Get matched with top deck cleaning pros in Marietta, OH

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.

There are ways to clean your deck to help maintain a clean appearance. You can easily remove surface-level dirt and grime by wetting your deck with a hose and doing a quick scrub with store-bought deck cleaner monthly. 

However, investing in professional deck cleaning services near you at least twice a year is worth it. This service saves you time and ensures that your deck will avoid accidentally becoming scratched by blasting the pressure washer at the wrong angle.

The best direction for a gate to swing depends on its location and purpose, but swinging inward is the general rule. An inward swing is often considered safer, prevents the gate from opening into public spaces like a sidewalk, and may be required by local building codes.

There are exceptions and specific considerations. If your property is on a slope, an inward swing might not be possible. For a deck gate, it's safest to have it swing away from any steps. In a backyard, the direction can be a matter of preference, though an inward swing can be helpful when carrying heavy items like a wheelbarrow into a garden.

Regardless of direction, ensure the gate can open fully without hitting any objects or blocking spaces. While an inward swing is standard, a gate that can swing both in and out offers the most flexibility if your setup allows for it.

For a 12x20-foot (240-square-foot) deck, you can expect to pay between $7,200 and $14,400. This cost is based on a general price of $30 to $60 per square foot. The final price will depend on factors such as the decking material, design complexity, deck type, location, and local labor costs. Keep in mind that add-ons will increase the total; for example, adding an under-deck drainage system to a deck of this size could cost an additional $7,700.