Should deck boards be nailed or screwed?

• <div><p>When installing deck boards, screws are a better option than nails. For one, screws have more holding strength than nails, so they’re better at keeping your deck boards in place. Also, nails are more likely to pop out of the boards than screws, which can create a tripping or poking hazard on your deck. </p></div>

Is PVC decking slippery when wet?

• <div><p>PVC decking can get slippery when wet because it’s made from plastic. However, composite and wood decking can also be slippery when wet. It’s best to wear shoes with grippy soles when walking on a wet deck, no matter the material, and to be extra cautious not to slip and fall down. </p></div>

Get matched with top deck maintenance specialists in Union City, PA

Q: What is the four-inch ball rule for deck railings?

• <div><p>While building your deck, you might come across something called the four-inch sphere rule. Essentially, this <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/railing-requirements-for-deck.htm">railing requirement for a deck</a> states that a four-inch ball should not be able to fit through any gap in the deck railings. The gap between spindles and between the decking and the bottom of the railing must be less than four inches to prevent small children or pets from squeezing through the gap. </p></div>

Q: Is PVC decking slippery when wet?

• <div><p>PVC decking can get slippery when wet because it&rsquo;s made from plastic. However, composite and wood decking can also be slippery when wet. It&rsquo;s best to wear shoes with grippy soles when walking on a wet deck, no matter the material, and to be extra cautious not to slip and fall down. </p></div>

Q: How do I know if my deck can support a new railing?

• <div><p>Before installing a new railing, check the condition of the deck frame and joists, especially around the perimeter where posts attach. If boards are loose, soft, or show signs of rot, the structure may need repair. A deck pro can inspect your framing to confirm it meets load-bearing requirements.</p></div>

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>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Maintenance pros in Union City, PA

*The Angi rating for Deck Maintenance companies in Union City, 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 Union City, 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 October 25, 2025

Reviewed in September 2025
Diamond Construction built a deck for me. Beautiful result! Justin & Al were very polite, clean, on time, efficient & good all around people. Diamond Construction took pride in their work. Justin was very devoted to listening & asking many questions in order for end result to be what I wanted....
Diamond Construction 2.0
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Reviewed in September 2023
The personnel at DBC were very easy to work with. Everyone was very personable and professional. We already had a deck design in mind and they were able to work with us within a time frame we felt comfortable with. The work crew did an exceptional job and didn't mind that I wanted to take...
DBC Remodeling & Construction
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Reviewed in October 2022
Responded quickly, although it wasn't urgent, kept us informed as to timing & work. Answered all my questions before even having the job. Workman was pleasant, efficient, &informed us of what the issue had been & how it was taken care of, as well as taking care of basic maintenance. Price was...
American Overhead Doors and Services
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Reviewed in June 2021
NOT a reasonable price at all! I was given a written quote for a total of $3,900 to have a 14' x 12' deck power washed and stained with Behr 10 year solid stain. The deck floor boards and 14 stairs are new bare wood, newly installed last summer. The railing is partly new bare boards and there...
Reasonable Contracting Service
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Reviewed in December 2012
i had janco construction come out to look at a roof what i wanted done was to cover a lower pitched roof that always leaked . i wanted to come down with one pitch from the other roof to do away with the lower roof that was a added on room .then i wanted a roof over my deck this would have been...
JANCO CONSTRUCTION INC
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Reviewed in August 2011
Servicing has alwasy gone very well overall. We have had them service all three of our vehicles on a regular basis. The have a web site that keeps you current on needed maintenance as well as a history of all car repairs, which can be helpful.
LEONARD'S AUTO SVC
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Reviewed in July 2011
E-mailed them first. Did not hear a esponse, than I called. Then I emailed them again, than finally he got ahold of me. I explained I wanted a new muitli-level deck, refinish the siding (I wanted the current aluminum siding to be sanded and primer+painted.) and to reshingle a small 10x16 shed...
J. C. Ziccardi Builders Inc
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Reviewed in January 2011
It was a better deck than any contractor in the area would build. He does a lot work for me. He is excellent.
Dick Hasbrouck Woodcrafting
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Reviewed in September 2010
Installation was quoted for about 1 week. They took 4 months! The workers normally arrived about 10am, took an hour for lunch and left by 2pm. That's when they did show up. I complained to the owner and he stated they were behind due to wet weather. Yet he would not have his crew work more...
CONNEAUT WATER WORKS
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Find Deck maintenance specialists in Union City

