Get matched with top deck maintenance specialists in Whiteford, MD

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>

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: What kind of base or foundation is required for composite decking?

• <div><p>Composite decking requires a solid foundation, substructure, or subframe to ensure stability. This base is typically composed of posts, beams, joists, and footings. The frame's joists can be built from various materials like composite, plastic, timber, or metal, as long as the base can support the deck's weight without shifting. A professional deck builder might recommend installing the frame on a solid concrete base for added durability. The final design and materials for the substructure will depend on your budget, the type of deck, and environmental conditions.</p></div>

Q: What’s the difference between a deck footing and a deck post?

• <div><p>Both deck footings and deck posts help prop up your deck. However, footings are the bottommost parts of a deck that touch the ground. They&rsquo;re usually made of concrete. Posts are pieces of wood that attach to the top of the footings with brackets. They run upwards and connect to the underside of your deck to support its weight. </p></div>

Q: How long does it take to build a vinyl deck?

• <div><p>The time to build a vinyl deck varies based on factors like size, the complexity of the design, and weather conditions. Generally, a straightforward project might take a <b>few days to a couple of weeks</b> for preparation, installation, and any necessary inspections. However, larger or more intricate designs may extend the timeline. Timely acquisition of permits, efficient planning, and coordination with contractors will all help to make the construction process as smooth and quick as possible.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Maintenance pros in Whiteford, MD

*The Angi rating for Deck Maintenance companies in Whiteford, 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 Whiteford, 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 August 31, 2026

Reviewed in August 2026
Artstrom built a wonderful deck and enclosed porch. I am very pleased with it. Everyone that sees it comments on the workmanship and quality of structure. All employees were very capable and knowledgeable. Would definitely contract with them for any additional work.
Artstrom LLC
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Reviewed in June 2026
Mt. Nebo Enterprises are the absolute BEST in the business. They replaced our entire deck in just under 4 days in the pouring down rain. We couldn't believe it. What a blessing!
Mt Nebo Enterprises, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2026
Tom Arno the Senior VPProject Coordinator and Excel was the perfect fit for my deck needs. I was going from a wood deck to a composite deck. The price was great and the time frame was excellent! I talked to other contractors and was told 8 weeks or more. I didn’t wait that with Excel. Even...
Excel Fencing & Decking
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Reviewed in May 2026
William was prompt with a visit and estimate for our deck restoration project. They started within the week and completed on schedule. We were very pleased with the quality of their work. We would certainly consider them for new projects. Job well done! 👍
William Smith
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Reviewed in October 2023
Great work by Weaber Brothers in removal of old wooden deck and rebuilt per US Building Codes with Trex composite materials. Jed Weaber managed the project from beginning to end of my deck that was approximately 30 feet long x 13 feet wide by approximately 8 feet elevation above the ground. ...
Weaber Bros, Inc
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Reviewed in September 2023
Matt power washed my deck, and the back of my house. He then came back, and stained my deck. All this was done for a reasonable price. Matt takes great pride in his work, and it shows.
Mr. Softwash, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2023
Multi-generation family business. I got a 2 floor deck that is awesome. 100% satisfied. I will look to them in the very near future for other projects.
Johnathan Jenkins
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Reviewed in June 2023
Joe was great with keeping in touch with me about pricing and scheduling for the job. Marcel did an outstanding job power washing my deck, and the side of my house, and later sealing my deck. Marcel was professional, efficient, and hardworking. Awesome job Marcel! An excellent company! Would...
Grime Busters Power Washing
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Reviewed in June 2023
I had needed a 12'x20' deck built. I had 3 guesstaments and Aaron Fisher of Lancaster Co. By the Buck.
Aaron's Exterior Solutions, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2023
Very communicative throughout. Weâ re very happy with the deck, and it was done ahead of schedule.
JW Associates, Inc.
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Find Deck maintenance specialists in Whiteford

JZ Construction, LLC

4.9(

)

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving Whiteford, MD and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2004

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"JZ Construction was a great company to have complete our deck repair/repaint project. James did work on our double back deck, which consisted of upper deck top banister replacement, floor board & partial banister replacement on lower deck, and power washing & repainting of both decks. His attention to detail and work ethic were complimented by his positive attitude. He kept us informed on progress of each step done and answered any questions we had. All went very well and we are very happy with the results! We would hire JZ Construction again for future projects!"

