"Chris with Friesen Family Renovations, LLC was very professional and thorough in the work he has completed. He installed a new screen door, replaced my tub stem and faucet, repaired my subfloor in the kitchen and installed brand new LVP flooring to replace old and water damaged flooring. He also mounted a television for me, and did some drywall repairs as well. I would recommend this business to anyone looking for quality and dependable work!"
"Called, he called me back a few minutes later and instead of charging me for a service call, he walked me through the fix on the phone in less than 5 minutes! Very professional and courteous. I would definitely hire him for future work!"
Reiss Demoscape is a family owned and operated business specializing in demolition, excavation, and landscaping services. We combine skilled workmanship, dependable service, and a commitment to safety to deliver high-quality results that exceed our customers' expectations.
"We had an emergency in the family. Richard and Tony were considerate and understanding about us having to cancel our project. They promptly returned our deposit and made us feel better about having to cancel. Very few contractors would be as considerate and compassionate as they were to us. I hope to recover soon and have them come back."
"He was as usual great. He did a fantastic job and made our home look like new. Cleaned it top to bottom and the gutters and eves looked as if they were just installed when he finished. Very friendly and finished right on time and arrived when he promised, and we will continue to use his service again and again. We have recommended him to our neighbors and they were thrilled with their results. Thank you for such a great job."
"My microwave oven broke right before the Thanksgiving holiday. Help!!! I called By All Means And More and, as usual, they rescued me. They installed my new microwave very quickly. They came just a few days after I called them and put me into their schedule as an emergency. I have used these guys for all sorts of construction and fixes around the house. They are friendly, courteous, clean and always do what they promised to do. They clean up after themselves beautifully. Their list of references is a mile long. ?"
"Matt was very easy to communicate with. He showed up on time and completed work quickly. He always checked in to make sure we were happy with the results."
"This company was referred to me by a family friend after they had done work for them at their house. I found them to be very professional and budget friendly. Will definitely use them again in the future!"
While experienced DIYers may take on the challenge, hiring a licensed professional is often the best route, especially for larger or elevated structures. A local deck contractor is typically the best pro for the job, as they have specialized experience and are knowledgeable about local building codes, ensuring your deck is built safely and designed to last. Other professionals who can build a deck include general contractors and carpenters, who may be more readily available in some regions.
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.
Deck skirting shouldn’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.
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’t budge. Alternatively, attach the stringers to the deck rims using lag bolts or to the posts using adjustable slope hangers.
Whether composite decking is better than wood depends on your priorities, especially regarding budget and maintenance. Composite decking offers superior longevity (30 to 50 years) and durability, and it is low-maintenance, requiring no sanding, staining, or sealing. In contrast, wood decks typically last 10 to 30 years and need refinishing every few years. While the upfront cost of composite is higher than wood, the reduced maintenance can lead to long-term savings. If a lower initial cost is the primary factor, wood is the more affordable choice.
The Hopedale, OH homeowners’ guide to deck maintenance services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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.
Finding maintenance-free decking that works for your home, budget, and lifestyle can be challenging. This guide lists the 7 best low-maintenance deck materials.
