"Itâ s not just what you do itâ s how you do it. Zak is a very experienced earth mover and also one of the nicest contractors Iâ ve ever met. Graded our entire driveway and front lot exactly the way we wanted and cleaned up after. Best in class."
"Mitch is very personable, he is vert responsive. He does a great job at explaining all of the options and gives recommendations as to what is the best solution. He is very honest, he does exactly what he says he will do. His cost matches his estimates, no surprise charges. His crew did a great job keeping things cleaned up, and they were very respectful of our property. I would work with Mitch again without any hesitation."
"Really good. Showed up on time, cleaned up as they went, and walls looked really good. Price was what we agreed upon and touch up work was done before leaving. Friendly and easy to deal with. Would hire again."
"It's true: working with Hal is not like working with other contractors. With Hal, you are developing a relationship, not fulfilling the terms of a contract. For some that might be more than they want out of a contractor. For me, it was exactly what I needed. Example: I was talking with Hal about another matter when we both happened to notice some rotting boards on our deck. I thought it was unsightly, but nothing serious. Hal persuaded me that, without immediate attention, the rot would spread to the joists underneath, and what was a small problem now would be a big problem later. He replaced the deck boards on time and for the price he quoted. I can now rest assured I won't be plunging through the deck this summer. Along the way, Hal fixed some off-kilter gates in our yard, and also consulted with me about some stains on our stucco (thus managing to solve a problem that had stumped several other contractors). He's always on the end of the line when I have a home repair question. He's been there for me for some five years now. There's plenty of quality workers out there, but not many who will listen as well, contribute as much, and return as often as Hal Morris."
We have over 2 years of experience in pressure washing, deck and fence maintenance, deck and fence staining. We also do exterior painting and cleaning.
"They built decks for me, built my barn, painted my house, built a bay window and installed it. They are very good at what they do and customer relations is great. They have done landscaping for me. They come highly recommended by me."
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.
Cutting the boards directly is one of the fastest ways to remove deck boards with hidden fasteners. Mark two parallel lines that are one-third of the total measurement on both ends and cut out the centerpiece. Then, remove the end of the board that doesn’t have a fastener. Finally, pry open the fastened side and pull it up to pop out the screw or access the fastener. This also allows you to salvage portions of boards for other projects.
Yes, deck pier blocks can be used as an alternative to traditional deck footings, particularly for small or low-to-the-ground decks. Unlike poured concrete and buried post footings, deck blocks don’t require digging or pouring. However, their use is regulated by local building codes, and they may not be permitted in areas prone to high winds, earthquakes, or hurricanes. Always consult your local building codes before choosing them for your deck project.
PVC decking tends to be cooler than composite because the material is less dense and absorbs less heat. However, it depends on the deck’s color. A dark-colored PVC deck may run hotter than a light-colored composite deck. If you’re concerned about your deck getting too hot, it’s best to stick to a light color such as beige or gray.
No, termites do not eat Trex or any other composite decking brand. Termites eat cellulose, of which composite decking like Trex contains very little compared to natural wood. This feature can help justify the higher Trex decking costs if you live in an area with abundant termites.
The Brainerd, MN homeowners’ guide to deck cleaning services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Refinishing your deck is a great way to restore its appearance and fall in love with your outdoor space. Use this guide to learn how much it costs based on factors like size and type.
Learn how to clean a deck before staining to ensure long-lasting adhesion, weatherproofing, and optimum appearance of this coloring and protecting treatment.
Deck maintenance is vital to protecting a wooden deck. Cleaning, staining and sealing a deck after pressure washing will add years to its lifespan. Protect a deck by following these deck maintenance tips for cedar and other types of wood materials.
