How long should I season my deck before staining?

• <div><p>It’s important to make sure the wood on a new deck is properly seasoned. Seasoning a deck is simple: Once you build it (or have a pro do so), just leave it alone so it can acclimate to the environment. If you don’t give the deck proper seasoning time before staining, the stain can lock in any lingering moisture and cause mold, rot, and other moisture issues down the road. Give the wood at least four to eight weeks to season before you stain.</p></div>

Can I build a deck over my HVAC unit?

• <div><p>Yes, you can build a deck over your outdoor HVAC unit, but you need to leave at least 5 feet of vertical clearance above the unit. If you don’t want your deck to be that high off the ground, you could <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-build-floating-deck.htm">build a floating deck</a> in another part of your yard—again, as long as you leave at least 4 feet of horizontal space between the deck and your AC unit.</p></div>

Best deck repair pros near Chester, MT

Q: How often do wood decks need to be replaced?

• <div><p>Wood decks need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years on average. Natural wood is highly vulnerable to infiltration and damage from moisture, which can occur rapidly due to exposure to outdoor elements. You can protect your deck and maximize its lifespan by sealing it every year or two. </p></div>

Q: How long should I season my deck before staining?

• <div><p>It&rsquo;s important to make sure the wood on a new deck is properly seasoned. Seasoning a deck is simple: Once you build it (or have a pro do so), just leave it alone so it can acclimate to the environment. If you don&rsquo;t give the deck proper seasoning time before staining, the stain can lock in any lingering moisture and cause mold, rot, and other moisture issues down the road. Give the wood at least four to eight weeks to season before you stain.</p></div>

Q: What adds more value: a sunroom or a deck?

• <div><p>A sunroom will add more value to your home than a deck, but with a much higher up-front cost. Depending on its construction and function, a sunroom may be counted as additional living space, while a deck is strictly an outdoor feature. Both will increase your home&rsquo;s value, but the sunroom will have a much bigger effect.</p></div>

Q: Does a deck increase home insurance?

• <div><p>Because adding a deck will yield a higher property value, you may have higher insurance costs. It&rsquo;s important to follow the codes and regulations set by your local and state governments, so your insurance rates can be properly calculated. You may need an insurance revaluation after your deck is completed. The best course of action is to speak with an insurance professional to understand how adding a deck will impact your home&rsquo;s insurance costs before you begin.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Repair pros in Chester, MT

*The Angi rating for Deck Repair companies in Chester, MT is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Deck Repair needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Deck Repair companies in Chester, MT is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Deck Repair needs.

Last update on July 14, 2023

Reviewed in July 2023
Trust Haven Solutions has done a wonderful job for me. Michael has been knowledgeable and very helpful for me. I would recommend this company for help with any computer problems you have.
Trust Haven Solution, Inc.
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Reviewed in June 2023
Did a great job explaining the problems and fixing them. Received an accurate estimate before the work was done, and am completely satisfied with the results. Highly recommended!
Spartan Gutter Guards
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Reviewed in April 2015
When I talked to Chris he was nice and honest. I was waiting to hear from them, but due to miscommunication when purchasing the deal I had to contact them. Upon contacting them regarding the deal I found out that they were never notified. In the mean time I found a different deal.
CSI Secure Solutions
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Reviewed in January 2014
It took a long time to get scheduled but once done then showed up on time and finished as promised.
CONAN HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING
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Reviewed in September 2012
They don't bid jobs. The work by the hour which is a good deal because they don't take breaks that you have to pay for and they are fast. They ended up almost half the price of a bid from another contractor.
S & M CONSTRUCTION
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Top-Rated Deck repair pros in Chester - Updated Nov 2026

Beartracks Construction, LLC

New to Angi

Deck or Porch - Repair

Serving Chester, MT and surrounding areas

In business since 2008

We have over 20 years of experience in home repair and renovations. Customers come first, with quality and efficient work. When it comes to remodeling, deck building, and all other home repairs, Beartracks Construction, LLC, are the contractors you need. Give us a call today!

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Killam's Get It Done Maintenance & Repairs Service Great Falls MT

New to Angi

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

Serving Chester, MT and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Killam's Get It Done is your industry expert in landscpaing the Great Falls area. 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. Give us a call today we look forward to working with you!

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Dale Jones Construction

New to Angi

Deck or Porch - Repair

Serving Chester, MT and surrounding areas

In business since 1990

Free estimates

We pride our company on reliability, great communication, integrity and quality work. We are experts in our concrete and landscaping and will do our best to keep you as educated as we can on your particular task or project. We look forward to working with you.

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Allen's Siding & Windows, Inc.

New to Angi

Deck or Porch - Repair

Serving Chester, 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 FAQs, answered by experts

Wood decks need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years on average. Natural wood is highly vulnerable to infiltration and damage from moisture, which can occur rapidly due to exposure to outdoor elements. You can protect your deck and maximize its lifespan by sealing it every year or two.

It’s important to make sure the wood on a new deck is properly seasoned. Seasoning a deck is simple: Once you build it (or have a pro do so), just leave it alone so it can acclimate to the environment. If you don’t give the deck proper seasoning time before staining, the stain can lock in any lingering moisture and cause mold, rot, and other moisture issues down the road. Give the wood at least four to eight weeks to season before you stain.

Yes, you can build a deck over your outdoor HVAC unit, but you need to leave at least 5 feet of vertical clearance above the unit. If you don’t want your deck to be that high off the ground, you could build a floating deck in another part of your yard—again, as long as you leave at least 4 feet of horizontal space between the deck and your AC unit.

A sunroom will add more value to your home than a deck, but with a much higher up-front cost. Depending on its construction and function, a sunroom may be counted as additional living space, while a deck is strictly an outdoor feature. Both will increase your home’s value, but the sunroom will have a much bigger effect.

Because adding a deck will yield a higher property value, you may have higher insurance costs. It’s important to follow the codes and regulations set by your local and state governments, so your insurance rates can be properly calculated. You may need an insurance revaluation after your deck is completed. The best course of action is to speak with an insurance professional to understand how adding a deck will impact your home’s insurance costs before you begin.

The Chester, 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

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Oct 20, 2026Oct 20, 2026
How Much Does Deck Replacement or Repair Cost? [2026 Data]
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How Much Does It Cost to Replace Deck Railings? [2026 Data]
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How to Hire a Deck Repair Pro
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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.