How hard is it to build a deck yourself?

• <div><p>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.</p><p>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.</p></div>

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Q: How do you remove deck boards with hidden fasteners?

• <div><p>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&rsquo;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. </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>

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: When is a deck railing required and how high does it need to be?

• <div><p>Building codes for deck railings can vary by location, so it's important to consult your local regulations before construction. Generally, a guardrail is required for any deck that is more than 30 inches above the ground.</p><p>For residential properties, the standard minimum height for a deck railing is 36 inches. However, some states and municipalities have stricter requirements; for example, California and Washington mandate railings that are at least 42 inches high. Therefore, a 42-inch railing is not considered too high and may be required in your area or chosen voluntarily for additional safety.</p><p>In addition to height requirements, codes also specify other safety features, such as the maximum spacing between balusters to ensure they are close enough to prevent a child from squeezing through.</p></div>

Q: Can you put too much sealer on a deck?

• <div><p>Applying too much sealer to a deck might seem like extra protection, but it can cause more harm than good. Wood is a porous material with a limited capacity to absorb liquids. When you go overboard with sealer, the excess can't soak in and instead forms a film on the surface. This leftover layer is prone to peeling, cracking, and trapping moisture, ultimately defeating the purpose of sealing in the first place. </p></div>

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B&N Outdoor Services

New to Angi

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving Lake Benton, MN and surrounding areas

Approved

Hi my names Henry Niezwaag with B&N Outdoor Services we are now taking jobs for most outdoor jobs. Give us a call and we will come and give a free quote. 605-670-6188

4 neighbors recently requested a quote

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

Serving Lake Benton, 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(

)

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

Serving Lake Benton, 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

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H2O Bros Pressure Washing

5.0(

)

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

Serving Lake Benton, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"These guys do outstanding work. They carefully cleaned our entire home (siding, stucco, windows, steel, facia, soffit, etc.) after the major spring dust/ wind storm. They immediately responded to our request for a quote (held to that number and even did more than originally requested). They showed up when they promised and exceeded our expectations on our home and two large outbuildings. They were always professional and careful in their process to make sure no damage occurred while cleaning. I would recommend them to anyone wanting home, outbuilding or concrete cleaning."

Response time10 hrs

Response rate100%

Recommended by66%of homeowners

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Matthew Moss Painting

3.7(

)

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

Serving Lake Benton, 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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Robertson Property Services, LLC

New to Angi

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

Serving Lake Benton, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2013

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Robertson Property Services, LLC, has a single mission, complete customer satisfaction. We strongly believe in giving our customers the most for their money. We work with only the highest quality materials and experienced professionals. We have consistently focused on the needs of our customers, providing personalized attention and a stress-free experience. This approach has set us apart from our competition and keeps our customers coming back

Response time3 hrs

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J&L Contracting

New to Angi

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

Serving Lake Benton, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

We are extremely passionate about the work that we do. You can depend on us to provide a high quality service at a fair and honest price. We understand that the future of our business depends upon our reputation and that is why customer service is by far our highest priority. If you are looking for a professional you can trust, please call today to schedule a no obligation estimate!

Response time1 day

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JD Handyman Construction

New to Angi

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

Serving Lake Benton, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2000

Free estimates

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! Book with us online or feel free to give us a call today!\n

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Casablanca Renovation

New to Angi

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

Serving Lake Benton, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Here at Casablanca Renovation We take great pride in our expertise, quality, and customer service, that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction, from the start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every client in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job we will treat your home, as we would treat our own. Give Casablanca Renovation, a call today, We look forward to working with you! \n

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Eric's Handyman Services

New to Angi

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

Serving Lake Benton, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2009

Free estimates

MF 9-5 \nsometimes weekends

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Showing 1-10 of 15

Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

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.

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.

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.

Building codes for deck railings can vary by location, so it's important to consult your local regulations before construction. Generally, a guardrail is required for any deck that is more than 30 inches above the ground.

For residential properties, the standard minimum height for a deck railing is 36 inches. However, some states and municipalities have stricter requirements; for example, California and Washington mandate railings that are at least 42 inches high. Therefore, a 42-inch railing is not considered too high and may be required in your area or chosen voluntarily for additional safety.

In addition to height requirements, codes also specify other safety features, such as the maximum spacing between balusters to ensure they are close enough to prevent a child from squeezing through.

Applying too much sealer to a deck might seem like extra protection, but it can cause more harm than good. Wood is a porous material with a limited capacity to absorb liquids. When you go overboard with sealer, the excess can't soak in and instead forms a film on the surface. This leftover layer is prone to peeling, cracking, and trapping moisture, ultimately defeating the purpose of sealing in the first place.

The Lake Benton, MN 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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