Get matched with top deck maintenance specialists in Alfred, NY

Q: Should a gate swing in or out?

• <div><p>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.</p><p>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.</p></div>

Q: Should there be a gap between the house and the deck?

• <div><p>In most cases, there should be a small gap between the house and the deck, usually no more than &frac12; to &frac34; 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 <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/5-common-deck-problems-and-solutions.htm">most common issues with decks</a>.</p></div>

Q: How deep should footings be for a ground-level deck?

• <div><p>Footings for ground-level decks need to be at least 12 inches deep, and some areas require them to be even deeper. A standard range for deck footings is anywhere from 12 to 48 inches. The minimum footing depth is determined by an area&rsquo;s frost line and soil conditions. If you&rsquo;re unsure how deep to install deck footings, check local building codes to find the minimum footing depth in your area. </p></div>

Q: What maintenance is necessary for new decks?

• <div><p>Routine cleaning, sealing/staining, and inspection prolong deck life and appearance.</p></div>

Q: How many steps on a deck before you need a railing?

• <div><p>Local building codes don&rsquo;t specify the number of steps a deck can have before a railing is required, mainly because stair height varies widely. Most areas require decks 30 inches or higher to have a railing. While not exact, that roughly equates to four to seven steps.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Maintenance pros in Alfred, NY

*The Angi rating for Deck Maintenance companies in Alfred, NY is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Deck Maintenance needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Deck Maintenance companies in Alfred, NY is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Deck Maintenance needs.

Last update on February 19, 2026

Reviewed in February 2026
My main sewer pipe from my house to the septic tank had broken. Martins handyman service removed my back deck, dug up the pipe that had broken, repaired it the first day. Then covered back up and put my back deck back together the next day. Haven’t had a problem since.
Martins Handyman Service
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Reviewed in March 2024
Ben and his crew have done numerous projects for us over the past 2 years: lawn care, snow fences, spring/fall clean-up, gravel spreading, heavy machinery landscaping - all of our outdoor needs. The professionalism, work ethic, and responsiveness are of the highest quality. I would recommend...
Benny's Lawn Service
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Reviewed in February 2024
We hired Yard Wolves to pour a large concrete deck. They came when they said they would and the job was done quickly and professionally And it looks beautiful! We would definitely hire them again - thank you Yard Wolves!
Yard Wolves Landscaping, LLC
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Reviewed in October 2023
Everything was done great and in a timely manner, allowed us to overview the work and always updated us on progress throughout the job. They are not only professional but very nice as well. Have helped with other maintenance even since we moved in! 10/10 would hire again!
JJ's Dust & Drill
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Reviewed in August 2023
She cleaned everything really well! Swept, mopped, dusted, vacuumed, did laundry, washed, dried and folded and put away. She also did the windows. And the best thing is she was super pleasant and helpful. I will definitely use her services again!
Heavenly Cleaning
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Reviewed in November 2022
Absolutely terrible client service. They improperly installed spray foam insulation that then resulted in rotting of the roof and rafters of my fathers home. They came out and looked at the house and admitted it didn’t adhere to the roof deck properly but are now refusing to take responsibility...
JAG Construction
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Reviewed in October 2021
Lewis Construction did a great job on installing a new concrete sidewalk. Dan was very professional and finished the job in a timely manner. I would definitely recommend them and do business again with them.
Lewis Construction and Remodeling
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Reviewed in September 2021
They did a great job and everything that was on my to do list Duane and his crew got do. They fixed a leak in my roof and repaired the drywall damage. Very respectful and professional. Thanks guys u were the best
Southern District Contracting Services
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Reviewed in August 2021
I live in a house that is 168years old It was important to me that the terrace repair did not jeopardize the integrity of the house age and historical design. Duane Pratt did a great job of following that requirement. He did a great job. I will hire him again
Southern District Contracting Services
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Reviewed in November 2012
Air Vent and Aluminum were very punctual from the day they gave us the quote. The workers were timely, respectful of the property, and took their time with the project. They answered questions, offered suggestions, and took pride in their work. The work was done in four stages: windows,...
Air Vent Aluminum
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Find Deck maintenance specialists in Alfred

E Schultz Contracting

4.8(

)

Serving Alfred, NY and surrounding areas

Approved

Super Service Award Winner

In business since 2025

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"The concrete work was excellent"

+32

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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JoG Pressure Washing and Cleaning LLC

5.0(

)

Serving Alfred, NY and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"Jason did an amazing job on my house and deck!!! I mean I came home from work and almost passed my house I barely recognized it.. Amazing guy to work with and I do highly recommend him."