+22

Response time1 day

Response rate96%

Recommended by80%of homeowners

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G.I. Sealing and Home Solutions LLC

5.0(

)

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving Whiteford, MD and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"They replaced our gutter system that was damaged in a wind storm. They did everything they said they would do. They worked fast and did a great job. Would definitely recommend."

Response time7 hrs

Response rate98%

7 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Cornerstone Hydrowash

4.9(

)

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

Serving Whiteford, MD and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2003

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Excellent job. We were given a reasonable price, and they went above and beyond to ensure our deck looks fantastic. Do not hesitate to hire them."

+19

Response time8 hrs

Response rate90%

Recommended by94%of homeowners

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Castro's Services

New to Angi

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

Serving Whiteford, MD and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

Are you looking for a quality Cleaning company ? If so, look no further. I have many years in this industry and can provide you with excellent customer service as superior work. Your satisfaction is very important to me. I will listen to your needs and then formulate a plan around those needs to make sure that they are met. I will also provide you with excellent prices. Please feel free to give me a call for more information. I look forward to speaking with you!

Request Quote

James McGavin Home Improvement

4.6(

564

)

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

Serving Whiteford, MD and surrounding areas

In business since 1993

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"GREAT JOB! OUR 2300 SF ROOF WITH TWO LAYERS OF OLD SHINGLES WAS REPLACED IN ONE DAY WITH AN UPGRADED SHINGLE PRODUCT WITH A LIFETIME GUARANTEE. THE NEW ROOF LOOKS GREAT AND HIS CREW DID AN EXCELLENT JOB OF INSTALLATION AND CLEAN UP. WE COULD NOT BE HAPPIER."

+26

Recommended by90%of homeowners

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All Touch Powerwash & Paint

4.6(

)

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

Serving Whiteford, MD and surrounding areas

In business since 2011

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"They did a great job with the power wash of my patio and deck. They then painted the deck and I love the color and finished look. They also painted the shutters on the front of my house which also turned out looking really good. I plan to hire them this spring to paint my hallway. They are so professional and very friendly. Look folks, they go above and beyond and are worth every penny! I highly recommend them!"

Recommended by88%of homeowners

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

Serving Whiteford, MD and surrounding areas

In business since 2005

Free estimates

"The service was provided on the scheduled dates. The work was completed thoroughly; the house and porch look great! All items on the porch and deck were removed and replaced after the work was complete. We would definitely use this company again!"

+16

Recommended by92%of homeowners

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Rodriguez Home Improvement LLC

4.4(

193

)

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

Serving Whiteford, MD and surrounding areas

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Jose came on time, gave a good estimate and he and his team did an excellent job painting three rooms and a garage. He prepped and fixed the walls nicely and did a great job cleaning up at the end of the job. Also excellent job pressure washing deck."

+20

Recommended by83%of homeowners

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

Serving Whiteford, MD and surrounding areas

In business since 1991

Emergency services offered

"I called V and C to get an estimate on gutter cleaning, however the owner, Vince, informed me that he is no longer in business.
"

Recommended by94%of homeowners

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Goode Design Painting & Wallcovering Inc

4.5(

292

)

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

Serving Whiteford, MD and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Very well! They were able to do the work without using scaffolding on my two story family room. Very impressive! Very tidy!"

+49

Recommended by93%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 111

Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

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 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.

Composite decking requires a solid foundation, substructure, or subframe to ensure stability. This base is typically composed of posts, beams, joists, and footings. The frame's joists can be built from various materials like composite, plastic, timber, or metal, as long as the base can support the deck's weight without shifting. A professional deck builder might recommend installing the frame on a solid concrete base for added durability. The final design and materials for the substructure will depend on your budget, the type of deck, and environmental conditions.

Both deck footings and deck posts help prop up your deck. However, footings are the bottommost parts of a deck that touch the ground. They’re usually made of concrete. Posts are pieces of wood that attach to the top of the footings with brackets. They run upwards and connect to the underside of your deck to support its weight.

The time to build a vinyl deck varies based on factors like size, the complexity of the design, and weather conditions. Generally, a straightforward project might take a few days to a couple of weeks for preparation, installation, and any necessary inspections. However, larger or more intricate designs may extend the timeline. Timely acquisition of permits, efficient planning, and coordination with contractors will all help to make the construction process as smooth and quick as possible.

The Whiteford, 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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•
Aug 4, 2026Aug 4, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck in Baltimore, MD? [2026 Data]
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•
Aug 4, 2026Aug 4, 2026
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•
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•
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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.
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•
Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
Deck Maintenance Checklists for Every Season
Keep your decking looking new with this deck maintenance checklist.
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•
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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.