"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!
Any wood deck provides some ventilation to the area below, as is the nature of that type of deck design. However, areas that experience excessive humidity and associated moisture benefit greatly from a dedicated ventilation system in the form of strip vents. This addition helps the various wood boards contract and expand evenly throughout the years and reduces the chances of twisting, warping, and buckling.
While eco-friendly decking, also called composite decking, is a win for the environment because it consists of recycled materials, it has trade-offs. These sustainable options often come with steeper price tags, lack natural wood's warm look, and can become uncomfortably hot under full sun. Some composite materials can also become slick when wet, posing a potential hazard.
It’s best to prime composite decking before painting. This promotes better paint adhesion, helps create a smooth finish, and can mean the paint job will last longer. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application, allow ample primer drying time before painting (typically 24 to 48 hours), and thoroughly clean the deck boards to promote the best adhesion.
A deck doesn’t have to be perfectly level. Many pros even recommend a gentle slope to ensure proper drainage and increase longevity. The ideal gentle slope is about 1/8 to 1/4 inch per foot away from the property, leading water away from the home to prevent pooling and reduce the risk of damage. It also minimizes rot, mold, and other moisture-related problems.
Building codes for deck railings can vary by location, so it's important to consult your local regulations before construction. Generally, a guardrail is required for any deck that is more than 30 inches above the ground.
For residential properties, the standard minimum height for a deck railing is 36 inches. However, some states and municipalities have stricter requirements; for example, California and Washington mandate railings that are at least 42 inches high. Therefore, a 42-inch railing is not considered too high and may be required in your area or chosen voluntarily for additional safety.
In addition to height requirements, codes also specify other safety features, such as the maximum spacing between balusters to ensure they are close enough to prevent a child from squeezing through.
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.
