What’s the difference between a deck footing and a deck post?

• <div><p>Both deck footings and deck posts help prop up your deck. However, footings are the bottommost parts of a deck that touch the ground. They’re usually made of concrete. Posts are pieces of wood that attach to the top of the footings with brackets. They run upwards and connect to the underside of your deck to support its weight. </p></div>

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Q: What is the best way to sand a deck?

• <div><p>The best way to sand a deck is by cleaning it, sanding the boards and stairs with 60- or 80-grit sandpaper, and sanding the railings and posts with 80-grit sandpaper. You should sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid damaging the timber. When sanding your deck, use medium pressure and aim for an even sand. Pressing too hard with a sander can damage decks, as most are softwoods. </p></div>

Q: Can a rotting porch post be repaired without replacement?

• <div><p>Yes, some rotting porch posts can be repaired rather than replaced. The decision to repair or replace a post depends on the severity of the rot; the same is true when deciding what type of repair to do, if you go that route. Repairing a porch post is usually cheaper than replacing it, but if the majority of the post is rotted, you should opt for replacement.</p></div>

Q: What are common signs of rot?

• <div><p>The signs of rot depend on the type. <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-does-dry-rot-look-like.htm">Dry rot looks like</a> cube-shaped cracks with a fluffy white, cotton-like texture. Wood with dry rot may also have a strong, musty smell. </p><p>Signs of other types of rot include wood that looks mushy or has black spots. The wood may crumble or give way when touched.</p></div>

Q: Can rotten deck boards be repaired?

• <div><p>Rotten deck boards can sometimes be repaired, but only if the damage is minor. Repairing small patches of rot involves strengthening the damaged area with wood hardener, filler, or epoxy. More substantial damage requires replacing the boards or rebuilding the entire structure in extreme cases. If the rot extends to the joists, posts, or beams, have a contractor evaluate the damage to ensure it is still structurally sound.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Maintenance pros in Portage, PA

*The Angi rating for Deck Maintenance companies in Portage, 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 Portage, 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 November 19, 2025

Reviewed in October 2025
$100,000 in damages! This company completely ruined our home!! RMS was hired to finish our modular home - including decks, metal roof, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, finishing work, & construction of block basement. The results were not just disappointing, they were catastrophic. Licensed...
RMS Contractors Group, LLC
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Reviewed in November 2024
Hoyle Contractors did an excellent job! 2 small deck replacements. Workmanship was very good; we were pleased with the results. Would recommend Charles Hoyle Contractors to anyone
Charles Hoyle Contractors
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Reviewed in July 2023
My sales man Chance Decker was there step by step in the process in getting my hail damage approved by INS never had a loss or Gap in communication stellar customer service my siding team Ralph George and Jay were fantastic very maticulas in there craft and conscientious about their work great...
MHI Roofing Florida
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Reviewed in July 2020
We are so impressed with the quality of work that Pirlâ s Enterprises A.L.G. Did for us. They put in a beautiful deck that goes all the around our above ground pool, It is exactly what we wanted. They were very professional and always answered my text and phone calls. We will definitely work...
Pirl's Enterprises A.L.G.
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Reviewed in April 2017
I am very high on the people that did my furnace work. They have a program which is really nice, it cost me about $160 a year and you pay for it in advance. Then they schedule the appointment in the spring and they come out and do your air conditioning unit. They wash it all out with the hose...
Jed Heating & Cooling Inc
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Reviewed in August 2016
I would highly recommend Gosnell Heating for any residential heating or cooling system install or maintenance. Todd Gosnell installed my HVAC system in my home back in 2013, and has returned for annual check-ups since then. They are professional, responsive and very cost competitive- if you are...
GOSNELL HEATING
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Reviewed in May 2016
It went very well. They are always very detail oriented, letting us know exactly what they are doing and how it affects the overall maintenance of our system. There are never any surprises with them, they are upfront about all costs and what is necessary.
Petrucci Heating AC & Refrigeration LLC
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Reviewed in April 2013
We have a very large deck. Mr. Hannisick and his assistant arrived on time, did a top notch job, acted professionally and listened to our concerns. The price was quite reasonable for the area cleaned. He paid attention to our water level as we live on a well. He was even willing to do a...
Pittsburgh Power Wash Co Inc
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Reviewed in July 2012
I called them since they were in my hometown to check my central airconditioner for leaks, they came out right away the first time, charged over 250.00...then they were going to put a dye cartridge in it; which they didn't have and come back out, which I had to call them after a week, which cost...
Tri County Mechanical
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Reviewed in August 2010
Although we were charged for the cleaning and maintenance, the gutters remained filled with over 2"+of sludge and an additional topping of branches, leaves, sticks and even old bits of wood. I climbed a ladder and photographed this obvious lack of neglience.
The Property Group of CT Inc
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Deck or Porch Repair

Handyman for Multiple Small Project Service

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch Clean and Seal

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Fagan Property Services

Fagan Property Services

Hernandez & Sons

Hernandez & Sons

Ferrante Construction

Ferrante Construction

Raker Builders Co

Raker Builders Co

M & R Remodeling

M & R Remodeling

Lowry's Restoration Services

Lowry's Restoration Services

S and B Remodel

S and B Remodel

s&b construction & remodeling partnership

s&b construction & remodeling partnership

Flood City Handyman

Flood City Handyman

Central PA Safe Surface Technologies, LLC

Central PA Safe Surface Technologies, LLC

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