Get matched with top deck maintenance specialists in Hornell, NY

Q: What is the proper and most comfortable height for deck stair risers?

• <div><p>The proper and most comfortable height for a deck stair riser, also called a step, is between four and seven inches. A height of seven inches is often considered ideal for a strain-free step that minimizes the risk of trips and falls. While it is possible to have risers up to 12 inches, this height can be challenging for children, pets, or individuals with mobility issues. For optimal safety and comfort, pair a seven-inch riser with a tread depth (or run) of at least 10 to 12 inches. Always check your local building codes, as they may have specific requirements that differ from these general recommendations.</p></div>

Q: Do elevated decks require stairs?

• <div><p>Some elevated decks require stairs that lead to the ground level per the local fire codes in some municipalities. In other regions, a staircase is an optional feature that can increase accessibility and convenience for homeowners who want ground-level access to their deck. Additionally, a staircase is necessary if your home doesn't have an existing door leading to the deck.</p></div>

Q: How do I prepare the ground under the deck?

• <div><p>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&rsquo;s foundation where water could pool. Once you or a contractor <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-do-i-regrade-around-my-house-foundation.htm">regrades the dirt under the deck</a>, you then can add materials over the top.</p></div>

Q: Should deck boards be nailed or screwed?

• <div><p>When installing deck boards, screws are generally a better option than nails. Screws offer superior holding strength over time, keeping the boards securely in place. In contrast, nails are more likely to pop out, which can create a tripping hazard. While you can use either, we recommend using 3-inch galvanized deck screws. To minimize the risk of cracking the wood, it's a good practice to drill small pilot holes before driving the screws into the deck joists.</p></div>

Q: Should deck color be lighter or darker than house?

• <div><p>Choosing whether your deck should be lighter or darker than your house is a matter of personal preference, as there is no right or wrong answer. However, considering the pros and cons of each can help guide your decision. Darker colors are often chosen because they show less dirt, footprints, and marks from daily wear, making them easier to keep clean. On the other hand, lighter deck colors tend to stay cooler in the summer. From a design perspective, using a deck color that contrasts with your home's exterior can help make the deck a more defined and distinct feature. Consulting color theory can also make the process of choosing a complementary house and deck color combination easier.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Maintenance pros in Hornell, NY

*The Angi rating for Deck Maintenance companies in Hornell, 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 Hornell, 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 January 22, 2026

Reviewed in January 2026
I needed to have a ramp built and my porch done and I contacted D&M Contracting and they were very professional and did a wonderful job. I will be definitely using them again for any and all my home repair/remodeling needs.
D&M Contracting
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Reviewed in March 2025
I sure did pick the Right contractor for my new roof and total remodel of my whole house. Dale Randall Roofing. He is very high quality bringing in the all professional help, During the estimate process he throughly went over everything with me , He took many pictures for me to see all...
Quality Roofing LLC
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Reviewed in March 2024
I recently hired Bennys Lawn Service to take care of my yard, and I am extremely satisfied with their work. The team was professional, punctual, and did a fantastic job at maintaining my lawn. They mowed, trimmed, and cleaned up after themselves, leaving my yard looking neat and well-manicured. ...
Benny's Lawn Service
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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 April 2023
Wonderful work! top service! Will use again for my daughters home. Such great colors and technique. Really went the extra mile!
Magi Touch Flooring
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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
Excellent! These guys fixed my roof and installed new gutters. The work quality was excellent very professional. Worked around my wife's flower beds and stayed until the job was done no excuses. We had 3 other estimates Southern District Contracting Services beat all three estimates and...
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 Hornell

JoG Pressure Washing and Cleaning LLC

5.0(

)

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Hornell, NY and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"I was extremely pleased with the work done on my patio. Jason is a very hard worker and is focused on making sure of the customers satisfaction. I would highly recommend Jog pressure washing and cleaning."

+29

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Hornell, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 1995

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Excellent service and very friendly staff"

Response time1 day

Recommended by81%of homeowners

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Hornell, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"GoProPaint team did an excellent job. They were timely and communicative. We quoted over 3 different companies and GPP was the most responsive, honest, and diligent company. I would 100% recommend them and will be using them moving forward. We had a large job to be done, between a main house and apartment and they did everything well and even cleaned up at the end of the job."

+44

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Louie's Renovations & Handyman Services

5.0(

)

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving Hornell, 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

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Hornell, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Maria and her team were very professional and courteous. They worked well together and hardly ever took breaks. This team hand brushed the entire house and it looks great. Clean-up was well done too. Maria was one of the only painters in the area that was willing to work us into her very busy schedule. She knew we had a very strict timeline and the job had to be finished quickly (we had renters arriving). Despite all the rain we had last week and an unfortunate personal issue, they got the job done just in time. I'm grateful for Maria and her team and their diligence. We would recommend this team and would definitely hire them again. Thanks Maria!
"

+14

Recommended by82%of homeowners

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Hornell, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"Great experience. Work was done on time. Very professional and friendly. I would definitely recommend company to others. Iwill be using them for other prohects."

+15

Response time1 day

Recommended by63%of homeowners

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving Hornell, 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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DEAN'S HOME IMPROVEMENTS

3.7(

)

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving Hornell, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Free estimates

"I used Dean for two jobs and was impressed with how polite and knowledgeable he was. If he was not able to arrive at the specified time he informed me. The first job was a reshingle job for my daughter which was completed in a timely fashion without a hitch. The second job was a teardown and shingle for my home. There were a couple of glitches due to incompetence on the part of a worker who is no longer with him. Dean immediately went above and beyond what was necessary to correct these errors and I am confident that should any other problems arise he will take care of them. I will certainly contact him if I have any further work to be done"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Hornell, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

"Mr. Potter called me right away after I searched on line. He is very friendly and nice and eager to please. I would not hesitate to recommend his service."

Response time5 days

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Hornell, NY and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"I think they are doing a wonderful job, I am very happy what they have done for us, he made everything on my wishlist."

Response time2 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Showing 1-10 of 29

Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

The proper and most comfortable height for a deck stair riser, also called a step, is between four and seven inches. A height of seven inches is often considered ideal for a strain-free step that minimizes the risk of trips and falls. While it is possible to have risers up to 12 inches, this height can be challenging for children, pets, or individuals with mobility issues. For optimal safety and comfort, pair a seven-inch riser with a tread depth (or run) of at least 10 to 12 inches. Always check your local building codes, as they may have specific requirements that differ from these general recommendations.

Some elevated decks require stairs that lead to the ground level per the local fire codes in some municipalities. In other regions, a staircase is an optional feature that can increase accessibility and convenience for homeowners who want ground-level access to their deck. Additionally, a staircase is necessary if your home doesn't have an existing door leading to the deck.

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.

When installing deck boards, screws are generally a better option than nails. Screws offer superior holding strength over time, keeping the boards securely in place. In contrast, nails are more likely to pop out, which can create a tripping hazard. While you can use either, we recommend using 3-inch galvanized deck screws. To minimize the risk of cracking the wood, it's a good practice to drill small pilot holes before driving the screws into the deck joists.

Choosing whether your deck should be lighter or darker than your house is a matter of personal preference, as there is no right or wrong answer. However, considering the pros and cons of each can help guide your decision. Darker colors are often chosen because they show less dirt, footprints, and marks from daily wear, making them easier to keep clean. On the other hand, lighter deck colors tend to stay cooler in the summer. From a design perspective, using a deck color that contrasts with your home's exterior can help make the deck a more defined and distinct feature. Consulting color theory can also make the process of choosing a complementary house and deck color combination easier.

The Hornell, NY homeowners’ guide to deck maintenance services

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