Is it worth sanding a deck?

• <div><p>It is definitely worth sanding a deck to ensure the wood absorbs new stain. Sanding a deck removes the outer layers of aging wood, allowing the stain to penetrate. It also gives a fresh look to the entire surface as part of the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-refinish-deck.htm">deck refinishing process</a>. Without sanding, your stain or sealant is less likely to absorb into the wood. While sanding a deck is a time-intensive project, the rewards are noticeable and long-lasting.</p></div>

What are the disadvantages of PVC decking?

• <div><p>PVC decking might be long-lasting, but this synthetic material lacks the natural aesthetic or sustainability of wood decking. If you want to match your decking to your new garden furniture or just freshen up the faded surface, it’s not usually possible to paint PVC decking. When comparing<a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/pvc-vs-composite-decking.htm"> PVC to composite decking</a>, PVC is pricier and more prone to warping in hot regions.</p></div>

Get matched with top deck repair pros in Gwinner, ND

Q: What is the best way to sand a deck?

• <div><p>The best way to sand a deck is by cleaning it, sanding the boards and stairs with 60- or 80-grit sandpaper, and sanding the railings and posts with 80-grit sandpaper. You should sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid damaging the timber. When sanding your deck, use medium pressure and aim for an even sand. Pressing too hard with a sander can damage decks, as most are softwoods. </p></div>

Q: Which way should a gate swing, in or out?

• <div><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p></div>

Q: Where do deck boards often rot first?

• <div><p>Rot loves moisture, so deck rot typically impacts the parts of a board that stay wet. This includes the underside of boards, in addition to support posts and joists. However, any part of a board can rot, given the right conditions. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Repair pros in Gwinner, ND

*The Angi rating for Deck Repair companies in Gwinner, ND 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 Gwinner, ND 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 March 02, 2024

Reviewed in March 2024
Mark is very professional, detail-oriented, and reliable. We live in a 100+ year old home and Mark was able to restore and update everything to perfection. He worked together with us on planning and gave us several options and thoughtful suggestions on each project. Restoring an old home comes...
MWR Construction, LLC
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Reviewed in February 2023
Great attention to detail and I've already recommended them to others!
DC Spray Foam Services, LLC
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Reviewed in December 2022
John communicated very well, he has great attention to detail and finishes the job.
Manthey Construction
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Reviewed in July 2022
The quality of work was excellent. I like the warranty. I would use the service again.
Drain Services Inc
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Reviewed in July 2022
professional and very easy to talk with
Roof Keepers, LLC
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Reviewed in June 2022
Ramon, Johnny and Tyrus did a very good job installing drain tile and sump pump in our basement. They were very friendly and communicated very well throughout the project. They left the worksite very clean when they left. Would not hesitate to use them again.
Groundworks
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Reviewed in March 2022
We enjoyed the process so far from Brady the sales guy to Josh the Production Manager. Brady worked to save us a few bucks and fit our budget. We are excited to see our new bathroom installed.
Your Home Improvement Company
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Reviewed in October 2021
Efficient and cleanly. Good communication and friendly!
American Waterworks
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Reviewed in February 2021
My house and driveway look brand new and I never thought my back deck would ever look the way it does. My wife couldnâ t be more happy. Couldnâ t beat the price they charged me either. Cheapest anywhere around Phoenix. Had to tip! Thanks again.
Dust Doctors, LLC
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Find Deck repair pros in Gwinner

D&R Custom Decks, LLC

5.0(

)

Serving Gwinner, ND and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2014

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Randy and Dave did a great job building our deck! They communicated with us during the process, I would highly recommend them."

Response time2 days

6 neighbors recently requested a quote

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Gwinner, ND and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

"Did great work made it look brand new again"

+20

5 neighbors recently requested a quote

Serving Gwinner, ND and surrounding areas

In business since 2014

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity in all aspects of our business. Our major focus is on the quality our work and producing outstanding results. We are committed to creating a level of value unmatched by any of our competitors. We look forward to building lasting relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction!\n

Serving Gwinner, ND and surrounding areas

In business since 2011

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

T D R Customs is committed to excellence in every aspect of our business. We uphold a standard of integrity bound by fairness, honesty, and responsibility in all our jobs. We are a locally owned and operated business with more than 10 years of experience serving Lisbon, ND and surrounding areas. There is no job too big, or too small for our team. Call today and let us put our experience to work for you!

