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>

Is Ipe more expensive than Trex decking?

• <div><p>Yes, Ipe is more expensive than Trex decking—both in terms of materials and installation (plus, Ipe trees are endangered). On average, Ipe decking costs $10 to $25 per square foot, while <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-cost-trex-decking.htm">Trex decking costs</a> $5 to $12 per square foot. Because Ipe is harder to work with, the price of installation is higher, too. For Ipe decking, you’ll pay between $20 and $45 per square foot for labor. However, with Trex decking, the labor costs range from $8 to $22 per square foot.</p></div>

Get matched with top deck maintenance specialists in Allouez, MI

Q: Why should I refinish my deck?

• <div><p>You should refinish your deck to maintain its appearance, durability, and longevity. Refinishing your deck protects the wood from foot traffic and the elements. It also helps extend its life span by keeping rot, mildew, and termites at bay. By maintaining your deck, you can avoid the cost of replacing your deck sooner. A refinished deck also looks great and restores some of its original beauty. </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>

Q: What is the best homemade deck cleaner?

• <div><p>If you want to make a deck cleaner from products already in your home, there are various options. The most common is to use a gentle blend of 1 gallon of warm water and 2 tablespoons of ammonia-free dish soap. You can also mix water with distilled vinegar. Sprinkling on some baking soda can help to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-remove-mold.htm">remove mold</a> and mildew. You can add oxygen bleach (but never damaging chlorine bleach) to the water and ammonia-free dish soap solution for something a bit stronger. </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: Is Ipe more expensive than Trex decking?

• <div><p>Yes, Ipe is more expensive than Trex decking&mdash;both in terms of materials and installation (plus, Ipe trees are endangered). On average, Ipe decking costs $10 to $25 per square foot, while <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-cost-trex-decking.htm">Trex decking costs</a> $5 to $12 per square foot. Because Ipe is harder to work with, the price of installation is higher, too. For Ipe decking, you&rsquo;ll pay between $20 and $45 per square foot for labor. However, with Trex decking, the labor costs range from $8 to $22 per square foot.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Maintenance pros in Allouez, MI

*The Angi rating for Deck Maintenance companies in Allouez, MI 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 Allouez, MI 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 July 03, 2026

Reviewed in July 2026
I can’t say enough good things about Olson Electric and Ron Olson. On the Friday of a holiday weekend, with a houseful of company, we discovered that our dishwasher had completely lost power. Not exactly the kind of problem you want heading into a busy weekend. I called Ron, and he came right...
RP Olson Electric, Inc.
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Reviewed in December 2024
Great contractor! Good work ethics , prompt a reliable!! Will use again
Copper Country Carpentry, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2024
David is very careful and knowledgeable about tree removal. He was able to remove a dead tree that was leaning toward my deck. No limbs fell onto the deck, and he completed the task quickly, then cleaned up and stacked the wood. When he left, there was only a bit of sawdust left. GREAT JOB:well...
Newman Tree Service
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Reviewed in June 2024
Allan did my underground plumbing in my house, did a fast and good job. Highly recommend.
Eko Mechanical LLC
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Reviewed in April 2024
Prompt response. Respectful of my Home Work diligently to restore my sink, drains and replace outdated plumbing.
Al's All Around General Contracting
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Reviewed in March 2024
Great workers, fast response and did a fantastic job. Had the trees removed, limbed and bucked loaded in the chipper and cleaned up the yard afterward! Will definitely recommend them, fast friendly service, good people.
Carlson Contracting, Inc.
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Reviewed in April 2023
Mr Ramon Shanchez showed up as promised. We negotiated a good Snowbird contract from the 1st May to 1 October 2023. I have the utmost trust in Mr. Sanchez and believe he will do a superior job throughout the hot summer months here in Sebring. He will also ensure my property is taken care of and...
Sanchez Lawn Care
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Reviewed in December 2022
Very professional, cleaned the place after themselves, and it was finished under timeframe.
Alliance Realty Partners, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2019
Did an amazing job on our old deck - made it look new. Came to do the project when promised and left the area neat and clean.
SealwiZe by V.R. Holinka
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Reviewed in January 2013
Measurements were taken to install the ramp to the existing deck and made to code which made it fit to the surrounding area. It was made to the specs exactly and made very quickly. The job was done very quickly for the amount of time that was given and met with all of our needs to get my...
Doug Loven Construction Inc.
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Find Deck maintenance specialists in Allouez

Jarman Property Services LLC

4.6(

)

Serving Allouez, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Showed up like scheduled and went right to work. Very personable. Would recommen."

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Property Services of Michigan

5.0(

)

Serving Allouez, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"He gave me a quote and did exactly what he said he was going to do. He was clear about to procedure and what he needed to do. It was nice and clean after the service, I didn't have to do any touch ups or clean ups. I was so happy with the results, I hired him to complete resurface my driveway."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Preferred Power Wash, LLC

3.8(

)

Serving Allouez, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 1993

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"I did not hire them. I cannot afford them at this time."

Response time1 day

Response rate93%

Recommended by84%of homeowners

Serving Allouez, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Pretty good job. Did not have the equipment to be able to get everything I requested. Friendly service and decent rates although was not the best at the communication of project delays."

Response time8 hrs

Recommended by75%of homeowners

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Lake Effect Landscaping

New to Angi

Serving Allouez, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

We're a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity and treats your home as if it were our own. Our services are customized to the individual project, paying close attention to the details of each project that we're involved with. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships and guaranteeing your satisfaction!

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Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

You should refinish your deck to maintain its appearance, durability, and longevity. Refinishing your deck protects the wood from foot traffic and the elements. It also helps extend its life span by keeping rot, mildew, and termites at bay. By maintaining your deck, you can avoid the cost of replacing your deck sooner. A refinished deck also looks great and restores some of its original beauty.

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.

If you want to make a deck cleaner from products already in your home, there are various options. The most common is to use a gentle blend of 1 gallon of warm water and 2 tablespoons of ammonia-free dish soap. You can also mix water with distilled vinegar. Sprinkling on some baking soda can help to remove mold and mildew. You can add oxygen bleach (but never damaging chlorine bleach) to the water and ammonia-free dish soap solution for something a bit stronger.

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.

Yes, Ipe is more expensive than Trex decking—both in terms of materials and installation (plus, Ipe trees are endangered). On average, Ipe decking costs $10 to $25 per square foot, while Trex decking costs $5 to $12 per square foot. Because Ipe is harder to work with, the price of installation is higher, too. For Ipe decking, you’ll pay between $20 and $45 per square foot for labor. However, with Trex decking, the labor costs range from $8 to $22 per square foot.

The Allouez, MI 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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May 2, 2026May 2, 2026
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