Get matched with top deck maintenance specialists in Big Rapids, MI

Q: Should decks be painted or stained?

• <div><p>Whether to paint or stain a deck depends on your personal preference for appearance and budget. Stain provides a natural look with a range of undertones, is typically less expensive, and may only require one coat, but it does not last as long as paint. Paint offers a sleeker finish with a virtually unlimited color palette. Both options will protect your deck from outdoor elements like rain, snow, and general wear and tear.</p></div>

Q: Do I need to sand a deck before repainting?

• <div><p>Always sand a deck before repainting so the wood is smooth and ready for paint. While you do not need to fully remove paint before repainting, sanding helps remove any areas with weather and sun damage. Sanding also helps remove chipped or flaking paint and opens the wood pores to improve paint adhesion.</p></div>

Q: Where do deck boards often rot first?

• <div><p>Rot loves moisture, so deck rot typically impacts the parts of a board that stay wet. This includes the underside of boards, in addition to support posts and joists. However, any part of a board can rot, given the right conditions. </p></div>

Q: What is the best type of wood for an outdoor or deck gate?

• <div><p>When building an outdoor or deck gate, it's crucial to use durable wood that can withstand harsh weather conditions like sunlight, rain, wind, and snow. Redwood and cedar are excellent choices as they naturally resist decay. While redwood is considered more elegant, cedar is a more affordable option. Other suitable woods include oak and pressure-treated pine, which is specifically treated to resist rot. Although some softwoods like pine are popular, untreated softwoods such as pine and spruce should generally be avoided for outdoor projects because they are susceptible to damage from water, rot, and the sun. Ultimately, it's wise to consider your local climate when selecting the right wood for your gate.</p></div>

Q: What are the pros and cons of staining a deck?

• <div><p>There are more <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/pros-and-cons-of-staining-a-deck.htm">pros than cons when staining a deck</a>. Deck stain is more affordable than paint, it protects the wood and allows the natural textures to shine through, and it can revive the appearance of your home. However, deck stain also requires prep work (sometimes days or more), carries more upkeep than a painted deck, and can fade over time if not cared for. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Maintenance pros in Big Rapids, MI

*The Angi rating for Deck Maintenance companies in Big Rapids, 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 Big Rapids, 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 September 22, 2025

Reviewed in September 2025
My lawn has never looked so great. Ned’s home & lawn team were professional and on time. I couldn’t be happier with the service they provide. It’s rare to find a company this consistent, courteous and committed to quality. They have offered seasonal tips and cleaned up throughly after their...
Ned's Home & Lawn Maintenance
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Reviewed in June 2025
I run a daycare so yard maintenance is very important for me. Not only have they stayed on top of making sure to come mow when I’m due, they also are kind enough to move any toys I haven’t gotten to yet. They have helped tremendously with clean up such as brush & making sure not to run over any...
Swift Cuts
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Reviewed in December 2023
They do good work at fair prices. Had them do various projects including painting, landscaping, skirting our deck, remodeling a family room, roof repair and sealing and other general repairs. Will have them do future siding and kitchen remodeling projects this winter.
Honey Do For You
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Reviewed in August 2023
I called on a Monday. He came on Friday and began work the next day. Had the deck built in 2 days. 24 x 16. Clean up was also very nice. Thank you.
Hunters Remodeling And Repairs
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Reviewed in February 2023
Excellent and meticulous. The owner is a very hard working young man. He is honest. The work was done on time and itâ s beautiful. He built a tree deck on our lake cottage. Definitely a great choice in builders. The pricing was very fair.
Andrizo Builders, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2021
Marvin was great to work with. Very thorough in explaining what would take place the maintenance and assisting in making the right choice. Definitely a thumbs up on the company and Marvin. Would definitely recommend.
Solar Protection Solutions
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Reviewed in March 2020
This couple is fabulous. They have done several projects for me including, staining decks, building well cover and reconstruction on my well house including, metal roof, gutter, secured the foundation and insulated well and pipes against the cold. Also much work finishing my basement for my ...
ETC Specialties
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Reviewed in April 2019
This was the first time using Dependable air (a family owned business) to do annual maintenance on our A/C system. Scott was the person who did the work. He was very professional. He arrived on time and promptly got to work. I followed him as he did his work (which was fine with him) and as he...
Dependable Air, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2017
If you would like property damage, this is the guy for you! If you have small children and would like them to learn some new words, than this is also the guy for you! Please take a look at the pictures. Although our neighbors hired Zach Barr to remove large pines, I was the one to fire him after...
Barr Tree Service
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Reviewed in June 2015
The carpentry work on my decks have been completed and the staining will be done when the wood is completely dry. They arrived when they said they would and were most pleasant to have around. I would recommend them to all. I am very pleased.
Bonga Builders
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Find Deck maintenance specialists in Big Rapids

Andrizo Builders, LLC

4.7(

)

Serving Big Rapids, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Excellent and meticulous. The owner is a very hard working young man. He is honest. The work was done on time and itâ s beautiful. He built a tree deck on our lake cottage. Definitely a great choice in builders. The pricing was very fair."

