Get matched with top deck maintenance specialists in Kalkaska, MI

Q: What’s the difference between a deck footing and a deck post?

• <div><p>Both deck footings and deck posts help prop up your deck. However, footings are the bottommost parts of a deck that touch the ground. They&rsquo;re usually made of concrete. Posts are pieces of wood that attach to the top of the footings with brackets. They run upwards and connect to the underside of your deck to support its weight. </p></div>

Q: What is the best material or fill to put under a deck?

• <div><p>While you can use various materials like sand or even just soil, gravel is widely considered the best option to put under a deck. It provides excellent drainage and is resistant to water, fire, and pests. Gravel also helps anchor the soil to prevent erosion during heavy rain and acts as a built-in weed blocker, reducing regular upkeep. Furthermore, it is simple to spread, available in various textures and tones, and adds a polished look that complements any deck design.</p></div>

Q: How many coats of stain on a deck?

• <div><p>Two coats of stain are ideal for the best protection and aesthetic appeal. However, if your decking is made of particularly dense hardwood, you may only need one coat. If you want an intense color, two coats are ideal. </p></div>

Q: What type of sander is best for sanding a deck?

• <div><p>A random orbital sander is best for sanding a deck because it is easier to handle than other power sanders and is less likely to damage the wood. Most decks are made of types of softwood, so a gentler sanding process is essential to prevent permanent blemishes. For example, belt sanders can gouge softwoods. </p></div>

Q: Do I need to seal the underside of a deck?

• <div><p>Staining and sealing the underside of a deck creates a moisture barrier but traps water in the boards, quickly leading to rot. No matter how well you seal the above deck, water still gets through via nails and screw heads on the surface. Allow this water to flow naturally under the deck, where it is routed through the drainage system.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Maintenance pros in Kalkaska, MI

*The Angi rating for Deck Maintenance companies in Kalkaska, 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 Kalkaska, 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 January 04, 2026

Reviewed in January 2026
We have a 91 airstream that needed the subfloor repaired and new vinyl laid down. Mike did an excellent job with both! Mike is very professional and very attentive to details. He is very knowledgeable in everything that he does. We also had him come and stain our deck and once again he did an...
Fortress Custom Solutions
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Reviewed in April 2025
They did great work and love the new deck!
Renewit Group
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Reviewed in January 2025
We are thrilled with the siding and deck. Andrew took great care in his workmanship. We will definitely be calling him for any future projects we have.
Redeemed Construction LLC
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Reviewed in June 2024
Stressful build and left with a mess. Safety hazards, wasted lumber, shoddy shortcuts and a lot of poor guess work . Nothing matched from one side to the other side. Will post picts as they are worth a thousand words. Doesn't pass inspection. I now have to pay a carpenter to fix all the...
CBS Handyman
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Reviewed in April 2024
The deck was completed in a timely manner and well constructed. The demolition and removal of the existing deck was done properly. The company owner and workers were pleasant and professional. I am very pleased with the finished product.
Wolfpack Building and Development LLC
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Reviewed in October 2022
Kept us updated on the work progress. My wife and I are very, very happy with the way the deck turned out. Did a fantastic job. Would hire him again without question!! Would recommend Sean and Sons for any deck work. have had many compliments on how it turned out.
Sean & Sons Home Services
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Reviewed in March 2021
Mike did a terrific job remodeling my house. He also built new decks outside. Dependable hard working skilled contractor.
Mike Nichol General Contractor
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Reviewed in July 2019
The deck on my house was a challenge! I am more than satisfied. Bill came up with a great design solution and built it as planned. They were in and out in 2 days. I recommend this company!
Paradise Home Improvement, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2019
We are probably going to hire them for many more projects in the future. So far, doing carpentry, stairs, decks, roof and siding.
Liquid Construction
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Reviewed in September 2018
They were very hard workers and did a good job. We thought the deck was hopeless but they brought it back to life. We were were very pleased.
Over The Top Custom Coatings
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Find Deck maintenance specialists in Kalkaska

Clearwater Handyman & Outdoor Solutions

4.6(

)

Serving Kalkaska, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2022

Small jobs welcome

Customers say: Quick response

"Tyler and his crew went out of their way to get the job done in time for our event with great quality work! They made sure that the job was done to our satisfaction and Tyler and his crew are all super folks and easy to have around! We will definitely hire them again!"