VPainting

VPainting

Customers say: Quick response

15 local quotes requested

1 years of experience

VPainting is here to help! We offer a variety of painting services. We are based out of the Erie, PA area. Give our team a call today. We're looking forward to working with you!

"Vitaliy was awesome! He showed up on time, worked diligently and completed our project on time and within the budget. We couldn’t be happier! "

Christine B on July 2025

VPainting is here to help! We offer a variety of painting services. We are based out of the Erie, PA area. Give our team a call today. We're looking forward to working with you!

"Vitaliy was awesome! He showed up on time, worked diligently and completed our project on time and within the budget. We couldn’t be happier! "

Christine B on July 2025

DLS contracting

Washington Street

No reviews yet

DLS contracting

Washington Street

No reviews yet

Free onsite estimate

Hello from DLS contracting. We are a small family owned and operated company with many years of experience. Let us show you the true quality of your painting experience! We put the WOW back into your house

Five Hounds Construction LLC

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Five Hounds Construction LLC

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Emergency services offered

Five Hounds Construction LLC is a residential and commercial construction and remodeling company located in Ashtabula Ohio focusing on dedicated customer service, honest quotes and timely service to all potential customers and current contracts. At Five Hounds we strive to satisfy all customers' needs and experiences by providing advice, detailed site planning and updating the customer as the project moves along. We strive to staying on budget, completing the project on a timely matter and providing excellent customer service. Five Hounds specializes in interior and exterior remodeling and new construction projects to fit a wide varity of clients to include exterior decks , sheds and fences, whole home and commerical painting projects to interior projects such as bathrooms , kitchens , flooring and basic handyman services

Eddie's Painting

5.00(

)

Eddie's Painting

5.00(

)

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Owner operated company with 20+ years of experience that specializes in Interior/Exterior painting; deck staining; drywall repair and patching; install/paint trim & shoe mold; interior design; pressure wash & scraping

"Eddie was efficient, meticulous and professional. Had multiple rooms and ceilings painted in my home. Will be calling him back for additional jobs. Highly recommend!"

Stephen P on July 2023

"Eddie was efficient, meticulous and professional. Had multiple rooms and ceilings painted in my home. Will be calling him back for additional jobs. Highly recommend!"

Stephen P on July 2023

At GSB Construction we treat all home owners and Companies with respect and offer high quality, professional workmanship paying close attention to every detail of our work! We offer free estimates and our Billing details differ from customer to customer however, we do respectively ask that deposits are made prior to beginning jobs and ask that the remaining payment( s) are made within 7 days of completion since GSB Construction strives for customer satisfaction and we are proud of our hard work and dedication of skilled, quality work and finishing Jobs in a professional and timely mannor!

Bradrew Custom Woodworks

11804 West Lake Rd.

1.00(

)

Bradrew Custom Woodworks

11804 West Lake Rd.

1.00(

)

12 years of experience

Bradrew Custom Woodworks is a local custom woodshop/carpentry company in East Springfield PA. We specialize in custom woodwork projects (Cabinet building, furniture making, antique refinishing, custom trim, bars, etc.) as well as any interior or exterior home remodeling projects.

Mine All Sell Painting and Home Restorations

19201 Us Hwy 6 & 19

No reviews yet

Mine All Sell Painting and Home Restorations

19201 Us Hwy 6 & 19

No reviews yet

19 years of experience

Mine all Sell is a commercial and residential painting and home restoration contracting company offering it's services to a high clientele across the United States and sometimes abroad also, it offers all it's services with a 3 year workmanship warranty which makes this professional service second to none.

