Get matched with top deck maintenance specialists in Saint Louis, MI

Q: What do you put down before decking?

• <div><p>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. </p></div>

Q: What is the proper and most comfortable height for a stair riser or deck step?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

Q: Is it worth sanding a deck?

• <div><p>It is definitely worth sanding a deck to ensure the wood absorbs new stain. Sanding a deck removes the outer layers of aging wood, allowing the stain to penetrate. It also gives a fresh look to the entire surface as part of the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-refinish-deck.htm">deck refinishing process</a>. Without sanding, your stain or sealant is less likely to absorb into the wood. While sanding a deck is a time-intensive project, the rewards are noticeable and long-lasting.</p></div>

Q: How many footings do you need for your deck?

• <div><p>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. </p></div>

Q: What adds more value: a sunroom or a deck?

• <div><p>A sunroom will add more value to your home than a deck, but with a much higher up-front cost. Depending on its construction and function, a sunroom may be counted as additional living space, while a deck is strictly an outdoor feature. Both will increase your home&rsquo;s value, but the sunroom will have a much bigger effect.</p></div>

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Find Deck maintenance specialists in Saint Louis

Central Michigan Power Wash

4.8(

)

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

Serving Saint Louis, MI and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Good job at a reasonable price. Also washed the deck of my porch for no extra money."

Response time3 hrs

Response rate86%

17 neighbors recently requested a quote

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

Serving Saint Louis, MI and surrounding areas

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

Every aspect covered and perfected through years of experience.\nWe even do emergency services!

+49

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Hank's Painting & handyman service

4.9(

)

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

Serving Saint Louis, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Hank's Painting and Handyman Service specializes in Interior and exterior residential and commercial painting but we offer many other handyman services as well! 14 years experience and Reasonable/Affordable rates! Call us today for your personalized free estimate.\n

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Jezak Property Management LLC

4.4(

)

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving Saint Louis, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 1995

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Over 30 years experience in all property maintenance services. Roofing/painting interior/ exterior/ flooring LVT. Plumbing faucets/toilets etc. power wash services available decks/ houses etc

Recommended by68%of homeowners

Request Quote

Jezak Property Management

4.3(

)

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving Saint Louis, MI and surrounding areas

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

Over 30 years experience in all property maintenance services. Roofing/painting interior/ exterior/ flooring LVT. Plumbing faucets/toilets etc. power wash services available decks/ houses etc

+77

Response time1 day

Response rate100%

Recommended by65%of homeowners

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

Serving Saint Louis, MI and surrounding areas

Emergency services offered

Tree cutting service, shrub and brush removal, new build lot clearing. Schedule a free quote and get an affordable price.\n\nWe specialize in tree services, tree trimming, tree removal, stump grinding, stump removal, and more! We guarantee your satisfaction, and we won’t leave until the job is done right. We pride ourselves on the quality work we provide, while delivering great customer service! Check out all the services we offer below and call -- or-- click to schedule a free estimate today!

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Preferred Power Wash, LLC

3.8(

)

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving Saint Louis, 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 SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Saint Louis, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"MTS did a fantastic job installing the lattice fence around our deck and in reworking our eaves troughs to accommodate our new deck. Their work was to perfection. A great job! Well done! Would definitely recommend them!"

+55

Recommended by80%of homeowners

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Concrete&Chandeliers, LLC

4.8(

)

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

Serving Saint Louis, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

concrete&chandeliers is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and personal responsibility. Our distinction is the quality of service we bring to our customers. Accurate knowledge of our trade combined with ability is what makes us true professionals. Above all, we are watchful of our customers interests, and make their concerns the basis of our business.

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Local Lawn & Landscape

5.0(

)

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

Serving Saint Louis, MI and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

At Goodie’s Select Services our main goal is to do our best for you, at our best price! We offer a variety of service from Hauling junk, estate clean outs, house cleaning, preparing a home for listing, debris hauling, handyman services, brush clearing, and MUCH MORE! We do it so you don’t have to!

+26

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Showing 1-10 of 43

Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

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.

It is definitely worth sanding a deck to ensure the wood absorbs new stain. Sanding a deck removes the outer layers of aging wood, allowing the stain to penetrate. It also gives a fresh look to the entire surface as part of the deck refinishing process. Without sanding, your stain or sealant is less likely to absorb into the wood. While sanding a deck is a time-intensive project, the rewards are noticeable and long-lasting.

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.

A sunroom will add more value to your home than a deck, but with a much higher up-front cost. Depending on its construction and function, a sunroom may be counted as additional living space, while a deck is strictly an outdoor feature. Both will increase your home’s value, but the sunroom will have a much bigger effect.

The Saint Louis, MI homeowners’ guide to deck maintenance services

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

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