"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!"
"I can't say enough good things about this company. Robert and Tim went above and beyond for me. I had my large deck power washed and stained. the first time with professionals. they came on time and completed the job in the specified time. I will certainly use this company again, and recommend them to others."
"I hired Pro Builder. Exceptional deck work! They are evident in every detail. The team demonstrated skill and precision, transforming our outdoor space into a functional and visually stunning area. Communication was clear, timelines were met, and the end result exceeded our expectations. Highly recommend for anyone seeking top-notch deck construction. Thank you Pro Builder."
"Paul responded to the estimate request by the end of day Monday, was at my house the next day to provide and estimate and by Saturday the spring clean up and lawn maintenance was completed. He is professional, his crew is professional and I appreciate the responsiveness and communication. I highly recommend!"
"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."
"Greivin and his assistant were on time, did a great job, and cleaned up nicely afterwards. They even did switched out a light fixture - something I didn't expect. I've already given his contact info to a friend. I would hire him again...and probably will."
"Avi is a very professional Guy. On time with his schedule. His job was excellently done and is of the highest standard it can get. Left my place very very clean and tidy."
"MIGUEL SALAZAR WAS VERY PROFESSIONAL IN CLEANING MY WINDOWS WITH GREAT ATTENTION TO DETAIL FOR A JOB REQUIRING LADDERING FOR HIGH WINDOWS ABOVE A PORCH ROOF ON THE SECOND STORY. I WILL REHIRE HIM FOR OTHER GENERAL CONTRACTING PURPOSES."
Yes, snow should be removed from a deck to protect it from damage caused by moisture and heavy loads. Shovel the snow off of your deck regularly once it is more than four inches deep. Avoid using salt, which can damage your deck.
No, you don't need to stain Ipe decking, although you can if you want to change the color. You will, however, need to apply a UV coating if you don't want the natural color to fade. Speak to a deck staining specialist near you to discuss the best options if you want to stain your decking. And remember that you’ll need to seal your Ipe wood deck annually to protect it from scratches and Mother Nature.
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.
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.
It depends on the type of wood. The average cost to build a deck out of pressure-treated lumber is $15 to $25 per square foot, but more affordable varieties such as bamboo and cedar cost less at around $3 to $10 per square foot. However, when comparing the cost of vinyl decking versus wood decking, it’s important to also consider ongoing maintenance costs. For example, most woods require regular sealing to keep them protected against weather and rot.
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.
