"The contractor Johnny was willing to discuss the project and products with me in detail. He was punctual and committed to getting my deck cleaned and stained even though the weather was not cooperative. Our deck looks really nice!"
"Spellman Home Services arrived on time and worked four straight hours cleaning our rain gutters and power washing the entire house. They were thorough not only power washing the house but the porch ceiling and lawn chairs that were on the porch. He worked methodically and focused, and cleaned up after himself, including all the materials clogging the rain gutters. A. first rate job.,"
"I hired Jack and crew to replace a portion of my deck. For a nominal fee, Jack came out, evaluated my deck and gave me an estimate. The nominal fee went toward the estimate, which I thought was fair and reasonable. The cost I felt was fair, not cheap, but not expensive. Jack is very attentive to details, communicative, and was happy to explain what they were doing during the process. The craftsmanship was top-notch. Not only do I strongly recommend Jack and crew for your decking needs, but have hired him to clean and treat my decks this coming fall."
"The work went really well. I was traveling and when I got back there was a lot of water damage around 2 main windows in the house. I had the bricks repointed but needed someone to fix the plaster around the windows. They did a great job, were very polite and cleaned up the mess afterwards."
"The project went better than any home project we’ve had so far (and we’ve had A LOT of home projects)! This is a company that cares about their name, the work, and the homeowners. With a culture like this, its easy to see why the process goes smoothly. They check in regularly throughout to make sure the work is getting scheduled quickly, then they check in to make sure the work is satisfactory and as planned and then they check in to make sure the work was completed as planned. Really, a fantastic company we’d work with again!"
",Galen & his crew did a great job on all of the work he did for me. I had made a few changes in what I wanted done and Galen worked them all in for me. The deck and porch staining, power-washing and retaining wall has really enhanced the look of my home. I am very happy with all work Galen & his crew did. "
"Everything went very well! The crew was here promptly each morning and put in a full day’s work, cleaning up after themselves each day. They were professional and explained what was being done and why. My project was reasonably priced and completed within a few days with essentially no wait time for the start. The fence was well done and I was very satisfied."
"Dan DePriest came to give an estimate for powerwashing the deck floor and applying a clear sealer. He came on the same day that we called him. He was available to do the powerwashing that day, too, so we agreed to have him start right away. He did an excellent job washing the deck that had stains and winter dirt and green mold. He even washed the deck railing and the barbecue cover. He moved everything off the deck in order to do the work. After allowing the deck to dry out, he returned three days later to replace the one board and to apply the clear seal to the deck floor. He used a long-handled paint pad to apply the sealer and took his time to cover the deck well. It has never looked better. "
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.
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.
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.
You can build an outdoor kitchen on a deck, but you should choose composite decking since it's more heat-resistant. Metal deck materials like steel and aluminum are also good choices because they're less flammable than wood. You should also consider the weight of the kitchen—make sure your deck can support it and any appliances you plan to use. You should consult a structural engineer to confirm exactly how much weight your deck can safely support when building an outdoor kitchen.
The proper and most comfortable height for a deck stair riser, also called a step, is between four and seven inches. A height of seven inches is often considered ideal for a strain-free step that minimizes the risk of trips and falls. While it is possible to have risers up to 12 inches, this height can be challenging for children, pets, or individuals with mobility issues. For optimal safety and comfort, pair a seven-inch riser with a tread depth (or run) of at least 10 to 12 inches. Always check your local building codes, as they may have specific requirements that differ from these general recommendations.
The Mount Pleasant, 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.
