"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."
"This is a highly professional company. They replaced boards that were needed on my deck. They also stained the deck. It looks fabulous! I highly recommend them!"
"Fast, professional and most importantly from my experience with contractors they did an AWESOME job with clean up ) left the house/yard just as clean as it was prior to arrival. Would recommend!"
"Cesar and his crew just finished a remodel of my master bathroom. This is the second major project completed in my home by CSZ (prior kitchen remodel) and once again they exceeded my expectations. Cesar worked with me along the way to come up with the perfect design to ensure all my requirements were met. He is knowledgeable and his attention to detail is second to none. The CSZ crew, Armondo and Benjamin were also a pleasure to work with. They are knowledgeable, trustworthy, and hardworking. They also did an exceptional job cleaning up at the end of each work day. My dog even loves them! I highly recommend CSZ Construction. They will most certainly be back for future projects in my home!"
"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."
"Amazing job. Gave the quote. Had the job done in 1 day, cleaned up and were very professional. Great experience overall! Plan on using them for a lot more!"
"We hired Tito & Sons to do our new deck and they did a fabulous job. Showed up every day and worked very hard. They did a great job. Very pleased and clean. Respected property."
Most building codes require that railing spindles (also known as balusters) on decks or stairs be spaced no more than four inches apart. This safety standard is often called the '4-inch sphere rule,' which means a sphere with a 4-inch diameter should not be able to pass through the opening between balusters. This rule is in place to prevent small children and pets from slipping through the railing. For the same reason, the space between the bottom rail and the deck or floor surface should also be no more than four inches. As a general guideline, professionals often install three balusters per foot of railing. However, since specific requirements can vary by location, it is essential to check your local building codes to ensure compliance before starting your project.
Before installing any materials under the deck for removing moisture, you should perform some prep work on the ground. Work the dirt under the deck to create a grade away from the home. A grade of at least six inches for every 10 feet works well. Do not leave a gap between the dirt and the home’s foundation where water could pool. Once you or a contractor regrades the dirt under the deck, you then can add materials over the top.
The best base materials for a ground-level or floating deck are typically gravel and crushed stone (also known as landscaping rocks). These options are inexpensive, provide excellent drainage, prevent weeds, and help minimize moisture buildup, which reduces shifting and rotting. For added stability and to evenly distribute the weight, you can use concrete deck blocks or pavers. While more expensive, concrete blocks and pavers offer a sturdier base than gravel or crushed stone alone.
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.
The best way to clean your decking is to clear debris from the gaps between the boards, sweep the surface, rinse it, apply cleaner, rinse again, and let it dry fully. A homemade deck cleaner made of two gallons of warm water and 1/2 cup vinegar is a simple cleaning solution for both wood and composite decking. You can sprinkle baking soda on any spots with mold or mildew, then scrub the area and rinse clean.
The Cranford, 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.