"Rich, owner of RAP, and his dedicated crew did an awesome job in power washing our house, storage shed, deck, and brick walkways … everything is clean, bright, and frankly looking like new again! Rich is knowledgeable, responsive, punctual, professional, and an absolute pleasure to work with. He and his crew were meticulous in their work taking their time to do a job that well exceeded expectations and were conscientious in their clean-up efforts afterwards. It is indeed rare these days to see extraordinary focus on customer delight and pride in their work. I highly recommend Rich and look forward to working with him again in the future!"
"Andrew and the crew were easy to work with, professional and completed the project in the time they said they would to install the deck. If I had any questions, they promptly answered them and provided suggestions when asked. I would hire them again."
"It went extremely well. I had my yard done twice before them, and they were the ones that actually solved the problems. Experience Landscaped did an exceptional job with the water mitigation and restructuring the layout of my yard. So my neighbor would not receive the downhill water. My neighbor confirmed that she didn't get any water in her basement during the day of downpouring rain when Experience was working on the project. He is extremely happy too."
"Tim and Stiljan came by and redid our deck due to how rotten it was. They did an amazing job my deck came out amazing and will definitely use them again. They have the best work and price in the business!"
"We have had Cesar for many projects over the last 10 years. Bathrooms, bedrooms , roof, deck, shingle replacement, interior and exterior painting. I wouldn't use anyone else for my major and minor home repair."
"The work was excellent. You can't tell the difference of the old wall (1939). I would highly recommend them for work. Was done fast. Left the area clean. Was very impressed. Will definitely be using them again!"
I pride myself on my professionalism, as well as my ability to complete every job to the homeowner's total satisfaction. I never leave a job unfinished, or a homeowner not 100% satisfied with my level of service - Call today!
Deck stairs should have at least three stringers rather than two. The recommended minimum width for stairs is 36 inches, and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors recommends at least three cut stringers to provide sufficient support on wood decking stairs of this width. Generally, stringers should be a maximum of 16 inches apart for wood decking and 12 inches apart for more flexible composite decking.
A quality, well-maintained PVC decking can last 30 to 50 years. It’s known for being one of the most durable types of decking materials, with composite decking having a 25- to 30-year average lifespan and some softwood deckings only lasting 10 to 15 years. Luxury hardwood decks like Ipe may last longer than PVC decking, but they can cost more and require more maintenance.
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.
When staining a deck, don’t skip surface prep, avoid staining damp or dirty boards, and don’t apply stain in extreme heat, cold, or wet conditions. Never overload the wood with a stain, as too much can cause tackiness or peeling. Also, don’t forget to test a small area first to ensure the color and finish look right.
While experienced DIYers may take on the challenge, hiring a licensed professional is often the best route, especially for larger or elevated structures. A local deck contractor is typically the best pro for the job, as they have specialized experience and are knowledgeable about local building codes, ensuring your deck is built safely and designed to last. Other professionals who can build a deck include general contractors and carpenters, who may be more readily available in some regions.
The Caldwell, NJ homeowners’ guide to deck cleaning services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Thinking about adding a deck to your home? Explore this guide to learn about the average cost to build a deck in New York, NY, based on factors like size, material, and labor.
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.
Learn how to clean a deck before staining to ensure long-lasting adhesion, weatherproofing, and optimum appearance of this coloring and protecting treatment.
Deck maintenance is vital to protecting a wooden deck. Cleaning, staining and sealing a deck after pressure washing will add years to its lifespan. Protect a deck by following these deck maintenance tips for cedar and other types of wood materials.
