Get matched with top deck maintenance specialists in Red Lake, MN

Q: Should a gate swing in or out?

• <div><p>Ideally, a gate should be able to swing both in and out. However, if it can only open in one direction, it is generally best for it to swing inward. This is often the safest option, especially for deck gates near steps, as you'll want the gate to swing away from the stairs. An inward swing also prevents the gate from opening into a public space, like a sidewalk, and can be more convenient when carrying heavy items like a wheelbarrow into a garden.</p><p>There are exceptions, however. The layout of your property may require a different approach. For example, if your property is on a slope, the gate may not be able to swing inward. You should also ensure the gate can open fully without colliding with any objects or blocking access to other areas. For a backyard garden gate where public access isn't a concern, the direction it swings is largely a matter of personal preference. Finally, always check your local building codes, as they may have specific requirements for which way a gate must swing.</p></div>

Q: How much weight can a wooden deck hold?

• <div><p>Typically, most residential wooden decks are designed to support approximately 40 pounds per square foot, including the deck&rsquo;s weight and any items placed on it. While this is fine for typical use, it is usually not enough to hold the weight of a hot tub filled with water and people. To safely support a hot tub, your wood deck will likely require reinforcement. Therefore, it&rsquo;s best to have a contractor or a structural engineer assess it before hot tub installation.</p></div>

Q: What are the spindles on a deck called?

• <div><p>Spindles on a deck may also be called balusters or pickets. While not as important to the structural support of the deck as the rail posts, they play a critical role in ensuring the deck is safe to use by closing in large gaps in the railing. For this reason, balusters must be no more than 4 inches away from one another.</p></div>

Q: What is the difference between a deck and a porch?

• <div><p>While the terms deck and porch are often used interchangeably, they are two distinct structures. A porch is a covered structure, usually attached to the front of a home, that offers protection from the elements. In contrast, a deck is an open, uncovered platform, often attached to the back or side of a home. Because porches have a roof, they typically require less maintenance than decks, but both features need regular cleaning and repairs to stay in good condition.</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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Decks Unlimited, LLC

3.9(

)

Serving Red Lake, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2011

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"After doing my research, I landed on Decks Unlimited. They completed the on budget and ahead of schedule. I could not be more pleased with the work and would highly recommend them."

Response time1 day

Recommended by78%of homeowners

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Garden Structures & More

4.6(

)

Serving Red Lake, 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 Red Lake, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2015

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"I was extremely happy both times with the quality of the work as well as the durability of the paint products used. They communicated with me throughout the process and were professional, dependable and trustworthy. I would use them again and would not hesitate to recommend them to a friend. My house looks brand new!"

+28

Recommended by91%of homeowners

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J.T.U. Construction, LLC

4.9(

)

Serving Red Lake, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

"The contractor was pr prompt, professional, and courteous"

+47

Response time2 days

Response rate96%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Red Lake, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2005

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"They really care about work quality very personable"

+17

Response time2 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Tony Romanellis Handyman Service

New to Angi

Serving Red Lake, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2011

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Tony's Handyman Service My name is Tony Romanelli.I was born in St.Paul,MN.I have lived in the Grand Rapids area all my life. \n I have been doing carpentry work since i was fifteen years old. With my dad, after school.I have built custom decks,additions,sheds,roofing,siding etc.I live by my dad's rule,if you can't do the job right then don't do it at all.I guarantee all my work!

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Matthew Moss Painting

3.7(

)

Serving Red Lake, 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

Serving Red Lake, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

With over 8 years of experience, Corrie's Lawn Care 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. Call us today!

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Red Lake, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

With over 35 years of experience in the home improvement industry, Petit Landscaping, is your industry expert in Clearbrook and the surrounding areas. We pride ourselves on our extreme professionalism and attention to detail. Our customer satisfaction guarantee will assure you we will not leave your property until you are completely satisfied with our work. You can trust that we will treat your home as we would treat our own. Give us a call today we look forward to working with you!

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Casablanca Renovation

New to Angi

Serving Red Lake, 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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Showing 1-10 of 24

Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

Ideally, a gate should be able to swing both in and out. However, if it can only open in one direction, it is generally best for it to swing inward. This is often the safest option, especially for deck gates near steps, as you'll want the gate to swing away from the stairs. An inward swing also prevents the gate from opening into a public space, like a sidewalk, and can be more convenient when carrying heavy items like a wheelbarrow into a garden.

There are exceptions, however. The layout of your property may require a different approach. For example, if your property is on a slope, the gate may not be able to swing inward. You should also ensure the gate can open fully without colliding with any objects or blocking access to other areas. For a backyard garden gate where public access isn't a concern, the direction it swings is largely a matter of personal preference. Finally, always check your local building codes, as they may have specific requirements for which way a gate must swing.

Typically, most residential wooden decks are designed to support approximately 40 pounds per square foot, including the deck’s weight and any items placed on it. While this is fine for typical use, it is usually not enough to hold the weight of a hot tub filled with water and people. To safely support a hot tub, your wood deck will likely require reinforcement. Therefore, it’s best to have a contractor or a structural engineer assess it before hot tub installation.

Spindles on a deck may also be called balusters or pickets. While not as important to the structural support of the deck as the rail posts, they play a critical role in ensuring the deck is safe to use by closing in large gaps in the railing. For this reason, balusters must be no more than 4 inches away from one another.

While the terms deck and porch are often used interchangeably, they are two distinct structures. A porch is a covered structure, usually attached to the front of a home, that offers protection from the elements. In contrast, a deck is an open, uncovered platform, often attached to the back or side of a home. Because porches have a roof, they typically require less maintenance than decks, but both features need regular cleaning and repairs to stay in good condition.

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.

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