How wide can deck stairs be with two stringers?

• <div><p>Deck stairs should have at least three stringers rather than two. The recommended minimum width for stairs is 36 inches, and the <a href="https://www.nachi.org/inspecting-stair-stringers.htm">International Association of Certified Home Inspectors</a> recommends at least three cut stringers to provide sufficient support on wood decking stairs of this width. Generally, stringers should be a maximum of 16 inches apart for wood decking and 12 inches apart for more flexible composite decking.</p></div>

Is vinyl decking cheaper than wood?

• <div><p>It depends on the type of wood. The average <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-build-deck.htm#additional-costs">cost to build a deck</a> out of pressure-treated lumber is <b>$15 to $25 per square foot</b>, but more affordable varieties such as bamboo and cedar cost less at around <b>$3 to $10 per square foot</b>. However, when comparing the cost of vinyl decking versus wood decking, it’s important to also consider ongoing maintenance costs. For example, most woods require regular sealing to keep them protected against weather and rot.</p></div>

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Q: Which is better, Trex or PVC decking?

• <div><p>The choice between Trex, a brand of composite decking, and PVC decking depends on your priorities regarding budget, appearance, and environmental impact. Both materials are durable and resistant to moisture and insects. Trex is often considered more eco-friendly because it contains recycled wood and plastic and is 25% recyclable, while PVC is fully synthetic and harder to recycle. Aesthetically, Trex is designed to look more like real wood, whereas PVC often has a glossier, more plastic-like finish. In terms of cost, Trex is typically less expensive than PVC.</p></div>

Q: Do I need a permit to build a floating deck?

• <div><p>In many areas, a floating deck that isn&rsquo;t connected to your home and stays under 200 square feet and below 30 inches in height may not need a permit. These freestanding structures are often considered low-risk, which can simplify the building process. However, building codes vary greatly based on location. Before investing in any home improvement project, check with your local permitting office for deck-building guidelines. </p></div>

Q: What is the life expectancy of decking boards?

• <div><p>The life expectancy of deck boards varies widely based on the material, climate, and maintenance. Untreated wood boards typically last 10 to 30 years with proper care, while pressure-treated boards can last up to 50 years. Hardwoods generally outlast softwoods. Composite boards also tend to last longer than natural wood. Environmental factors like arid or humid climates can shorten a deck's lifespan. To extend the life of wood decking, it's important to consistently clean and seal it to protect against moisture, UV light, and insects.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Maintenance pros in Baker City, OR

*The Angi rating for Deck Maintenance companies in Baker City, OR 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 Baker City, OR 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 September 27, 2025

Reviewed in September 2025
Andy and Brian are very good contractors and I’m very pleased with the work they did and would hire them again for anything
Bakers Best Painting Plus, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2024
Dave and his crew were great and our new gutters have made a HUGE difference in our yard and driveway this Spring. I highly recommend Top Notch here in Baker city! We are fortunate to have a seamless gutter business in Eastern Oregon to avoid travel charges out of Boise or the like. Thank you,...
Top Notch Roofing & Gutters, LLC
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Reviewed in March 2024
Beau w. And Anthony v. were our installers were excellent installers. From the start they called to let us know ETA. They were most professional, efficien, courteous. All our questions were answered. Spent time explaining lock system, care, and maintenance. Cleanup was excellent. Hauled off all...
Renewal by Andersen of Boise
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Reviewed in June 2023
They were so nice and professional. Great pricing and did a awesome job. Highly recommend.
Steele Roofing And Construction LLC
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Reviewed in March 2023
Very friendly, prompt service. Made sure everything was in good working order before leaving. I would definitely recommend.
First Rate Chimney
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Reviewed in May 2020
I needed lawn mowing and maintenance service and through Home Advisor I found DMJ Property Services. I couldn t be more pleased with the service and response time from them, it s great to know I don t have to worry about my lawn for the rest of the season.
DJM Property Services, LLC
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Reviewed in December 2019
completed the task of rebuilding my deck quickly and very neatly
Scrivner Painting, Inc.
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Reviewed in June 2019
Good customer service-returned to clean a missed area on the deck. However, work not completed on driveway. Area too far from the house and uphill for the machine to work. No offer to decrease contract price for incomplete job.
Peace Time Contracting, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2014
Seven years previous I had to rip out two layers of vinyl flooring and the particle board substrate in the kitchen and laundry rooms of my home due to infusion with mold, leaving me down to the tongue and groove subfloor, which I cleaned, colored and waxed to seal. I stuffed every blessed...
Cover Works
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Find Deck maintenance specialists in Baker City

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

Serving Baker City, OR and surrounding areas

In business since 2002

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Arrived on time, polite & professional, pressure washed deck and sealed it. Deck looked brand new when he finished
"

Recommended by53%of homeowners

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving Baker City, OR and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Great quality installation, respectful of their space and workers, amazing clean up and timely order."

Response time1 day

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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JBC Group Solutions Inc

4.0(

)

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

Serving Baker City, OR and surrounding areas

In business since 2007

Emergency services offered

"They did a real good job. They were real professional. We can now open the garage door from the inside of the house and now it is so smooth that we have to check to see if we hit the button to open it or close it. Before we used to know when it was opening or closing because it used to make a noise. It helps when you move to a city where you are new. "

Recommended by75%of homeowners

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Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

The choice between Trex, a brand of composite decking, and PVC decking depends on your priorities regarding budget, appearance, and environmental impact. Both materials are durable and resistant to moisture and insects. Trex is often considered more eco-friendly because it contains recycled wood and plastic and is 25% recyclable, while PVC is fully synthetic and harder to recycle. Aesthetically, Trex is designed to look more like real wood, whereas PVC often has a glossier, more plastic-like finish. In terms of cost, Trex is typically less expensive than PVC.

Deck stairs should have at least three stringers rather than two. The recommended minimum width for stairs is 36 inches, and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors recommends at least three cut stringers to provide sufficient support on wood decking stairs of this width. Generally, stringers should be a maximum of 16 inches apart for wood decking and 12 inches apart for more flexible composite decking.

It depends on the type of wood. The average cost to build a deck out of pressure-treated lumber is $15 to $25 per square foot, but more affordable varieties such as bamboo and cedar cost less at around $3 to $10 per square foot. However, when comparing the cost of vinyl decking versus wood decking, it’s important to also consider ongoing maintenance costs. For example, most woods require regular sealing to keep them protected against weather and rot.

In many areas, a floating deck that isn’t connected to your home and stays under 200 square feet and below 30 inches in height may not need a permit. These freestanding structures are often considered low-risk, which can simplify the building process. However, building codes vary greatly based on location. Before investing in any home improvement project, check with your local permitting office for deck-building guidelines.

The life expectancy of deck boards varies widely based on the material, climate, and maintenance. Untreated wood boards typically last 10 to 30 years with proper care, while pressure-treated boards can last up to 50 years. Hardwoods generally outlast softwoods. Composite boards also tend to last longer than natural wood. Environmental factors like arid or humid climates can shorten a deck's lifespan. To extend the life of wood decking, it's important to consistently clean and seal it to protect against moisture, UV light, and insects.

The Baker City, OR 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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