Get matched with top deck cleaning pros in Howland, ME

Q: Do I need to install footings under my floating deck?

• <div><p>In most cases, your deck will need some form of deck footing to hold it in place, preventing moisture from rotting your wood and decreasing your deck&rsquo;s lifespan. Concrete deck blocks are the most common type of footing for floating decks. Some homeowners use ground-level deck footings. For added security, consider digging and laying your ground-level footings below ground. </p></div>

Q: What are the spindles on a deck called?

• <div><p>Spindles on a deck may also be called balusters or pickets. While not as important to the structural support of the deck as the rail posts, they play a critical role in ensuring the deck is safe to use by closing in large gaps in the railing. For this reason, balusters must be no more than 4 inches away from one another.</p></div>

Q: Can you build a deck and not attach it to the house?

• <div><p>Yes. Freestanding or floating decks are exactly what the name implies&mdash;structures with their own support beams. You can <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-build-a-deck.htm">build a deck yourself</a> and place it next to a house for the illusion of a connected deck without the hassle. Or you can construct it in a separate part of your yard for a dedicated outdoor entertainment space. For the purpose of removing a freestanding deck, the steps are the same as an attached deck, but you don&rsquo;t have to cut the deck away from the home. </p></div>

Q: How do you make a deck gate not sag?

• <div><p>You can use a few different tactics to prevent your deck gate from sagging. Aside from using strong, rot-resistant woods, introducing a diagonal element&mdash;such as a tension rod or solid piece of wood to act as a brace&mdash;across the gate will offer better support. You can also use rigid joists to prevent the gate from sagging.</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>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Cleaning pros in Howland, ME

*The Angi rating for Deck Cleaning companies in Howland, ME is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Deck Cleaning needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Deck Cleaning companies in Howland, ME is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Deck Cleaning needs.

Last update on June 09, 2026

Reviewed in June 2026
I called Paul with Black Label Plumbing to talk to him about my Well gone bad/dry. He helped me troubleshoot over the phone and told me to call if it didn?t work. I called him later that day and he said he would be over the next morning. He was prompt and dealt with multiple problems, after...
Black Label Plumbing LLC
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Reviewed in October 2025
Category is not really correct. We needed a garage clean out including an old refrigerator, clean up of debris in crawl space, clearing of miscellaneous junk from garden shed, and removal of a giant long. Mike did it all, quickly and efficiently and for a fair price. He, was a pleasure to work...
Maineiac Services Hauling & Junk Removal
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Reviewed in November 2023
he arrived on time did the work we agreed to at the parks we agreed to he was neat efficient and cleaned up after I would hire him again anytime
Carmichael Electric
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Reviewed in November 2023
Very clean workers. Covered our floors and furniture before starting , always on time , leaving our home with no mess. Hope to see them next spring. for outside work. Thank Pete 's
Pete Gray Painting
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Reviewed in September 2023
This company came in and replaced a botched job done by an unscrupulous concrete contractor. Curb Sol did the demolition of that job and replaced it with exactly what I requested. Clean job and very professional. In Maine it's hard to find trustworthy, fair contractors. Highly recommend these...
Curb & Sidewalk Solutions, Inc.
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Reviewed in June 2023
Emptied our house for sale, and the team came in to do a thorough cleaning before photos, showings, etc. Excellent work!!
Molly Maid of Greater Akron & Canton
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Reviewed in June 2023
This company has pleased me in so many ways. Very considerate of my time. They are always on time. Very pleasant to work with and are willing to do any chores Iâ ve asked of them. No job seems to be to big. I have complete confidence with having them in my home. I will continue to have this...
Cyr Green Cleaning
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Reviewed in June 2022
Very happy with result. Have the 13 by 21 deck we wanted, looks great, all PT lumber and composite decking. Did NOT move or heave over the winter.
Creation Landscapes
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Reviewed in April 2021
Very professional crew, Did the job Excellent, made sure the customer got what you wanted, cleaned up every day, never a mess, Very fair pricing, always called and was on the job when he said, If you need a contractor this is who you want,
Sean Gleason Home Improvements
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Reviewed in February 2021
On time professionally completed work. Above expectations. Fast, clean and efficient. Definitely worth the cost. I would recommend them to anyone. Great job!!
Wicked Good Spray Foam
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Find Deck cleaning pros in Howland

Sean Gleason Home Improvements

5.0(

)

Serving Howland, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 1990

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Sean and his crew did a fantastic job installing a new roof on our garage. They communicated well, cleaned up after themselves, and the price was right. We will be calling them again when we need more work done."

