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>

Best deck maintenance specialists near Bessemer, MI

Q: What are the problems with wood decking?

• <div><p>If you have wood decking, there are several <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/5-common-deck-problems-and-solutions.htm">common deck problems</a> that you might encounter. For example, your natural wood boards may fade over time due to things like sunlight, weather, and debris. On top of that, some types of wood decking can rot, grow mold, and attract destructive pests&mdash;including termites, carpenter ants, and woodpeckers.</p></div>

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 does a new deck or porch affect home value?

• <div><p>Increases livable area and enhances aesthetic, often boosting property appeal.</p></div>

Q: What not to do when staining a deck?

• <div><p>When staining a deck, don&rsquo;t skip surface prep, avoid staining damp or dirty boards, and don&rsquo;t apply stain in extreme heat, cold, or wet conditions. Never overload the wood with a stain, as too much can cause tackiness or peeling. Also, don&rsquo;t forget to test a small area first to ensure the color and finish look right. </p></div>

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Top-Rated Deck maintenance specialists in Bessemer - Updated Nov 2026

Property Services of Michigan

5.0(

)

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

Serving Bessemer, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Who we are... We are Property Services 911, LLC dba Property Services of Michigan, South Florida SealCoat LLC, Potholes911, RoofSeal911, SealCoat911 and RoofCleaning911. Proudly serving Mid Michigan and South Florida since 2007. We offer a variety of property maintenance services for your consideration: Seal Coating Driveways, Parking Lots, Parking Lot Striping, New Asphalt, Asphalt Repairs, Potholes, Mobile Home Repairs, Exterior Home Soft washing, Exterior Pressure Cleaning, Clean & Seal Pavers, Roof Cleaning, (Mobile Home, Residential, Commercial and Industrial Roof Coatings) Roof Sealing, Roof Coatings, Roof White Seal, Liquid Roof, Rubber Roof, Exterior Property Maintenance, Snow Plowing, Lawn Care and Handyman Services. There is a difference... When it comes to property maintenance in Michigan, no one is as dedicated to excellence as Property Services of Michigan. We pride ourselves on producing superior results using long lasting, commercial grade products that will provide protection, maintain and improve the appearance of your property. We strive everyday to build an outstanding reputation, job by job, with a deep personal commitment to provide you our customer with quality workmanship professional grade materials and extraordinary customer service.

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Preferred Power Wash, LLC

3.8(

)

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving Bessemer, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 1993

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"They were very responsive and everyone from the office to the field was nice and competent and has a good idea of how customer service should be. They did a great job and got our deck looking nice and new. They seemed pretty thorough and didn’t cut corners. Definitely recommend based on our experience."

Response time1 day

Response rate93%

Recommended by84%of homeowners

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving Bessemer, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2011

Free estimates

We have the experience and dedication to bring your dreams to reality! We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. Call or click to schedule a free estimate today!

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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

Serving Bessemer, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 1985

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Jack of all trades, there is nothing we can't do! Available to start your project and complete ON TIME. Remodeling, plumbing, flooring, painting, electrical - you name it!

+19

Recommended by83%of homeowners

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

Serving Bessemer, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

With over 10 years experience in the landscaping industry, C & E Snow Removal is your industry expert in Houghton county and the surrounding areas. We pride ourselves on our extreme professionalism and attention to detail. Our customer satisfaction guarantee will assure you we will not leave your property until you are completely satisfied with our work. As a locally owned and operated business you can trust that we will treat your home as we would treat our own. Give us a call today we look forward to working with you!

Response time8 hrs

Recommended by75%of homeowners

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U.P. Handymen

New to Angi

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

Serving Bessemer, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We are a locally owned and operated company. We value honesty and integrity in all aspects of our business. We offer a variety of home improvement services that are customized to each individual project. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work, as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction!

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Justinak Services

New to Angi

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving Bessemer, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

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!

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Lake Effect Landscaping

New to Angi

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving Bessemer, 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!

Request Quote

Deck Maintenance FAQs, answered by experts

If you have wood decking, there are several common deck problems that you might encounter. For example, your natural wood boards may fade over time due to things like sunlight, weather, and debris. On top of that, some types of wood decking can rot, grow mold, and attract destructive pests—including termites, carpenter ants, and woodpeckers.

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.

Increases livable area and enhances aesthetic, often boosting property appeal.

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.

When staining a deck, don’t skip surface prep, avoid staining damp or dirty boards, and don’t apply stain in extreme heat, cold, or wet conditions. Never overload the wood with a stain, as too much can cause tackiness or peeling. Also, don’t forget to test a small area first to ensure the color and finish look right.

The Bessemer, MI homeowners’ guide to deck maintenance services

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