Response time3 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Joey Walz

New to Angi

Serving Gwinner, ND and surrounding areas

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

Small jobs welcome

Im 38 and have been in the construction industry since I was 10. I've worked for Redlin Johnson for 5 years as well as Western Products for 5 year, also All New Gutter for 2 years. I wont tackle a job I cannot do and Im very honest and transparent about everything and warranty my work.

+27

Serving Gwinner, ND and surrounding areas

In business since 2011

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Anthony is great to work with. Responds quickly to phone calls and text messages."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Any and All Big or Small

New to Angi

Serving Gwinner, ND and surrounding areas

In business since 2016

Free estimates

At Any and All Big or Small, our company is based on the belief that our customers' needs are of the utmost importance. Our team is committed to meeting those needs. We welcome the opportunity to earn your trust and deliver you the best service. No job is too big or too small for our experienced team. \n

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FER CONSTRUCTION LLC

New to Angi

Serving Gwinner, ND and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

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!

Response time7 hrs

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Brockberg Construction

New to Angi

Serving Gwinner, ND and surrounding areas

In business since 1990

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Brockberg Construction 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.\n

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Mittleider Services

New to Angi

Serving Gwinner, ND and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

We are a locally owned and operated company. We value honesty and integrity in all aspects of our business. \nWe offer a variety of home improvement services that are customized to each individual project. \nWe pride ourselves on the quality of our work, as well as our commitment to outstanding results. \nWe look forward to building lasting relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction!

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Showing 1-10 of 12

Deck Repair questions, answered by experts

The best way to sand a deck is by cleaning it, sanding the boards and stairs with 60- or 80-grit sandpaper, and sanding the railings and posts with 80-grit sandpaper. You should sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid damaging the timber. When sanding your deck, use medium pressure and aim for an even sand. Pressing too hard with a sander can damage decks, as most are softwoods.

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.

It is definitely worth sanding a deck to ensure the wood absorbs new stain. Sanding a deck removes the outer layers of aging wood, allowing the stain to penetrate. It also gives a fresh look to the entire surface as part of the deck refinishing process. Without sanding, your stain or sealant is less likely to absorb into the wood. While sanding a deck is a time-intensive project, the rewards are noticeable and long-lasting.

Rot loves moisture, so deck rot typically impacts the parts of a board that stay wet. This includes the underside of boards, in addition to support posts and joists. However, any part of a board can rot, given the right conditions.

PVC decking might be long-lasting, but this synthetic material lacks the natural aesthetic or sustainability of wood decking. If you want to match your decking to your new garden furniture or just freshen up the faded surface, it’s not usually possible to paint PVC decking. When comparing PVC to composite decking, PVC is pricier and more prone to warping in hot regions.

The Gwinner, ND 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
•
Aug 3, 2026Aug 3, 2026
How Much Does Deck Replacement or Repair Cost? [2026 Data]
Deck replacement costs depend on materials, any structural damage you need to fix, and more. This guide explores how much it costs to replace or repair a deck.
Deane Biermeier
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
How Much Does Deck Refinishing Cost? [2026 Data]
Refinishing your deck is a great way to restore its appearance and fall in love with your outdoor space. Use this guide to learn how much it costs based on factors like size and type.
Timothy Moore
•
Aug 3, 2026Aug 3, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Replace Deck Railings? [2026 Data]
Old and run-down porch railings can be an eyesore and pose a risk of falling. Find out how much it costs to replace your worn out porch railings with new materials.
Angi
•
May 21, 2026May 21, 2026
How to Hire a Deck Repair Pro
Find the best deck repair pro for your project. Learn how to hire qualified contractors, what questions to ask, and credentials to verify.
Ginny Bartolone
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
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.
Catherine Hiles
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
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.