"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."
"Yes, the handyman did a great job. For a senior citizen, it's a little on the expensive side. Must budget my items that need fixing on a month-by-month basis; perhaps, establishing a senior discount would be nice. Otherwise, great people! Great concept!"
"Tim did a very nice job of fixing parts of the deck where some floor boards were coming lose and adding screws to the flooring for improved stability. Then he completed the job with two coatings. He kept us informed of the progress, worked independently and also cleaned up and replaced deck furniture. Highly recommend!"
"Everything went great with Deck Dudez! Tom came out to inspect our deck along with giving us the best options for rebuilding. He was polite, professional and made us feel confident in our choice to go with him. Deck Dudez worked with us to create the deck I had envisioned and it looks beautiful! I look forward to many days spent out there! Will definitely be calling again for when we need to front done."
"My wife and I were thrilled with the work that D&E Lawn Care and pressure washing Team did at our home. We reached out originally as D&E Lawn Care and pressure washing had done a project with us a few years ago when they just started an We were thrilled to learn that the Company now offers full property services in our area. We engaged them for a new landscape design and for property maintenance services. The process was seamless from the first call we made an they rezch to work on time , and the result is just what we hoped for! D&E and the whole crew, they were extremely caring and professional throughout the project. I would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the extraordinary focus and passion D&E brings to the work. D&E team is highly responsive and has stayed on top of every detail to get the job perfectly done. they translated our vision to a perfect design an we are very much Satisfy we look forward to years working D&E Lawn Care and pressure washing."
For the best results, stay off of your deck for at least 48 hours after sealing it. Giving the sealant at least two full days to cure ensures it can fully penetrate the wood, giving you the most protection from sun and weather damage later on. Walking on the deck too soon can prevent it from properly curing and cause your deck to weather prematurely.
To flatten a cupped deck board, start by ensuring it’s dry. Then, try flipping the board over so the cupped side faces down and reattach it. If that’s not possible, you can use screws to pull it tighter to the joists or plane the edges slightly to reduce the cup. It’s best to replace severely cupped boards.
Most building codes require that railing spindles (also known as balusters) on decks or stairs be spaced no more than four inches apart. This safety standard is often called the '4-inch sphere rule,' which means a sphere with a 4-inch diameter should not be able to pass through the opening between balusters. This rule is in place to prevent small children and pets from slipping through the railing. For the same reason, the space between the bottom rail and the deck or floor surface should also be no more than four inches. As a general guideline, professionals often install three balusters per foot of railing. However, since specific requirements can vary by location, it is essential to check your local building codes to ensure compliance before starting your project.
Any wood deck provides some ventilation to the area below, as is the nature of that type of deck design. However, areas that experience excessive humidity and associated moisture benefit greatly from a dedicated ventilation system in the form of strip vents. This addition helps the various wood boards contract and expand evenly throughout the years and reduces the chances of twisting, warping, and buckling.
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 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.