How wide can deck stairs be with two stringers?

• <div><p>Deck stairs should have at least three stringers rather than two. The recommended minimum width for stairs is 36 inches, and the <a href="https://www.nachi.org/inspecting-stair-stringers.htm">International Association of Certified Home Inspectors</a> recommends at least three cut stringers to provide sufficient support on wood decking stairs of this width. Generally, stringers should be a maximum of 16 inches apart for wood decking and 12 inches apart for more flexible composite decking.</p></div>

What other materials can I use instead of composite decking?

• <div><p>Composite decking boards aren't your only options for building a deck. There are several other <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/good-material-key-long-lasting-decks.htm">types of materials for decks</a>, including wood and aluminum decking. Wood decking comes in many different wood species, offering natural beauty and classy timelessness to your yard. Aluminum is a lightweight, water-resistant, and low-maintenance material that is also non-slip. </p></div>

Get matched with top deck maintenance specialists in Montrose, PA

Q: What is the standard spacing for railing spindles or balusters?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

Q: Is it necessary to skirt a deck?

• <div><p>No, it isn&rsquo;t necessary to skirt a deck, but investing in the cost to install deck skirting can bring more value to your home. Not only does deck skirting make the deck look more complete, but it can also turn otherwise unused space beneath the deck into useful storage space.</p></div>

Q: What is the best way to clean your decking?

• <div><p>The best way to clean your decking is to clear debris from the gaps between the boards, sweep the surface, rinse it, apply cleaner, rinse again, and let it dry fully. A homemade deck cleaner made of two gallons of warm water and 1/2 cup vinegar is a simple cleaning solution for both wood and composite decking. You can sprinkle baking soda on any spots with mold or mildew, then scrub the area and rinse clean. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Maintenance pros in Montrose, PA

*The Angi rating for Deck Maintenance companies in Montrose, PA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Deck Maintenance needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Deck Maintenance companies in Montrose, PA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Deck Maintenance needs.

Last update on June 30, 2026

Reviewed in June 2026
He was gruff on the phone while making assumptions about my deck replacement before he even saw it. His concern was the the floor joists were probably too wide. I said another contractor, who actually saw the deck, did not have his concern and that he ought to come out to see the deck to know...
FITANDFINISH CONSTRUCTION LLC
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Reviewed in August 2025
Thank you Juan, the owner/hands on operational manager of Lopez Landscaping and Hardscapes, LLC for a job well done. We love our yard so much. Your crew was so good to work with, no doubt that they aim to please. Thank you and your crew for doing a great job and working on our lawn and project....
Lopez Landscaping and Hardscapes, LLC
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Reviewed in April 2024
Joe Smith from modern scapes and Hydroseeding did an absolutely fantastic job replacing my old deck. He was always in contact with me with any questions he had about what I wanted. It was done in a timely fashion and it is a beautiful well built sturdy deck. I highly recommend him for anybody...
Modern Scapes and Hydroseeding
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Reviewed in March 2024
I have hired Gritt contracting a few times for different projects. Concrete, decking, inside construction (making a wall longer and wider to fit a new fridge into) flooring, pool deck, jeesh now that I think about it, they have done several things for me!! If you want Honest, perfectionists ,...
Gritt Contracting LLC
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Reviewed in January 2024
Replaced a wooden deck with PVC decking and extended the deck down a level with a new deck to a swim spa with the same PVC decking and added vinyl railings throughout.
Jack Rizzuto Remodeling
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Reviewed in July 2023
Very professional. The crew worked very hard through hot summer temperatures to get the job done. We are very happy with the new look of our house, garage & decks. Only a few minor complaints - some damage to flowers around the house & garage, and some problems with scheduling (partly...
Snyder's Painting
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Reviewed in November 2022
They did fine work for us. They did install stamped concrete around our pool deck. The only issue was they did cause a little damage during the installation on a window support. I had to contact them about them and they responded quickly that they would try to fix it. But the work performed was...
Starkrete
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Reviewed in June 2021
Northern Tier Hyrdro Wash was a pleasure to work with. They arrived right on time, were energetic and customer focused. This family run business were reasonable, looked over the job, made the necessary adjustments for the one older portion of the deck, covered the rose bushes and did a great...
Northern Tier Hydro Wash
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Reviewed in June 2021
An independent contractor who has sided our personal home & built a 2nd story deck in 2016 and sided a rental home In 2020. Harry is a hard worker with impeccable skills. He is a dedicated worker and is by no means a slacker. Harry sometimes works 7 days a week to complete a job...we...
Hahnebach Construction
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Reviewed in June 2019
We own a beach house on North Top Sail Island, N.C. Hurricane Florence badly damaged the place. We hired Colley Construction to make repairs, it quickly became apparent that there were severe structural issues in the house framework and support beams in addition to all the hurricane damage. Mike...
Colley Construction, LLC
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Find Deck maintenance specialists in Montrose

