Get matched with top deck maintenance specialists in Ellendale, MN

Q: How do I know if my deck can support a new railing?

• <div><p>Before installing a new railing, check the condition of the deck frame and joists, especially around the perimeter where posts attach. If boards are loose, soft, or show signs of rot, the structure may need repair. A deck pro can inspect your framing to confirm it meets load-bearing requirements.</p></div>

Q: How hard is it to build a deck yourself?

• <div><p>Building a deck isn't too hard if you&rsquo;re handy with carpentry, have the necessary tools, and are willing to put effort into it. However, other factors, such as plans, permits, and design, can be hard if you don&rsquo;t have experience in those areas.</p><p>Note: You&rsquo;ll need another person to help you build the deck (especially for framing and setting the beams). Building a deck yourself will be very difficult if you don&rsquo;t have an extra set of hands to help.</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: 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 standard spacing for spindles or balusters on a deck or stair railing?

• <div><p>Most building codes require that spindles or balusters on deck and stair railings be spaced no more than four inches apart. This safety standard, often called the '4-inch sphere rule,' is designed to prevent small children or pets from slipping through the railing. A good way to visualize this is that a 4-inch sphere should not be able to pass between two spindles. For the same safety reason, the space between the bottom rail and the deck floor 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 crucial to check your local building codes to ensure compliance before starting your project.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Maintenance pros in Ellendale, MN

*The Angi rating for Deck Maintenance companies in Ellendale, MN 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 Ellendale, MN 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 October 04, 2025

Reviewed in October 2025
They were marvelous!! This company delivered building my deck above my expectations! They are very professional, clean and do a great job!!
MYA Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in July 2025
The team we hired from Drangstveit Bros Construction did outstanding work on our deck. We were extremely pleased with the team, from the planning stages to the completion of our project. We would hired them again in the future.
Drangstveit Bros Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in July 2024
Great job updating my privacy deck with a well designed pagoda and railings. Amazing work, honest, dependable and professional. Highly recommended!
TC Handyman Sevices
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Reviewed in September 2023
Excellent listened to my blueprint. Was fair with pricing. Will to add new project as we go. Painted deck after sanding so professional. Highly recommend!!!!?
Ra Designs LLC
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Reviewed in April 2023
Went very well. I have the deck that I’ve always wanted. Work was done before the deadline. The clean up was amazing. Would definitely hire again!!! Very pleased with the work
Compassion Construction
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Reviewed in April 2023
Overall wonderful experience. My deck was rotted and fell apart. Compassion Construction came, designed and constructed a deck to my vision. 10/10 would recommend again
Compassion Construction LLC
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Reviewed in November 2017
The work was done very professionally. The workers were very polite and let me know what they were doing and if there was anything I could do that would help them out like turning on the outside water for them. They had to bring the patio door in through the house because of a new deck being put...
Budget Exteriors Inc
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Reviewed in April 2016
We were so impressed with Aaron's service! He had completed his inspection by the time we arrived for our appointment. He took us through the outside and inside of the house and explained all of the items he found. He also explained how all the home's systems worked and how to maintain them. He...
Acer Home Inspections
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Reviewed in June 2014
<p>We had a hard time finding many professionals in our area that had experience working with vinyl. We found Larsen at a home show and were impressed with how knowledgeable and experienced they seemed to be with their products. They were also very up front on their cost - which was higher...
Larsen Industries
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Reviewed in September 2013
I purchased a full set of tires for my work SUV a couple of years ago from this seller. I return every 6 mos. / 5,000 miles for my free maintenance services. They always do a great job, and have zero complaints. My tires are wearing great, and I expect to get a couple more years of service out...
Mills Fleet Farm
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Find Deck maintenance specialists in Ellendale

Schleifer's WoodWorks LLC

New to Angi

Serving Ellendale, MN and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

We hold on to one very important word here at Schleifer’s WoodWorks LLC… Integrity. This company is built on it. When we started out on the idea of building “another construction company” we knew we had to be different. Together, Corey and his team have 30+ years in construction and a wealth of knowledge in over 20 trades and specialties. With all of our history living, working, and loving these Twin Cities, we needed to bring out the best in our fields. One of the biggest problems in construction today is the lack of attention to the customer… YOU! We take jobs one by one to ensure we get it done right, the first time. We pride ourselves on our experience and aim to bring “the craft” back to craftsmanship. Let’s get connected.

