"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!"
"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."
It is possible to pressure wash your deck, but it’s usually best to leave the work to a professional for two main reasons. First, power washers are expensive, and you can avoid high upfront costs by hiring a deck washing pro instead. Second, you must be careful to use the correct setting to avoid damaging your deck material. You can only clean soft woods like pine with a wide spray and a low pressure; otherwise, the water will leave unpleasant marks on your deck. Hard woods, composite material, and metal can stand up to increasingly higher water pressures.
It’s important to make sure the wood on a new deck is properly seasoned. Seasoning a deck is simple: Once you build it (or have a pro do so), just leave it alone so it can acclimate to the environment. If you don’t give the deck proper seasoning time before staining, the stain can lock in any lingering moisture and cause mold, rot, and other moisture issues down the road. Give the wood at least four to eight weeks to season before you stain.
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.
Yes, it is possible to build a small, basic deck for $5,000, particularly if you use less expensive materials and a simple design. To stay within this budget, consider a size under 10x12 feet and use affordable materials like pressure-treated wood or cedar. While the general cost for deck building ranges from $4,350 to $12,560, with an average around $8,200, some projects can be completed for as little as $4,350. You can also save on labor costs by doing the work yourself, but be aware that mistakes could end up costing more than hiring a professional. A contractor may have a higher upfront cost, but they can ensure a safe, stable deck that will last.
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.
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.
