"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."
Whether you need a permit depends on the deck design and local regulations. Most areas mandate a building permit if the deck is over a specific height or if it's attached to a pre-existing structure. Shorter, freestanding decks may not require a permit, but you should check with local zoning ordinances and your homeowners association for specifics.
The proper height for a stair riser or deck step is between four and seven inches, with seven inches often considered the most comfortable. Building your stairs to this height ensures a strain-free step position and minimizes the risk of trip and fall injuries. For optimal safety and comfort, especially on deck stairs, a rise of around seven inches should be paired with a tread depth (or run) of at least 10 to 12 inches. While it is possible to design stairs with risers up to 12 inches, this height can be challenging for children, pets, or individuals with mobility issues. Always check with your local building codes, as they may mandate specific dimensions that differ from these general recommendations.
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.
Yes, deck pier blocks can be used as an alternative to traditional deck footings, particularly for small or low-to-the-ground decks. Unlike poured concrete and buried post footings, deck blocks don’t require digging or pouring. However, their use is regulated by local building codes, and they may not be permitted in areas prone to high winds, earthquakes, or hurricanes. Always consult your local building codes before choosing them for your deck project.
Most building codes require that spindles or balusters on deck and stair railings be spaced no more than four inches apart. This safety standard, often called the '4-inch sphere rule,' is designed to prevent small children or pets from slipping through the railing. A good way to visualize this is that a 4-inch sphere should not be able to pass between two spindles. For the same safety reason, the space between the bottom rail and the deck floor 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 crucial to check your local building codes to ensure compliance before starting your project.
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.
