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Avatar for The Wash Doctor
The Wash Doctor
4.7(
15
)

Serving Empire, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Careful sanding and painting of deck. That deck refinishing done by Vitali was tops. Although weather and employee shortage delayed the project, Jimmy made up for it by communicating well and in a reasonable way. He provided updates as each job before mine on the list was completed, so that I could estimate when it was my turn. I plan to remain their customer."
Vyverberg Home
Vyverberg Home
Vyverberg Home
Vyverberg Home
Vyverberg Home

+54

Response time1 day
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Liquid Roofing and Construction
Liquid Roofing and Construction
4.5(
15
)

Serving Empire, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2004

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I hired them to re-roof my home and in conversation I mentioned I need to have my asphalt driveway sealed, not even knowing they do this work too. They asked me if they could bid on the driveway project too. This all happened in a short timeframe and I was very impressed by their timeliness and quality of work. The owner came and inspected the roof after completion and asked me to look at it with him. We climbed up the ladder and he explained everything and answered my questions. I was thoroughly impressed and want to hire them again for additional work this summer."
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+51

Recommended by100%of homeowners
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Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

In general, you need a footing at each corner of your deck, and within 8 feet of each other. So, how many you need depends on the size and shape of your deck, plus any local building codes. It also depends on factors like the load capacity of your soil and the weight of your deck. You can find a footing calculator online or contact a pro for support.

You can build an outdoor kitchen on a deck, but you should choose composite decking since it's more heat-resistant. Metal deck materials like steel and aluminum are also good choices because they're less flammable than wood. You should also consider the weight of the kitchen—make sure your deck can support it and any appliances you plan to use. You should consult a structural engineer to confirm exactly how much weight your deck can safely support when building an outdoor kitchen. 

A covered deck can be a good investment that increases your home value—especially if you live in a hot region with a lot of sun. A covering over the deck means you can get more use out of it, even on the hottest summer days. With a permanent deck covering, you can even add ceiling fans to help cool down your deck for added comfort.

Before installing a deck, you must build a base for the deck to rest upon, often made of compacted soil or gravel. While gravel is an optional material, it helps with drainage. Some contractors also recommend installing a weed control membrane, which helps provide a solid foundation for the frame. In the case of an elevated deck, a pro will often lay down a concrete slab as a foundation. 

The proper height for a stair riser or deck step is between four and seven inches, with seven inches often considered the most comfortable. Building your stairs to this height ensures a strain-free step position and minimizes the risk of trip and fall injuries. For optimal safety and comfort, especially on deck stairs, a rise of around seven inches should be paired with a tread depth (or run) of at least 10 to 12 inches. While it is possible to design stairs with risers up to 12 inches, this height can be challenging for children, pets, or individuals with mobility issues. Always check with your local building codes, as they may mandate specific dimensions that differ from these general recommendations.

The Empire, MI homeowners’ guide to deck maintenance services

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