"Scott was very patient and responsive to our specific needs with fixing up our deck. We were on vacation while the work was being done and he still managed to work closely with us! He is extremely knowledgeable and was able to steer us in the right direction for what we wanted done. And the finished product is amazing! It’s like a whole new deck!"
"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!"
"Fantastic job! My house looks brand new again and didn’t remember it was that color! Awesome attention to detail; my yard looks amazing! Will definitely hire again and again. Affordable too!!"
"They really did an exceptional job. The deck rebuild was a complicated job. The deck wasn’t built correctly originally so CM Contracting had to extensively modify the structure. They really did a great job. The deck looks really great, and I think I now have the strongest deck in the Lehigh Valley. The chimney work was a big concern of mine going into the job. The previous owner of the house let the chimney cap rust, and the rust stains ran down the Dryvit. It really looked bad. Chris worked with his paint supplier to get the color to match perfectly. He had Sherwin Williams out to my house on several occasions because Chris wanted it done right. It far exceeded my expectations, and now looks perfect. The caulking and power washing all went well too. I would highly recommend CM Contracting. Chris is very responsive. We would communicate often via phone or txt. His crew is great too. Very polite and friendly."
"Christian, Chris and Julie worked on the remodel of my bathroom and they all were very pleasant, knowledgeable and quality oriented. Iâ d hire them in an instant for any home project!!!!!!"
While experienced DIYers may take on the challenge, hiring a licensed professional is often the best route, especially for larger or elevated structures. A local deck contractor is typically the best pro for the job, as they have specialized experience and are knowledgeable about local building codes, ensuring your deck is built safely and designed to last. Other professionals who can build a deck include general contractors and carpenters, who may be more readily available in some regions.
A random orbital sander is best for sanding a deck because it is easier to handle than other power sanders and is less likely to damage the wood. Most decks are made of types of softwood, so a gentler sanding process is essential to prevent permanent blemishes. For example, belt sanders can gouge softwoods.
Yes. Composite decking is resistant to moisture and freezing temperatures, so it’s an ideal material to use in particularly cold or damp seasons. You can install this type of decking throughout the year since it does not warp or split in the cold.
It’s best to use two screws to secure deck boards into every joist. Securing the boards to every joist makes the deck more structurally sound, while using two screws on the outer sides of the boards can help prevent warping and cupping.
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 Emmaus, 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.
