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S and S landscaping
5.0(
12
)

Serving University, MS and surrounding areas

In business since 2014

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"MJ has done multiple jobs in my home, installing a dishwasher being one of the many! He was very professional and cleaned up behind himself. Very personable and does a great job for a great price. I would recommend KHR Construction to anyone for all your home repair needs or even landscaping!"
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+4

Response time20 mins
Response rate100%
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for B&C Handyman
B&C Handyman
5.0(
6
)

Serving University, MS and surrounding areas

In business since 2024

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They are hardworking men that did work for me and my neighbor. Very fair price range on their work and dependable to get the job done . I would recommend this company"
Response time3 hrs
Recommended by100%of homeowners
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Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

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.

Staining and sealing the underside of a deck creates a moisture barrier but traps water in the boards, quickly leading to rot. No matter how well you seal the above deck, water still gets through via nails and screw heads on the surface. Allow this water to flow naturally under the deck, where it is routed through the drainage system.

It is possible to build your own deck, but it’s typically better to leave the work to a decking professional. Decks can be exceptionally complicated, especially if you want a wrap-around or second-story deck, and you don’t want to risk making an expensive or dangerous mistake. It’s usually better to hire a decking pro who can pull permits and build a structurally sound deck that will last for decades and provide the maximum return on investment.

The problems with composite decking include a high rate of expansion and contraction from temperature swings. This characteristic can cause boards to split, delaminate, or peel. In addition, significant movement can cause shrinking, warping, twisting, and bending. For this reason, you should minimize moisture and ensure proper airflow below your deck.

The best direction for a gate to swing depends on its location and purpose, but swinging inward is the general rule. An inward swing is often considered safer, prevents the gate from opening into public spaces like a sidewalk, and may be required by local building codes.

There are exceptions and specific considerations. If your property is on a slope, an inward swing might not be possible. For a deck gate, it's safest to have it swing away from any steps. In a backyard, the direction can be a matter of preference, though an inward swing can be helpful when carrying heavy items like a wheelbarrow into a garden.

Regardless of direction, ensure the gate can open fully without hitting any objects or blocking spaces. While an inward swing is standard, a gate that can swing both in and out offers the most flexibility if your setup allows for it.

The University, MS homeowners’ guide to deck maintenance services

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