"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."
Always sand a deck before repainting so the wood is smooth and ready for paint. While you do not need to fully remove paint before repainting, sanding helps remove any areas with weather and sun damage. Sanding also helps remove chipped or flaking paint and opens the wood pores to improve paint adhesion.
An above-ground pool with a deck can increase your home's value by as much as 4% to 7%, but it depends on your local climate, potential buyers, and the size and condition of your pool. Some buyers see a pool as a liability instead of a luxury, especially if it's at the end of its life span. In general, it's best to add a pool and deck to your property if it will bring you enjoyment—not because it raises the value of your home.
It’s important to make sure the wood on a new deck is properly seasoned. Seasoning a deck is simple: Once you build it (or have a pro do so), just leave it alone so it can acclimate to the environment. If you don’t give the deck proper seasoning time before staining, the stain can lock in any lingering moisture and cause mold, rot, and other moisture issues down the road. Give the wood at least four to eight weeks to season before you stain.
Although composite decking is extremely durable, it’s also susceptible to extreme heat. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause fading, warping, and cracking. Composite also retains heat more than wood, which makes it dangerous to walk on in the summer. You can help prevent heat damage by only building with composite in shaded areas or using rugs to cover the hottest spots.
Yes, pressure washing a wood deck can be a good idea as it effectively lifts ingrained dirt, mold, and mildew, improving the deck's appearance and longevity. However, it must be done carefully, as it's easy to damage the wood, especially softwoods. To pressure wash safely, use a lower pressure setting and a wide, 40-degree fan pattern nozzle (often white). Keep the nozzle at least a foot away from the wood surface and maintain constant motion, avoiding hovering in one spot to prevent gouging.
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.