What maintenance does a wood deck need?

• <div><p>A wood deck needs an annual cleaning, plus refinishing every two to three years, which involves <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-sand-deck.htm">sanding the deck</a> and applying stain or sealer. If you have a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-paint-deck.htm">painted deck</a>, you’ll need to repaint it every 10 years. You should also fix and repair loose or broken deck boards, nails, and screws. Cleaning your deck regularly and applying sealant protects the wood from the elements, water damage, rot, mildew, and fading from the sun.</p></div>

Is it worth sanding a deck?

• <div><p>It is definitely worth sanding a deck to ensure the wood absorbs new stain. Sanding a deck removes the outer layers of aging wood, allowing the stain to penetrate. It also gives a fresh look to the entire surface as part of the <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-refinish-deck.htm">deck refinishing process</a>. Without sanding, your stain or sealant is less likely to absorb into the wood. While sanding a deck is a time-intensive project, the rewards are noticeable and long-lasting.</p></div>

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Q: What is the four-inch ball rule for deck railings?

• <div><p>While building your deck, you might come across something called the four-inch sphere rule. Essentially, this <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/railing-requirements-for-deck.htm">railing requirement for a deck</a> states that a four-inch ball should not be able to fit through any gap in the deck railings. The gap between spindles and between the decking and the bottom of the railing must be less than four inches to prevent small children or pets from squeezing through the gap. </p></div>

Q: Should deck skirting touch the ground?

• <div><p>Deck skirting shouldn&rsquo;t touch the ground, especially if you have a wood deck, which is vulnerable to moisture. Ideally, you should leave at least 3/4 of an inch of space between the deck skirting and the ground for more ventilation. Pros also recommend that you incorporate about 1 square foot of space for ventilation for the underside of the deck to every 150 square feet of decking. Proper ventilation prevents mold growth and rot that can damage your deck.</p></div>

Q: How should stair stringers be attached to a deck?

• <div><p>There are several methods for attaching stair stringers to a deck. The best way is to bolt the stringers to the deck joists using three carriage bolts in a triangular pattern. This method offers the sturdiest fit for stairs that won&rsquo;t budge. Alternatively, attach the stringers to the deck rims using lag bolts or to the posts using adjustable slope hangers.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck And Porch Service pros in Massena, NY

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

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Last update on November 21, 2025

Reviewed in November 2025
Love our new deck! It looks amazing and was built with great care and detail. Highly recommend!
Jones Contracting
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Reviewed in June 2025
I signed three separate contracts for three separate jobs in May 2022. The roof was not done until October of that year and it was only after my insurance company said they would cancel my homeowners insurance if it was not completed. The porch work was done in October and by Spring most of...
Combat Builders
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Reviewed in January 2025
This company is by far the best company I ever ever worked with. Their work is exemplary. They are true professionals who take pride in their work they do. They have done various jobs for me and I have never been disappointed but exceptionally pleased at the final outcome Unfortunately this is...
Renewed Spaces
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Reviewed in July 2022
It was much more than a power washing project. They stained the back deck after power washing, too. They were amenable to my additional requests including taming a backyard overgrown with weeds, ivy and very tall grass. There was a lot I asked if they would do. They were reliable and got on...
Extra Hands, LLC
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Reviewed in June 2021
Fast, courteous, great quality, and best of all patient with all of our changes. We were not always very specific with what we needed and they were able to come up with great ideas for us. Projects included painting, carpentry, roof work, deck, and flooring. Really good experience working with...
Mac Handyman
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Reviewed in November 2020
Great in all ways. Friendly and helpful workers did an amazing job, with our white siding looking fresh and bright again and windows sparkling. Deck and concrete and gutter cleaning top rate. I recommend this company to everyone- accommodating service and beautiful outcome. Top rating!
Martinez & Sons Power Washing & Window Cleaning
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Reviewed in May 2018
we called 2-3 contractors who did not want to come over to look at the job. They wanted us to send a photo. Alex answered the phone call, came over the next day, gave us a quote and brought with him a color chart to pick the stain. Since it was too cold outside to do the porch, he promised to...
5 star hardwood flooring&painting
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Reviewed in April 2017
I had a sash from a Pella window that had rotted out after not too many years. I made a two hour round trip to Crawford so they could measure the sash to insure I got the right size. I was told delivery would be two to three weeks. After five weeks I started leaving phone and email messages...
CRAWFORD DOOR & WINDOW SALES
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Reviewed in September 2015
Contractor was very personable at the start. Knew what I wanted and gave me a price with the promise that it would be perfect and done in 5 days. Walls, ceiling and floor demolished. Moved a pipe to inside a wall and dropped the ceiling to even it up with old tub enclosure. He did replace 3...
Clare Home Improvement LLC
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Reviewed in September 2014
Couldn't have gone better. Santiago was the first to reply to my email and he came the next day to give us an estimate. I never even saw anyone else; I hired him on the spot. He started on the day he said he would and it was a wonderful exprerience to work with someone as lovely as Santiago and...
Professional House Painter
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Northern NY Contracting, LLC

Northern NY Contracting, LLC

Legault-Construction

Legault-Construction

Decomm

Decomm

I&B Construction

I&B Construction

Off Campus, Inc.

Off Campus, Inc.

Painting Etc., Inc.

Painting Etc., Inc.

Clarks Lawn and Land Maintenance

Clarks Lawn and Land Maintenance

Mikalunas Builders LLC

Mikalunas Builders LLC

White-j contracting and services

White-j contracting and services

Maverick's Construction

Maverick's Construction

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