Should I cover my deck with a tarp in winter?

• <div><p>Covering your deck with a breathable tarp can protect it from snow, ice, and cold winter temperatures. This is a good winterizing solution if you don’t plan to use your deck at all during the colder months. However, it might be best to skip the tarp if you’ll still be walking on your deck or using it in a limited capacity. </p></div>

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Q: How many steps on a deck before you need a railing?

• <div><p>Local building codes don&rsquo;t specify the number of steps a deck can have before a railing is required, mainly because stair height varies widely. Most areas require decks 30 inches or higher to have a railing. While not exact, that roughly equates to four to seven steps.</p></div>

Q: What do you put down before decking?

• <div><p>Before installing a deck, you must build a base for the deck to rest upon, often made of compacted soil or gravel. While gravel is an optional material, it helps with drainage. Some contractors also recommend installing a weed control membrane, which helps provide a solid foundation for the frame. In the case of an elevated deck, a pro will often lay down a concrete slab as a foundation. </p></div>

Q: Is it worth it to install a deck?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-build-a-deck.htm">Building a deck</a> is often worth the investment, not only because it provides more utility to your yard and gives you more space to entertain but also because decks tend to add value to your home. Keep in mind that second-story decks often require concrete footings, which means they will bump up your property taxes, while decks built on the first story generally don&rsquo;t require a permanent foundation and won&rsquo;t affect your taxes. Even with the tax increase, decks are usually a good investment in the long run.</p></div>

Q: Is it safe to put a fire pit on a deck?

• <div><p>Yes, it is generally safe to have a fire pit on a deck, but you must adhere to building codes and take several safety precautions. For both built-in and freestanding models, you must use a heat-resistant barrier, such as a fire pit pad or heat shield, between the pit and the deck. Additionally, consider the weight of the fire pit and ensure your deck can structurally support it, reinforcing it if necessary. The fire pit must also be positioned a safe distance from your house, particularly from materials like vinyl siding, to prevent heat damage.</p></div>

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Yellowstone Valley Contractors

4.5(

)

Deck or Porch - RepairDeck or Porch - Repair - For Business

Serving Busby, MT and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Friendly, great service. They make sure the quality and the job is done right."

Response time3 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Jolly Lawn Service

New to Angi

Deck or Porch - RepairDeck or Porch - Repair - For Business

Serving Busby, MT and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Jolly Lawn Service is here of all of your outdoor home needs. We pride ourselves on quality. We are experts in all things outside the home. Whether you're building an outdoor paradise or just maintaining, we've got you covered.

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Hadley Construction, LLC

New to Angi

Deck or Porch - Repair

Serving Busby, MT and surrounding areas

In business since 2013

Free estimates

Hadley Construction has a single mission: Complete Customer Satisfaction! We strongly believe in giving our customers the most for their money. So, we work with only the highest quality materials, experienced and professional craftsmen. We have consistently focused on the needs of our customers, providing personalized attention and a stress-free experience. This approach has set us apart and made us one of the leading companies in Billings, MT.

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Dylan Clark Designs & Fabrications DCD

New to Angi

Deck or Porch - Repair

Serving Busby, MT and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service that we provide to meet your needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from 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 customer a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

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Big Time Movers

New to Angi

Deck or Porch - RepairDeck or Porch - Repair - For Business

Serving Busby, MT and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

* 5 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ \n White glove Movers / transport /freight / junk removal *\nWe offer the best service ‼️\n⚫️Furniture \n⚫️ Packing\n⚫️Assemble\n⚫️ Car hauling\n⚫️Affordable prices\n⚫️Provide Packing\n⚫️Free Qoutes\n\nTreat each member as family?\n\nLocal & Long distance?\n\nNo Job to Big or Small ‼️\n\nCall Now ? 863-266-1850\n\n\nThe big time movers are here to make your moving experience peaceful in calm ? -Any assembly, dissassembly, all moving pads straps, dollys & travel time ALL INCLUDED IN PRICE\n-NO HIDDEN FEES\n-We offer "free haul away", we will take any unwanted furniture at NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU!!\n-We do both residential & commercial moves\n-Proffessional & Honest\n-Punctual & Reliable\n-We offer furniture protection (you only pay extra for supplies)\n-We move apartments, homes, offices, warehouses & even malls!\n-We offer junk removal services (enough to fill a pick-up truck, van, or box truck)\n-Long or short distance moves

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Allen's Siding & Windows, Inc.

New to Angi

Deck or Porch - Repair

Serving Busby, MT and surrounding areas

In business since 1988

Allen's Siding & Windows, Inc., is a Full Service,Owner Operated Company for over 17 years in complete exterior home improvements from custom design additions, sunrooms, patios, and decks to complete siding and window installations and repairs as well as all exterior window treatments including custom shutters and awnings. We specialize in ALSIDE ULTRAMAX Windows, which have been energy star partner for 3 years running. We work with you from start to finish with complete client focus, and professional personalized service giving superior craftsmanship with attention to each detail to ensure we create the vision you have for your home. Hire The Contractor not a Salesman. Please see our website at www.sydngys.com

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Deck Repair questions, answered by experts

Local building codes don’t specify the number of steps a deck can have before a railing is required, mainly because stair height varies widely. Most areas require decks 30 inches or higher to have a railing. While not exact, that roughly equates to four to seven steps.

Before installing a deck, you must build a base for the deck to rest upon, often made of compacted soil or gravel. While gravel is an optional material, it helps with drainage. Some contractors also recommend installing a weed control membrane, which helps provide a solid foundation for the frame. In the case of an elevated deck, a pro will often lay down a concrete slab as a foundation.

Building a deck is often worth the investment, not only because it provides more utility to your yard and gives you more space to entertain but also because decks tend to add value to your home. Keep in mind that second-story decks often require concrete footings, which means they will bump up your property taxes, while decks built on the first story generally don’t require a permanent foundation and won’t affect your taxes. Even with the tax increase, decks are usually a good investment in the long run.

Covering your deck with a breathable tarp can protect it from snow, ice, and cold winter temperatures. This is a good winterizing solution if you don’t plan to use your deck at all during the colder months. However, it might be best to skip the tarp if you’ll still be walking on your deck or using it in a limited capacity.

Yes, it is generally safe to have a fire pit on a deck, but you must adhere to building codes and take several safety precautions. For both built-in and freestanding models, you must use a heat-resistant barrier, such as a fire pit pad or heat shield, between the pit and the deck. Additionally, consider the weight of the fire pit and ensure your deck can structurally support it, reinforcing it if necessary. The fire pit must also be positioned a safe distance from your house, particularly from materials like vinyl siding, to prevent heat damage.

The Busby, MT homeowners’ guide to deck repair services

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

See all articles

Scott Dylan Westerlund
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May 30, 2026May 30, 2026
How Much Does Deck Replacement or Repair Cost? [2026 Data]
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How Much Does Deck Refinishing Cost? [2026 Data]
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How Much Does It Cost to Replace Deck Railings? [2026 Data]
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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.
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The Ultimate Deck Repair Checklist
If your deck is in bad shape, this deck repair checklist will help you inspect, clean, maintain, and repair it without missing any vital steps in the process.