Get matched with top deck maintenance specialists in Tunkhannock, PA

Q: When is a deck railing required and how high does it need to be?

• <div><p>Building codes for deck railings can vary by location, so it's important to consult your local regulations before construction. Generally, a guardrail is required for any deck that is more than 30 inches above the ground.</p><p>For residential properties, the standard minimum height for a deck railing is 36 inches. However, some states and municipalities have stricter requirements; for example, California and Washington mandate railings that are at least 42 inches high. Therefore, a 42-inch railing is not considered too high and may be required in your area or chosen voluntarily for additional safety.</p><p>In addition to height requirements, codes also specify other safety features, such as the maximum spacing between balusters to ensure they are close enough to prevent a child from squeezing through.</p></div>

Q: What is the proper and most comfortable height for deck stair risers?

• <div><p>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.</p></div>

Q: What is the standard height and width of deck stairs?

• <div><p>Most building codes list a minimum width of <b>36 inches</b> and a maximum height of <b>7&frac34; inches</b>. However, for the most comfort and spaciousness, you&rsquo;ll want to aim for a width of at least 48 inches and a height of 7 inches. Again, it&rsquo;s always a good idea to base your numbers off steps that you already use comfortably. </p></div>

Q: Do I need to seal the underside of a deck?

• <div><p>Staining and sealing the underside of a deck creates a moisture barrier but traps water in the boards, quickly leading to rot. No matter how well you seal the above deck, water still gets through via nails and screw heads on the surface. Allow this water to flow naturally under the deck, where it is routed through the drainage system.</p></div>

Q: Do deck footings need to be inspected?

• <div><p>Yes, deck footings typically require an inspection before laying down concrete. While not all local building codes require footing inspection, proper placement ensures a safe and structurally sound deck. An inspector will verify that the deck can adequately hold what you put on top of it., and that the footings have been dug to the correct dimensions. </p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Maintenance pros in Tunkhannock, PA

*The Angi rating for Deck Maintenance companies in Tunkhannock, 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 Tunkhannock, 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 05, 2025

Reviewed in November 2025
I am very pleased with the replacement of my deck. The work they did was exceptional. The guys were courteous and were able to complete the job in a timely manner. I would recommend them for any job you have. Thank you Sandra
ZVL Contracting
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Reviewed in September 2025
It went very poorly. The deck was rebuilt completely incorrectly. The entire thing is wobbly. The railing is falling off which is off the ground 15 feet, so a major safety concern. Nothing was done correctly. We had an inspector come to inspect the deck and he said it was very unsafe. The...
Chicoski Construction
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Reviewed in March 2024
They replaced the fourteen sections of my failing pressure-treated wood railings on my older deck with a new "Trex Select Deck Railing" system. In spite of some of the main supporting 4x4s having taken a slight twist over the years, all of the new joints were precision cut such that...
Gritt Contracting LLC
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Reviewed in March 2021
I just have to say they were truly pros. They built me a 10x10 deck onto my new mobile home. Itâ s beautiful just what I wanted. No complaints. I was involved throughout the whole project. They even worked through the rain. They cleaned up everyday and took all trash with them. I would...
Warren Tompkins
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Reviewed in May 2020
Working with Clayton is a pleasure. I have used him for stone wall building and repair as well as landscaping and lawn maintenance. Everything he and his workers do is done excellently well and professionally. He is reliable and courteous. He is always willing to "go the extra mile." I...
Force's Stone & Landscape Supply
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Reviewed in December 2019
Phil designed and built my deck that was added to an addition that he had previously constructed and completed for me. I needed a lot of advice and ideas, and Phil and his dad were a great resource. I highly recommend Phil. He is an expert at construction, electrical engineering and plumbing....
Barr's Construction LLC.
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Reviewed in October 2019
Where do we begin? Frank and Julie make things happen! And Fast! They are honest, fair priced, timely and dedicated to you fully. They have done our deck extension and our custom fence that they allowed us to design and helped make an idea become reality! Recently they made a beautiful concrete...
Wood Home Creations
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Reviewed in October 2018
He was absolutely excellent. He thoroughly washed every square inch of the house and then had a ladder with him to climb up on the deck and washed that too.
Northern Tier Hydro Wash
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Reviewed in August 2018
DOCK AREA WAS OK, WIFE DID THAT, HOUSE WASN'T DONE VERY WELL AND THEY LEFT A BIG DIRT LINE ON THE SECOND STORY THAT THEY SAID NEEDED SPRAYED WITH WET AND FORGET, OF COURSE THEY NEVER SPRAYED IT. I MADE HIM DO THE DECK TWICE (DECK IS TREX). I STILL HAS LOTS OF GREEN ON IT, ALSO THE RAILS HAVE...
MELORE PAINTING
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Reviewed in October 2017
J N L Home Improvements did a complete demolition and rebuild of a very large deck. James did excellent work for me and I would rate his performance as being as close to perfect as one could get.
J N L Home Improvements
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Find Deck maintenance specialists in Tunkhannock

