Get matched with top deck cleaning pros in Orland, ME

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: How wide can deck stairs be with two stringers?

• <div><p>Deck stairs should have at least three stringers rather than two. The recommended minimum width for stairs is 36 inches, and the <a href="https://www.nachi.org/inspecting-stair-stringers.htm">International Association of Certified Home Inspectors</a> recommends at least three cut stringers to provide sufficient support on wood decking stairs of this width. Generally, stringers should be a maximum of 16 inches apart for wood decking and 12 inches apart for more flexible composite decking.</p></div>

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: 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>

Q: How do you remove deck boards with hidden fasteners?

• <div><p>Cutting the boards directly is one of the fastest ways to remove deck boards with hidden fasteners. Mark two parallel lines that are one-third of the total measurement on both ends and cut out the centerpiece. Then, remove the end of the board that doesn&rsquo;t have a fastener. Finally, pry open the fastened side and pull it up to pop out the screw or access the fastener. This also allows you to salvage portions of boards for other projects. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Cleaning pros in Orland, ME

*The Angi rating for Deck Cleaning companies in Orland, 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 Orland, 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 April 23, 2026

Reviewed in April 2026
Omar and Victor did an excellent job. They inspected and cleaned the chimney and installed the new stove. Work was efficient and effective. They cleaned up after themselves and were extremely pleasant to spend the time with. I thank them for their good work. Whitney Schofield
McBriens Fire & Flue
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Reviewed in September 2024
Everything done as promised. Very professional and easy to work with. Did a fantastic clean up of the property after completing the roof.
Family Roofing
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Reviewed in July 2023
Brandon was very responsive and professional, and our deck was built beautifully, on time and on budget. It could not have been a better experience. I will definitely be asking Acadia Construction to help us with future projects.
Acadia Construction
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Reviewed in June 2023
Jim was prompt, great result. Already loving our new deck. recommend!
Bird Dog Construction
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Reviewed in May 2023
Great work. Very professional, proficient and efficient. No mess to clean up, they did it all.
Zuhlke Tree Service
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Reviewed in February 2023
He kept a very clean worksite, and was really responsive.
Hilltop painting and drywall
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Reviewed in August 2022
They were very professional and knew what they were doing. Only comment is I would have appreciated a little better job on clean-up.
TimberHitch
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Reviewed in July 2022
Two person crew was polite, professional, thorough and flexible when cleaning plan had to change. Although they weren’t able to accomplish everything I had hoped, they worked diligently to do a great deal.. overall rating is very satisfactory.
Ruthi's Cleaning Services
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Reviewed in January 2022
Work was done quickly and they cleaned up after themselves. s
Tri County Tree Service
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Reviewed in November 2021
York & Sons worked for us remolding the outside of our house in may 2021 - Oct. 2021. We needed Roofs stripped and replaced, siding stripped and replaced, also included we had 2 new decks built, another deck enclosed. The biggest part of the excellent work provided was the complete...
York & Sons Construction
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Find Deck cleaning pros in Orland

Clarke Builders

4.8(

)

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

Serving Orland, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"I hired Zac to fix an Eve on my house. It came out exactly the way I hoped it would. He was fast, clean and very friendly. The price was exactly what we agreed on. He showed me the receipts for the materials and put what was leftover in a safe place at my house. Iâ m extremely happy with the way everything worked out and I look forward to hiring him for more projects in the future."

Response time3 hrs

Response rate86%

Recommended by71%of homeowners

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Brackett's Property Service

5.0(

)

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

Serving Orland, ME and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business.\n

Response time2 days

9 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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

Serving Orland, ME and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"Have a very powerful pressure washer. Bring their own water. Do a great job"

Response time6 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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

Serving Orland, ME and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Andy did an outstanding of stripping 150 years of paint off the Marshall Point Light in Port Clyde, Maine. The metal was taken down to bright with all paint and extensive rust being removed. This was coordinated with the painters who primed it as soon as it dried. All residue was caught and collected in tarps for proper disposal. No dust was produced. The brickworks and granite blocks were also cleaned down to original surface for priming and recoating. The job was completed timely despite inclement weather. I highly recommend Andy and Aqua Terra for any such project."

+14

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Blue spruce fence and deck

4.7(

)

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

Serving Orland, ME and surrounding areas

In business since 2013

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"We’re very reactive to feedback, installed the fence quickly. Cleaned up after! Great work!"

+23

Response time2 days

Recommended by96%of homeowners

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New England Home Renovations LLC

4.0(

311

)

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

Serving Orland, 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

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving Orland, 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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T n T Professional Painting & Cleaning Service

5.0(

)

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

Serving Orland, ME and surrounding areas

In business since 1983

Free estimates

"Very thorough and excellent job. Provide very fair."

Response time12 hrs

Response rate89%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving Orland, ME and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Warranties offered

We are known for our prompt service and superior attention to detail. We specialize in general home maintenance and clean ups. We take great pride in customer satisfaction so please call Maine Cleanouts, LLC today, where we always appreciate your business. We now offer small item moving.\n\n Terms/ Fees:\n1) $ 20.00 service fee: This fee is for fuel and my time. Sorry but I can't keep running around the state for free. This fee is due at the time of Estimate.\n2) If items are need to be ordered you must pay 1/2 up front. then the balance when job is finished. \n Thank you and we hope to hear from you soon.

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Euphoric Hardscapes and Designs

4.1(

)

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving Orland, ME and surrounding areas

In business since 2001

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Initially, there was some confusion about the scheduled appointment. I spoke to a Home Advisor rep about it. Once that was cleared up, things went great. They were on time, did great work and cleaned up after themselves. I would hire them again."

+215

Response time2 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 30

Deck Cleaning questions, answered by experts

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.

Deck stairs should have at least three stringers rather than two. The recommended minimum width for stairs is 36 inches, and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors recommends at least three cut stringers to provide sufficient support on wood decking stairs of this width. Generally, stringers should be a maximum of 16 inches apart for wood decking and 12 inches apart for more flexible composite decking.

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.

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.

Cutting the boards directly is one of the fastest ways to remove deck boards with hidden fasteners. Mark two parallel lines that are one-third of the total measurement on both ends and cut out the centerpiece. Then, remove the end of the board that doesn’t have a fastener. Finally, pry open the fastened side and pull it up to pop out the screw or access the fastener. This also allows you to salvage portions of boards for other projects.

The Orland, 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

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