+29

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Serving Alfred, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 1986

Free estimates

"Wonderful experience! He was always professional and very pleasant. He fixed, repaired, installed and improved so many things in my house that had been waiting for years for someone like him. My house is an antique school house with plenty of quirks, but Harold was never a nay-sayer like so many handymen. He respected the homeowner's ideas, and knew how to make things work. He did everything with a smile and never stressed. I will always appreciate the improvements, and will hire Harold whenever I need cosmetic or remodeling work."

Recommended by85%of homeowners

Serving Alfred, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 1995

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Very accommodating. They came out quickly and were efficient. I will certainly use them again for any needs that arise in the future"

Response time1 day

Recommended by81%of homeowners

Serving Alfred, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"They did a great job! We had them back a few times for different areas of the house. We started with one room and kept asking them to come bake. They painted 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and kitchen/dining room! They were a delight to work with - responsible, professional and just lovely. I would recommend them 100%."

+44

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Champion Waterproofing Corporation

5.0(

)

Serving Alfred, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 1996

"John is very professional and has provided great service over the years"

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Louie's Renovations & Handyman Services

5.0(

)

Serving Alfred, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2023

Emergency services offered

Warranties offered

"Amazing work , professional and honest"

+107

Response time4 hrs

Response rate100%

Recommended by33%of homeowners

Serving Alfred, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I renewed my memership with Angie's List and looked for chimney repairers I needed one near Jamstown, Ny.
I called Exteriors by Maria and talked to a Mr. Robert Russo he happened to be doing a chimney job that same day only a few miles from my house. He said, he could stop by after his job and look at the chimney it was the same thing as the job he was just on...
Mr. Robert Russo fixed my chimney with fiberglass stucco the next day.
It took him and his crew only four hours to put the fiberglass stucco on from top to bottom on my chimney..
He said when I get home from work the chimney will be done he delivered on his promise....
The cost was $1000 it was much better than having the chimney completely ripped up and replaced for probably $7000 and up.
The fierglass stucco hardened after 48 hours and my chimney looks better than it ever did....
He had a booklet showing other jobs he had done from floor tiles,roofing,gutter drains,windows replacements his crew are the complete package for housing needs from the roof to the foundation....
I will call him for other household repairs down the road....
He works all over from Buffalo,NY,Ohio and Jamestown NY and other places...
Thank you ....Mr.Robert Russo from Exteriors by MariaRepair chimney....
"

+14

Recommended by82%of homeowners

Serving Alfred, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"They finished my sidewalks today and I've already scheduled them to come back for more projects, they do quality work at a affordable price and there fast."

+15

Response time1 day

Recommended by63%of homeowners

Serving Alfred, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2015

Small jobs welcome

Credit card accepted

"They were prompt in contacting me and they were able to come out the same day. They were polite and professional and cost for the job was fair. Definitely will use their services again"

Response time10 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Showing 1-10 of 27

Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

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.

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.

Footings for ground-level decks need to be at least 12 inches deep, and some areas require them to be even deeper. A standard range for deck footings is anywhere from 12 to 48 inches. The minimum footing depth is determined by an area’s frost line and soil conditions. If you’re unsure how deep to install deck footings, check local building codes to find the minimum footing depth in your area.

Routine cleaning, sealing/staining, and inspection prolong deck life and appearance.

Local building codes don’t specify the number of steps a deck can have before a railing is required, mainly because stair height varies widely. Most areas require decks 30 inches or higher to have a railing. While not exact, that roughly equates to four to seven steps.

The Alfred, NY homeowners’ guide to deck maintenance services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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