"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."
"Replaced the entire house siding and really love how my house looks. Amazing crew cleaned up after No mess great prices and very skilled. Thank you guys"
"Robert and his crew were great! They were very thorough and professional in completing my deck repair. They offered insight while completing the job to enhance the final appearance. Robert extended his time and completed tasks not included in the original contract without additional compensation. Everyone was very personal, polite and cooperative. I would very highly recommend New - Gen Construction for any deck related projects."
"Paul responded quickly, and was amenable to my schedule. He offered a fantastic price. Paul and his team were on time and extremely professional. They cleaned up after the job which was quite helpful. My arborvitae trees look great. I'm very happy with Experienced Landscape Design, and highly recommend them."
"The Bazellari team were great every step of the way. The communication was great & the work they did was very good. They cleaned up after the job was done & my house looks great. They’ll be coming back to redo my deck. I highly recommend Bazellari Construction !"
"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."
"Cesar and his workers' were prompt. Most importantly, they are efficient and professional individuals. They completed the home improvement projects as promised. Cesar also fixed another home improvement project; we had not discussed. Lastly, the team cleaned-up after they finished the home projects."
"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!"
A deck that isn’t attached to a house is called a floating or freestanding deck. These standalone decks are built near ground level, so they usually don’t need deck stairs. Some don’t even require permits. Generally speaking, building a floating deck is faster and more DIY-friendly than constructing one that’s connected to your home.
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 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.
In most cases, there should be a small gap between the house and the deck, usually no more than ½ to ¾ of an inch. This space allows water and moisture to flow through instead of pooling against the side of your house. It also lets flashing protect your siding from runoff, which is one of the most common issues with decks.
When deciding if you should use 2x6 or 2x8 deck joists, consider the size of the deck, joist spacing, and materials. Larger decks, larger-spaced joists, and weaker wood all require more support, meaning they need larger joists. For example, 2x8 redwood joists spaced 16 inches apart can only safely span up to 10 feet and 7 inches. On the other hand, 2x10 southern pine joists spaced 12 inches apart can be as big as 16 feet and 2 inches. If you aren’t sure what size joist is best for your project, speak with your deck builder.
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.
