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Kephart Custom Building & Remodeling
3.8(
10
)
Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving Howard, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 1992

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"We were very pleased with the workmanship and professional results, which exceeded our expectations. He took the time to explore options during the initial on-site review and to point out both positive and negative aspects of each option (i.e., a "no suprises" approach). He used only quality materials on our deck roof. He followed up with questions as needed to verify our preferences. He started and completed the job on schedule and cleaned the work site."
Foundation
cd and record storage
Framing / Service
Tv Box
Addition

+7

Recommended by87%of homeowners
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Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

When building an outdoor or deck gate, it's crucial to use durable wood that can withstand harsh weather conditions like sunlight, rain, wind, and snow. Redwood and cedar are excellent choices as they naturally resist decay. While redwood is considered more elegant, cedar is a more affordable option. Other suitable woods include oak and pressure-treated pine, which is specifically treated to resist rot. Although some softwoods like pine are popular, untreated softwoods such as pine and spruce should generally be avoided for outdoor projects because they are susceptible to damage from water, rot, and the sun. Ultimately, it's wise to consider your local climate when selecting the right wood for your gate.

Cutting the boards directly is one of the fastest ways to remove deck boards with hidden fasteners. Mark two parallel lines that are one-third of the total measurement on both ends and cut out the centerpiece. Then, remove the end of the board that doesn’t have a fastener. Finally, pry open the fastened side and pull it up to pop out the screw or access the fastener. This also allows you to salvage portions of boards for other projects.

DIY staining or painting is manageable with proper preparation, including safety measures, necessary tools, and adherence to safe weather conditions for application.

Composite decking requires a solid foundation or substructure for support. This base is typically a frame composed of posts, beams, joists, and footings. The frame can be built from various materials, such as composite, plastic, timber, or metal, depending on your budget, deck type, and environmental conditions. For maximum stability, a professional deck builder may recommend installing this frame on top of a solid concrete base. It is best to discuss the most suitable substructure design and materials for your specific project with a professional.

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 Howard, PA homeowners’ guide to deck maintenance services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.