Response time1 day

Recommended by87%of homeowners

Serving Howland, ME and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Very responsive. Great customer service."

Response time6 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Howland, ME and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Andy did an excellent job of cleaning 20 years of bottom paint off the bottom of my 21 foot fiberglass boat. Paint was removed to the boot stripe and there was no damage to the glass. The work was completed in my yard which was left clean with no residue. Great job"

+14

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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New England Home Renovations LLC

4.0(

311

)

Serving Howland, ME and surrounding areas

In business since 1983

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I called, they came, they cleaned. what more could one ask?
"

+37

Recommended by89%of homeowners

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Affordable Home Improvemnts

4.1(

)

Serving Howland, ME and surrounding areas

In business since 1970

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Very pleased with the outcome; it looks lovely. People have actually stopped to say how nice it looks."

Response time3 days

Response rate86%

Recommended by85%of homeowners

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Euphoric Hardscapes and Designs

4.1(

)

Serving Howland, ME and surrounding areas

In business since 2001

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"They built me an Asian style grape arbor, they went off the design that I had drawn up. It is perfect! They did a wonderful job!! I'm very happy. They are very nice folks. :D"

+215

Response time2 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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MacMaster & Sons Flooring

4.0(

)

Serving Howland, ME and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Ian Macmaster is a very reliable, very professional person and did an EXCELLENT job of installing carpet throughout the whole house. He also did an excellent job on installing ceramic tiles. Does a job from start to finish. We VERY HIGHLY recommend Ian for any job."

Recommended by75%of homeowners

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KJS Building Solutions

5.0(

)

Serving Howland, ME and surrounding areas

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Warranties offered

With over 10 years of experience in the carpentry industry, we are the experts for all of your home improvement needs. We handle everything from rough framing to interior finish work and everything in between we will always treat your home as if it were our own. Give KJS Building Solutions a call today. We look forward to working with you!

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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wedoitpropertycare

New to Angi

Serving Howland, ME and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

we specialize in lawncare but so many services to offer for property care.At we do it we offer clean ups,clean outs,junk removal,light tree work,tractor work and property maintenance and repairs for residential and commercial homes,camps and rentals and capiable of more that is needed.

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JARR Handyman Services

3.5(

)

Serving Howland, ME and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

JARR Handyman Services is committed to excellence every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 24

Deck Cleaning questions, answered by experts

In most cases, your deck will need some form of deck footing to hold it in place, preventing moisture from rotting your wood and decreasing your deck’s lifespan. Concrete deck blocks are the most common type of footing for floating decks. Some homeowners use ground-level deck footings. For added security, consider digging and laying your ground-level footings below ground.

Spindles on a deck may also be called balusters or pickets. While not as important to the structural support of the deck as the rail posts, they play a critical role in ensuring the deck is safe to use by closing in large gaps in the railing. For this reason, balusters must be no more than 4 inches away from one another.

Yes. Freestanding or floating decks are exactly what the name implies—structures with their own support beams. You can build a deck yourself and place it next to a house for the illusion of a connected deck without the hassle. Or you can construct it in a separate part of your yard for a dedicated outdoor entertainment space. For the purpose of removing a freestanding deck, the steps are the same as an attached deck, but you don’t have to cut the deck away from the home.

You can use a few different tactics to prevent your deck gate from sagging. Aside from using strong, rot-resistant woods, introducing a diagonal element—such as a tension rod or solid piece of wood to act as a brace—across the gate will offer better support. You can also use rigid joists to prevent the gate from sagging.

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.

The Howland, ME homeowners’ guide to deck cleaning services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Deane Biermeier
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
How Much Does Deck Refinishing Cost? [2026 Data]
Refinishing your deck is a great way to restore its appearance and fall in love with your outdoor space. Use this guide to learn how much it costs based on factors like size and type.
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•
Mar 17, 2026Mar 17, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Pressure Wash a Deck? [2026 Data]
The cost to pressure wash a deck depends on its size, condition, material, and whether you DIY the job. Help set your budget with this cost guide.
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•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 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.
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•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
How to Clean Decking Safely and Naturally
Cleaning your deck at least once a year boosts its durability and appearance. Learn how to clean decking, whether it's wood or composite.
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•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
How to Clean a Deck Before Staining
Learn how to clean a deck before staining to ensure long-lasting adhesion, weatherproofing, and optimum appearance of this coloring and protecting treatment.
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•
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.