Speedy Repairs
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Reviewed in April 2012
I wanted to try this place after hearing good reviews from friends. The first time I went was just for general maintenance and I was told I "needed" about $800 worth of other repairs. When I got the breakdown it turned out all I truly needed were two new tires (which were much cheaper elsewhere...
RED RIDGE AUTO REPAIR
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Reviewed in March 2012
Honesty they did not provide the service they were going to provide. We got them because we had just finished leveling out our yard and putting a deck on. We were having difficulties in grass growing under the tree. I called them to help us to get grass to grow under the tree and thicken it up...
TruGreen Lawn Care - 5820
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Reviewed in March 2012
They are excellent and I have used them for years. I am on an annual maintenance agreement with them. I think their prices are average and they were here right away the next morning after I called. They have done other work for me in the past and I will use them again in the future.
Good Shepard HVAC
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Find Deck maintenance specialists in Cumberland

BlackRock Renovations

4.5(

)

Serving Cumberland, MD and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Did a very good job roofing our shed. Polite, on time and professional. I will definitely hiring them again."

Response time2 days

Response rate93%

29 neighbors recently requested a quote

Serving Cumberland, MD and surrounding areas

In business since 1991

Emergency services offered

"His work was outstanding in all respects. He was completely trustworthy. His price was right in the middle of all the estimates I got. In my case he stuck to his estimate but he didn't find any unexpected damage while he was working either. He did the job in 4 hours less than quoted maximum time frame. I'd have no hesitation in recommending his services are using his services again.
"

Recommended by94%of homeowners

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Crellin Handyman Services

4.6(

)

Serving Cumberland, MD and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Peter is very responsive and thorough. I will definitely be calling him again for future maintenance and repairs. Highly recommend."

+20

Response time10 hrs

Recommended by93%of homeowners

Serving Cumberland, MD and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

"Cyress Construction was very nice to deal with, prompt and efficient in every way! Thank you Dion!!!!!"

Recommended by83%of homeowners

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Mountain view painting

4.0(

)

Serving Cumberland, MD and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

"It was excellent, he was very respectful and very clean. He did a very good job, I would recommend him to everybody. The price was very fair and reasonable."

Recommended by66%of homeowners

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Apex Contracting and Excavation

New to Angi

Serving Cumberland, MD and surrounding areas

I am TJ, owner and founder of Apex Contracting and Excavation. We are a small business operated by close family and friends to provide an exceptional experience for your home project. We have a combined 30 years of doing decks, fences, sheds, grading and small scale land clearing. We strive to have a family oriented mindset with a hassle free process from estimating to job site completion. We would love to earn your business one day.

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Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

PVC decking tends to be cooler than composite because the material is less dense and absorbs less heat. However, it depends on the deck’s color. A dark-colored PVC deck may run hotter than a light-colored composite deck. If you’re concerned about your deck getting too hot, it’s best to stick to a light color such as beige or gray.

Rotting wood, loose railings, or unstable stairs may indicate a need for expertise.

It is definitely worth sanding a deck to ensure the wood absorbs new stain. Sanding a deck removes the outer layers of aging wood, allowing the stain to penetrate. It also gives a fresh look to the entire surface as part of the deck refinishing process. Without sanding, your stain or sealant is less likely to absorb into the wood. While sanding a deck is a time-intensive project, the rewards are noticeable and long-lasting.

You can nail or screw composite decking, but 3-inch decking screws are the better fastener choice. Unlike nails, decking screws won’t back out of the composite material over time. There’s also little danger of splitting composite material when driving screws, so you don’t need to pre-drill holes unless otherwise recommended by your decking manufacturer.

Building a deck is often worth the investment, not only because it provides more utility to your yard and gives you more space to entertain but also because decks tend to add value to your home. Keep in mind that second-story decks often require concrete footings, which means they will bump up your property taxes, while decks built on the first story generally don’t require a permanent foundation and won’t affect your taxes. Even with the tax increase, decks are usually a good investment in the long run.

The Cumberland, MD 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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