Response time2 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Jr home solutions

New to Angi

Serving Big Rapids, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

Hello my name is Alfredo Bedolla I specialize is decks, decking , drywall and repairs but I do a lot more! I take a lot of pride in all of the work i do and I hope I can make you love it just as much as I love doing the work !

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Smith's Handyman Services

New to Angi

Serving Big Rapids, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

Providing construction and handyman services for 20+ years. I enjoy making people's lives better. Fencing and decks, Painting, flooring, cabinetry and other installs, landscaping or plumbing, if it needs to be fixed or improved, I'm your guy!

1 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Bartons Cutting Edge LLC

5.0(

)

Serving Big Rapids, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Excellent work, my yard looks great!"

+16

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Big Rapids, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2001

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Vincent is literally the best ! So attentive, and seeing all my questions. So kind to my family. Very good at his job and a pleasure to have around!"

14 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by89%of homeowners

Serving Big Rapids, MI and surrounding areas

Emergency services offered

"Had to have a tree removed, it was interfering where I needed to have a garage built. Price was affordable and cleaned up well afterwards. Would recommend."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Property Services of Michigan

5.0(

)

Serving Big Rapids, 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 Big Rapids, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 1993

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Good work. Scheduling was an issue caused in part by weather in part by difficulty contacting the provider. Overall good and polite service."

Response time1 day

Response rate93%

Recommended by84%of homeowners

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West Side Exterior LLC

5.0(

)

Serving Big Rapids, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Cody and team are wonderful. We’ve used them for lots of exterior jobs and highly recommend them to anyone looking for a quality crew."

Complete home wash: Siding, gutters, soffit

+125

Response time2 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Big Rapids, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

"Chris went above and beyond!! Very professional and efficient. He takes pride in his work and it shows."

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 33

Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

Whether to paint or stain a deck depends on your personal preference for appearance and budget. Stain provides a natural look with a range of undertones, is typically less expensive, and may only require one coat, but it does not last as long as paint. Paint offers a sleeker finish with a virtually unlimited color palette. Both options will protect your deck from outdoor elements like rain, snow, and general wear and tear.

Always sand a deck before repainting so the wood is smooth and ready for paint. While you do not need to fully remove paint before repainting, sanding helps remove any areas with weather and sun damage. Sanding also helps remove chipped or flaking paint and opens the wood pores to improve paint adhesion.

Rot loves moisture, so deck rot typically impacts the parts of a board that stay wet. This includes the underside of boards, in addition to support posts and joists. However, any part of a board can rot, given the right conditions.

When building an outdoor or deck gate, it's crucial to use durable wood that can withstand harsh weather conditions like sunlight, rain, wind, and snow. Redwood and cedar are excellent choices as they naturally resist decay. While redwood is considered more elegant, cedar is a more affordable option. Other suitable woods include oak and pressure-treated pine, which is specifically treated to resist rot. Although some softwoods like pine are popular, untreated softwoods such as pine and spruce should generally be avoided for outdoor projects because they are susceptible to damage from water, rot, and the sun. Ultimately, it's wise to consider your local climate when selecting the right wood for your gate.

There are more pros than cons when staining a deck. Deck stain is more affordable than paint, it protects the wood and allows the natural textures to shine through, and it can revive the appearance of your home. However, deck stain also requires prep work (sometimes days or more), carries more upkeep than a painted deck, and can fade over time if not cared for.

The Big Rapids, 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

Scott Dylan Westerlund
•
May 30, 2026May 30, 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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May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does a Floating Deck Cost? [2026 Data]
Discover floating deck cost estimates, including average prices, installation factors, and ways to save. Learn what impacts your floating deck cost.
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May 2, 2026May 2, 2026
How Much Does a Pressure-Treated Wood Deck Cost? [2026 Data]
Looking to update your yard with a new outdoor entertaining area? Learn how much a pressure-treated wood deck costs and how to estimate your total.
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•
Apr 9, 2026Apr 9, 2026
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.
Jenna Jonaitis
•
Apr 10, 2026Apr 10, 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.
Scott Dylan Westerlund
•
May 22, 2026May 22, 2026
18 Essential Deck Terms to Know When Working on Your Staining Project
It's important to know the right terminology when taking on the task of staining your deck. Take a look at the deck maintenance terms every homeowner should know.