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Avatar for Clearwater Handyman & Outdoor Solutions
Clearwater Handyman & Outdoor Solutions
4.6(
12
)
Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving Rapid City, 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 rate90%
16 neighbors recently requested a quote
AllStar Cleaning and Services
5.0(
7
)
Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Rapid City, 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
Showing 1-10 of 41
Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

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.

It’s important to make sure the wood on a new deck is properly seasoned. Seasoning a deck is simple: Once you build it (or have a pro do so), just leave it alone so it can acclimate to the environment. If you don’t give the deck proper seasoning time before staining, the stain can lock in any lingering moisture and cause mold, rot, and other moisture issues down the road. Give the wood at least four to eight weeks to season before you stain.

Footings for ground-level decks need to be at least 12 inches deep, and some areas require them to be even deeper. A standard range for deck footings is anywhere from 12 to 48 inches. The minimum footing depth is determined by an area’s frost line and soil conditions. If you’re unsure how deep to install deck footings, check local building codes to find the minimum footing depth in your area. 

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. 

In most cases, sanding an old deck before staining it is necessary to achieve a decent finish. If your old deck has a relatively new stain finish on it and you're only doing touch-ups, you can generally skip the sanding part. However, if your goal is to make the deck look and function better, sanding first is a must. 

The Rapid City, MI homeowners’ guide to deck maintenance services

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