How hard is it to build a deck yourself?

• <div><p>Building a deck isn't too hard if you’re handy with carpentry, have the necessary tools, and are willing to put effort into it. However, other factors, such as plans, permits, and design, can be hard if you don’t have experience in those areas.</p><p>Note: You’ll need another person to help you build the deck (especially for framing and setting the beams). Building a deck yourself will be very difficult if you don’t have an extra set of hands to help.</p></div>

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Q: Is composite decking better than real wood?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

Q: How hard is it to build a deck yourself?

• <div><p>Building a deck isn't too hard if you&rsquo;re handy with carpentry, have the necessary tools, and are willing to put effort into it. However, other factors, such as plans, permits, and design, can be hard if you don&rsquo;t have experience in those areas.</p><p>Note: You&rsquo;ll need another person to help you build the deck (especially for framing and setting the beams). Building a deck yourself will be very difficult if you don&rsquo;t have an extra set of hands to help.</p></div>

Q: What is the best sustainable wood material for decks?

• <div><p>When sourced responsibly, the most sustainable wood decking options are timber trees like redwood, pine, Douglas fir, Nootka cypress, and Western red cedar. These tree species are fast-growing with low carbon emissions. Plus, most timber woods make durable deck materials because of their resistance to rot and decay over time. </p></div>

Q: Do I need to seal the underside of a deck?

• <div><p>Staining and sealing the underside of a deck creates a moisture barrier but traps water in the boards, quickly leading to rot. No matter how well you seal the above deck, water still gets through via nails and screw heads on the surface. Allow this water to flow naturally under the deck, where it is routed through the drainage system.</p></div>

Q: What is the best material or fill to put under a deck?

• <div><p>While you can use various materials like sand or even just soil, gravel is widely considered the best option to put under a deck. It provides excellent drainage and is resistant to water, fire, and pests. Gravel also helps anchor the soil to prevent erosion during heavy rain and acts as a built-in weed blocker, reducing regular upkeep. Furthermore, it is simple to spread, available in various textures and tones, and adds a polished look that complements any deck design.</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

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.

Building a deck isn't too hard if you’re handy with carpentry, have the necessary tools, and are willing to put effort into it. However, other factors, such as plans, permits, and design, can be hard if you don’t have experience in those areas.

Note: You’ll need another person to help you build the deck (especially for framing and setting the beams). Building a deck yourself will be very difficult if you don’t have an extra set of hands to help.

When sourced responsibly, the most sustainable wood decking options are timber trees like redwood, pine, Douglas fir, Nootka cypress, and Western red cedar. These tree species are fast-growing with low carbon emissions. Plus, most timber woods make durable deck materials because of their resistance to rot and decay over time.

Staining and sealing the underside of a deck creates a moisture barrier but traps water in the boards, quickly leading to rot. No matter how well you seal the above deck, water still gets through via nails and screw heads on the surface. Allow this water to flow naturally under the deck, where it is routed through the drainage system.

While you can use various materials like sand or even just soil, gravel is widely considered the best option to put under a deck. It provides excellent drainage and is resistant to water, fire, and pests. Gravel also helps anchor the soil to prevent erosion during heavy rain and acts as a built-in weed blocker, reducing regular upkeep. Furthermore, it is simple to spread, available in various textures and tones, and adds a polished look that complements any deck design.

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.

See all articles

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Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
Cost to Seal or Waterproof a Deck [2026 Data]
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Top Deck Maintenance Tips for Every Decking Material
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.
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Deck Maintenance Checklists for Every Season
Keep your decking looking new with this deck maintenance checklist.
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Jul 31, 2026Jul 31, 2026
7 Best Maintenance-Free Decking 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.