Drobish Quality Lawn Care, LLC

4.6(

)

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

Serving Tunkhannock, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 2016

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Three summer properties. He maintains all three properties, on a weekly basis, when we are away. Including spreading salt, during the winter. Highly recommend."

+96

Response time5 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Pierson Blair Handyman

4.6(

)

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

Serving Tunkhannock, PA and surrounding areas

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"Everything went well. Pierson was on time and stayed till project was complete before asking for payment. Fair priced and would hire again."

+11

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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JNJ Painting & More - Home Facebook

3.9(

)

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

Serving Tunkhannock, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 2012

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Joe, was very courteous when he came to gather an estimate for us. Nick who painted our room was very professional, experienced and courteous."

+426

Response time2 hrs

Recommended by82%of homeowners

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Gennaro`s Property Management LLC

4.1(

)

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

Serving Tunkhannock, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"A+, reliable and on time. Would recommend them to anyone."

+17

Recommended by80%of homeowners

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Rose of Sharon Construction

3.9(

)

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

Serving Tunkhannock, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"I appreciate this contractor. He was on time and values his customers. Hes committed, he loves his job! He explained the details, all around nice guy, Wish more were like him in the work force. I would recommend him to friends and family over and over!"

+11

Response time40 mins

Response rate100%

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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

Serving Tunkhannock, 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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Color Your World Painting

4.8(

)

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

Serving Tunkhannock, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 1999

Free estimates

Warranties offered

"Great service, wonderful guy, would recommend in a heartbeat!"

Response time9 hrs

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Naylor Contrtacting, LLC

5.0(

)

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

Serving Tunkhannock, PA and surrounding areas

In business since 2021

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Excellent work! Friendly customer service."

+23

Request Quote

RTC Property Maintenance

4.0(

)

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

Serving Tunkhannock, PA and surrounding areas

Credit card accepted

"Would suggest having a more detailed contract just so those doing the work knew about total expectations. Problems resolved easily, sons very polite and respectful.Work completed exactly as discussed."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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

Serving Tunkhannock, 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

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Showing 1-10 of 38

Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

Building codes for deck railings can vary by location, so it's important to consult your local regulations before construction. Generally, a guardrail is required for any deck that is more than 30 inches above the ground.

For residential properties, the standard minimum height for a deck railing is 36 inches. However, some states and municipalities have stricter requirements; for example, California and Washington mandate railings that are at least 42 inches high. Therefore, a 42-inch railing is not considered too high and may be required in your area or chosen voluntarily for additional safety.

In addition to height requirements, codes also specify other safety features, such as the maximum spacing between balusters to ensure they are close enough to prevent a child from squeezing through.

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.

Most building codes list a minimum width of 36 inches and a maximum height of 7¾ inches. However, for the most comfort and spaciousness, you’ll want to aim for a width of at least 48 inches and a height of 7 inches. Again, it’s always a good idea to base your numbers off steps that you already use comfortably.

Staining and sealing the underside of a deck creates a moisture barrier but traps water in the boards, quickly leading to rot. No matter how well you seal the above deck, water still gets through via nails and screw heads on the surface. Allow this water to flow naturally under the deck, where it is routed through the drainage system.

Yes, deck footings typically require an inspection before laying down concrete. While not all local building codes require footing inspection, proper placement ensures a safe and structurally sound deck. An inspector will verify that the deck can adequately hold what you put on top of it., and that the footings have been dug to the correct dimensions.

The Tunkhannock, PA homeowners’ guide to deck maintenance services

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

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