"I am very pleased with refurbished deck. The pergola was pressure washed and stained. The deck was demoed to the framing and rotted joists replaced. All of the deck boards were replaced and meticulously cut around the pool. The worksite was cleaned up every night. Very pleased."
As North America's most trusted handyman company, Mr. Handyman is the largest employer of home repair contractors in U.S. and Canada. For more than 15 years we've consistently hired experienced, reliable employees whose skills are further refined through technical and customer service training. All of our handyman service technicians are licensed, insured, background checked and drug tested for your safety and theirs. That means you'll receive consistently high quality work from safe, reliable, professional handymen. Mr. Handyman's professionals arrive in nationally-recognized uniforms and branded vans that are stocked with every tool they'll need. Our on-time record is second to none, and we arrive ready to work. One phone call to Mr. Handyman hires professionals who complete your entire "To Do" list. Every task, whether major or minor home repair, is prioritized according to your needs. For all your major and minor home repair needs, call Mr. Handyman today!
"The work was done with a lot of professionalism and the the come was wonderful. Michelle and I have been wanting to plan these trees for privacy and the work seem overwhelming to us because the project required planting 15 thuja. Evergreen trees. We finally decided to hire D&E Lawn Care and Pressure Washing as er recommendation from a friend and it was a very good decision because their job was awesome our trees look amazing, they clear the debris and cleaned up. They were very efficient and professional."
"RMJ painting was professional, on time and very clean and careful when painting. Any concerns I had they addressed it right away. My wife and I are very happy with the results. I would hire them again and also recommend them to anyone who is looking for a Quality painting company."
"He is very easy to do business with and very knowledgeable. He was very conscientious and thorough. They cleaned up when they were done and the place was spotless."
While the terms deck and porch are often used interchangeably, they are two distinct structures. A porch is a covered structure, usually attached to the front of a home, that offers protection from the elements. In contrast, a deck is an open, uncovered platform, often attached to the back or side of a home. Because porches have a roof, they typically require less maintenance than decks, but both features need regular cleaning and repairs to stay in good condition.
In most cases, there should be a small gap between the house and the deck, usually no more than ½ to ¾ of an inch. This space allows water and moisture to flow through instead of pooling against the side of your house. It also lets flashing protect your siding from runoff, which is one of the most common issues with decks.
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.
When building a deck, #2 grade lumber is a go-to for several reasons. It’s strong, budget-friendly, and works well for most framing and decking needs. But upgrading to #1 or Appearance Grade can give your deck that extra visual edge if you're after a cleaner, more polished look for high-visibility spots.
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.
The Allentown, PA homeowners’ guide to deck cleaning services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Refinishing your deck is a great way to restore its appearance and fall in love with your outdoor space. Use this guide to learn how much it costs based on factors like size and type.
Learn how to clean a deck before staining to ensure long-lasting adhesion, weatherproofing, and optimum appearance of this coloring and protecting treatment.
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.
Knowing how to clean and seal a deck can help extend its life and keep it looking like new. This DIY guide sheds light on the best way to clean a wood deck.