Serving Ellendale, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2011

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Mitch and his team are fabulous! They came to repair my deck which was in disrepair and worked magic. They were neat, clean and respectful of our home. They did exactly what they said they would do and yet it seemed like more. My deck has never looked so good. Thanks Mitch"

Response time1 day

Recommended by78%of homeowners

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Garden Structures & More

4.6(

)

Serving Ellendale, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 1998

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Hal is a bit of a character and drives an old truck, but he is very pleasant and takes great pride in his workmanship. One of the few times in our history of several home projects where a project has exceeded our expectations."

+10

Recommended by95%of homeowners

Serving Ellendale, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We specialize in cleaning and disinfecting services, for residential and commercial properties! 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!

After disinfecting treatment and wood protector and cleaner results

+136

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Don's Repair and Cleaning

5.0(

)

Serving Ellendale, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2013

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

We have over 30 years of experience in the business. Here at Don's Repair and Cleaning, we pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity, and quality work. We are experts in our trade and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to earning your business!

Serving Ellendale, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 1985

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

We are a locally owned and operated company with over 22 years of industry experience. We value honesty and integrity in all aspects of our business. We offer a variety of home improvement services that are customizable to each individual project. We specialize in handyman and carpentry work and a variety of related service and repair projects. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work as well as our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building lasting relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction!

Response time3 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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J & A Cleaning Service

5.0(

)

Serving Ellendale, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Credit card accepted

"Amanda is a good worker and shes paid attention to detail. I like that she always made sure the other workers were doing the jobs assigned."

Response time5 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Renew Crew of Southeast Minnesota

New to Angi

Serving Ellendale, MN and surrounding areas

Welcome to Renew Crew of Southeast Minnesota. If you need gutter, siding, patio or deck cleaning in the greater Southeast Minnesota area, give us a call. Our environmentally friendly 3-step process combines pressure washing and sealing to leave your outdoor surface not only deep down clean, but protected.\n\nGive us a call and get your free estimate.

Serving Ellendale, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Excellent listened to my blueprint. Was fair with pricing. Will to add new project as we go. Painted deck after sanding so professional. Highly recommend!!!!?"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Matthew Moss Painting

3.7(

)

Serving Ellendale, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 1990

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

Interior painting, exterior painting, Log Cabin Staining sheetrock repair, carpentry work, staining, concrete painting, handyman work, pressure washing, corn cobb and walnut shell blasting, cedar roof cleaning and stain & wood floor re-finishing. Additional phone number - (218) 851-4078

+24

Recommended by66%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 29

Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

Before installing a new railing, check the condition of the deck frame and joists, especially around the perimeter where posts attach. If boards are loose, soft, or show signs of rot, the structure may need repair. A deck pro can inspect your framing to confirm it meets load-bearing requirements.

Building a deck isn't too hard if you’re handy with carpentry, have the necessary tools, and are willing to put effort into it. However, other factors, such as plans, permits, and design, can be hard if you don’t have experience in those areas.

Note: You’ll need another person to help you build the deck (especially for framing and setting the beams). Building a deck yourself will be very difficult if you don’t have an extra set of hands to help.

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.

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.

Most building codes require that spindles or balusters on deck and stair railings be spaced no more than four inches apart. This safety standard, often called the '4-inch sphere rule,' is designed to prevent small children or pets from slipping through the railing. A good way to visualize this is that a 4-inch sphere should not be able to pass between two spindles. For the same safety reason, the space between the bottom rail and the deck floor 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 crucial to check your local building codes to ensure compliance before starting your project.

The Ellendale, MN 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

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•
May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
Cost to Seal or Waterproof a Deck [2026 Data]
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How Much Does Mahogany Decking Cost? [2026 Data]
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•
Apr 5, 2026Apr 5, 2026
Top Deck Maintenance Tips for Every Decking Material
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.
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Deck Maintenance Checklists for Every Season
Keep your decking looking new with this deck maintenance checklist.
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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.