Always Square Building Remodeling and Repair

New to Angi

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Montrose, PA and surrounding areas

Approved

Free estimates

Warranties offered

Small jobs welcome

My name is Nick and I’m a veteran and master carpenter with decades of hands‑on experience. I’ve built and renovated homes from the oceanfront properties of Florida to the lake houses of Pennsylvania and New York. I specialize in decks, kitchen and bath remodels, home repairs, additions, and full‑home transformations. Quality craftsmanship, clear communication, and dependable service are the foundation of every project I take on.

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Montrose, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Excellent job, very professional, courteous, and timely. Rob handled everything on my project, the job site was always very clean and tidy throughout. He was punctualand reliable. Most important, he's an extremely nice guy. He's one of those type of people that you feel like you have known forever after having just met him. He is now my go to guy!"

Recommended by96%of homeowners

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Montrose, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"I contacted him on a Thursday and he came to do the job the next Monday! Took 1 day to get it done. It’s exactly what I described that I wanted and pricing was fair. Will definitely use him for future projects."

+97

Recommended by80%of homeowners

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Robert Davies Home Improvement

4.3(

)

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Montrose, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 1990

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Everything was done just like I wanted. Bob is very professional. He handled the small stuff really well and I would hire him for larger projects as well because he's a general contractor.
"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Montrose, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Offers commercial services

"The work was excellent, I am very pleased. They were timely, efficient and courteous."

Response time50 mins

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Montrose, PA and surrounding areas

"They cleaned the place really really nice. The customer service was excellent. It felt like you are talking to genuine person every time they answer the phone. I'm planning to hire them again next week."

Recommended by66%of homeowners

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LevelOneFlooring

New to Angi

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Montrose, PA and surrounding areas

Hi im Jonathan, i offer local services in the area let me know if you need anything.

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Monty's

New to Angi

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving Montrose, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Small jobs welcome

We take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality, and customer service that we provide to meet the consumer's needs. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. In order to understand the needs and expectations of our customers, we take great care to work and communicate with every customer in a professional manner. Our reputation is based on service, safety, and quality, regardless of how large or small the job. Call us today.

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Nancy Santana's Cleaning & Maintenance Inc

0.0(

)

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving Montrose, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 1996

Nancy Santana's Cleaning and Maintenance Inc. has been in business for 6 years. We provide Cleaning and Maintenance services and strive to provide the customer the highest quality workmanship.

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Pittsley's Contracting and Handyman Services

New to Angi

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving Montrose, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 2015

Free estimates

We at Pittsley's Contracting and Handyman Services focus on quality Renovation projects over quantity. We use our years of experience and expertise to complete your project with perfection. Customer service and honesty are the most important aspects of our business and your satisfaction is guaranteed. Please call us today for an estimate. We look forward to working with you.

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Showing 1-10 of 13

Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

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.

Deck stairs should have at least three stringers rather than two. The recommended minimum width for stairs is 36 inches, and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors recommends at least three cut stringers to provide sufficient support on wood decking stairs of this width. Generally, stringers should be a maximum of 16 inches apart for wood decking and 12 inches apart for more flexible composite decking.

Composite decking boards aren't your only options for building a deck. There are several other types of materials for decks, including wood and aluminum decking. Wood decking comes in many different wood species, offering natural beauty and classy timelessness to your yard. Aluminum is a lightweight, water-resistant, and low-maintenance material that is also non-slip.

No, it isn’t necessary to skirt a deck, but investing in the cost to install deck skirting can bring more value to your home. Not only does deck skirting make the deck look more complete, but it can also turn otherwise unused space beneath the deck into useful storage space.

The best way to clean your decking is to clear debris from the gaps between the boards, sweep the surface, rinse it, apply cleaner, rinse again, and let it dry fully. A homemade deck cleaner made of two gallons of warm water and 1/2 cup vinegar is a simple cleaning solution for both wood and composite decking. You can sprinkle baking soda on any spots with mold or mildew, then scrub the area and rinse clean.

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