Response time1 day

Response rate85%

13 neighbors recently requested a quote

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Darrow Property Management

5.0(

)

Serving Kalkaska, MI and surrounding areas

Emergency services offered

"Good ...floor was repaired and tile placed down"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Kalkaska, MI and surrounding areas

"Did great, everything turned out better than expected."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Liquid Roofing and Construction

4.5(

)

Serving Kalkaska, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2004

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"The Liquid Construction Team was awesome. They are efficient, thorough, and professional. Their prices are very reasonable and competitive. Their commitment to customer satisfaction is exceedingly obvious."

+51

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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ThunderBay Pressure Washing & More

4.3(

)

Serving Kalkaska, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Jay and Nichole did an outstanding job on my house. Roof Shampoo, siding, stone work, 3 decks, two sets of stairs, driveway and all exterior windows. Jay took extra care of plants, flowers and landscaping to make they were protected. My house is 23 years old and now looks like new again. I couldn't be more pleased and would highly recommend them."

+15

Response time8 hrs

12 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by81%of homeowners

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AllStar Cleaning and Services

5.0(

)

Serving Kalkaska, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"The clean my entire home every 2 weeks. Fair price and thorough job on a consistent level. Never shy away from extra work, and I always come home and feel the "wow" effect as soon as I walk through the door"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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D&L Home Improvements LLC

5.0(

)

Serving Kalkaska, MI and surrounding areas

"He did a very good work. The work with the painting, decks, and flooring was pretty good. It was a good service."

+11

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Preferred Power Wash, LLC

3.8(

)

Serving Kalkaska, 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

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Padilla Custom Painting

4.1(

)

Serving Kalkaska, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2014

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Tony is a real hard worker. Works fast and does a great job."

Response time5 hrs

Response rate91%

Recommended by90%of homeowners

Serving Kalkaska, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2014

Free estimates

"The work was done on time and they are very nice people!"

+24

Response time2 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 39

Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

Both deck footings and deck posts help prop up your deck. However, footings are the bottommost parts of a deck that touch the ground. They’re usually made of concrete. Posts are pieces of wood that attach to the top of the footings with brackets. They run upwards and connect to the underside of your deck to support its weight.

While you can use various materials like sand or even just soil, gravel is widely considered the best option to put under a deck. It provides excellent drainage and is resistant to water, fire, and pests. Gravel also helps anchor the soil to prevent erosion during heavy rain and acts as a built-in weed blocker, reducing regular upkeep. Furthermore, it is simple to spread, available in various textures and tones, and adds a polished look that complements any deck design.

Two coats of stain are ideal for the best protection and aesthetic appeal. However, if your decking is made of particularly dense hardwood, you may only need one coat. If you want an intense color, two coats are ideal.

A random orbital sander is best for sanding a deck because it is easier to handle than other power sanders and is less likely to damage the wood. Most decks are made of types of softwood, so a gentler sanding process is essential to prevent permanent blemishes. For example, belt sanders can gouge softwoods.

Staining and sealing the underside of a deck creates a moisture barrier but traps water in the boards, quickly leading to rot. No matter how well you seal the above deck, water still gets through via nails and screw heads on the surface. Allow this water to flow naturally under the deck, where it is routed through the drainage system.

The Kalkaska, 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

Mitchell Grant
•
May 2, 2026May 2, 2026
How Much Does a Pressure-Treated Wood Deck Cost? [2026 Data]
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•
Apr 16, 2026Apr 16, 2026
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•
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Cost to Seal or Waterproof a Deck [2026 Data]
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•
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Take a deep dive into Trex decking by learning about its pros, cons, pricing, and more. Read on to learn more about Trex decking options.
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Building a Deck Checklist for Easy Planning, Construction, and Maintenance
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How to Repair a Deck: DIY Fixes from the Boards to the Railings
Deck repair is a great way to stretch your DIY muscles while keeping your deck safe and stylish. Here are the common repairs and how to tackle them.