SAC DEVELOPMENTS, CORP

Unknown

No reviews yet

SAC DEVELOPMENTS, CORP

Unknown

No reviews yet

17 years of experience

We only subcontract plumber and carpet installers. We accept Visa, Master Card, Checks and provide financing.

Arrow Property Preservation

12970 Tracy Rd

No reviews yet

Arrow Property Preservation

12970 Tracy Rd

No reviews yet

10 years of experience

Arrow Property Preservation is a fully insured company with a broad spectrum of services. Ranging from full trash outs, and full service cleaning to rental property refurbish/clean up, and home maintenance/repair

Showing 1-10 of 29

Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

While building your deck, you might come across something called the four-inch sphere rule. Essentially, this railing requirement for a deck states that a four-inch ball should not be able to fit through any gap in the deck railings. The gap between spindles and between the decking and the bottom of the railing must be less than four inches to prevent small children or pets from squeezing through the gap.

When installing deck boards, screws are a better option than nails. For one, screws have more holding strength than nails, so they’re better at keeping your deck boards in place. Also, nails are more likely to pop out of the boards than screws, which can create a tripping or poking hazard on your deck.

PVC decking can get slippery when wet because it’s made from plastic. However, composite and wood decking can also be slippery when wet. It’s best to wear shoes with grippy soles when walking on a wet deck, no matter the material, and to be extra cautious not to slip and fall down.

Before installing a new railing, check the condition of the deck frame and joists, especially around the perimeter where posts attach. If boards are loose, soft, or show signs of rot, the structure may need repair. A deck pro can inspect your framing to confirm it meets load-bearing requirements.

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.

The Union City, PA homeowners’ guide to deck maintenance services

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

See all articles

Scott Dylan Westerlund
•
Oct 13, 2025Oct 13, 2025
Cost to Seal or Waterproof a Deck [2025 Data]
Sealing a deck is important for protecting it against the elements. Find out the cost to seal a deck, whether you DIY or hire a pro to do the job.
Deirdre Sullivan
•
Oct 17, 2025Oct 17, 2025
7 Best Maintenance-Free Decking 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.
Derek Rose
•
Aug 14, 2025Aug 14, 2025
Who Should You Hire to Replace Your Porch Columns?
If your load-bearing porch post is starting to rot and deteriorate, you may wonder who to hire to replace porch columns. Let’s explore the project.
Dan Simms
•
Mar 13, 2025Mar 13, 2025
Why Is My Wood Stain Not Drying? What’s Causing the Issue and How to Fix It
Left with a sticky mess instead of a beautifully stained wood project? Learn why your wood stain isn’t drying and how to fix the problem.
Tony Carrick
•
Nov 25, 2024Nov 25, 2024
How to Seal a Cedar Fence and Protect Its Natural Beauty
You can get even more years out of your cedar fence by giving it a little stain and TLC. Learn how to seal a cedar fence with this guide.
Dan Simms
•
Mar 13, 2025Mar 13, 2025
Why Is My Deck Stain Peeling? What’s Going Wrong and How to Fix It
If you’re stuck wondering why your deck stain is peeling prematurely, use this guide to troubleshoot the problem and find a long-lasting solution.

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Need a pro for your deck maintenance project in Union City, PA?

Deck or Porch Repair

Handyman for Multiple Small Project Service

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch Clean and Seal

Verified Reviews for Deck Maintenance pros in Union City, PA

Find Deck maintenance specialists in Union City

VPainting

VPainting

DLS contracting

DLS contracting

Five Hounds Construction LLC

Five Hounds Construction LLC

Eddie's Painting

Eddie's Painting

Mike Kern Construction

Mike Kern Construction

GSB Construction and Home Improvements

GSB Construction and Home Improvements

Bradrew Custom Woodworks

Bradrew Custom Woodworks

Mine All Sell Painting and Home Restorations

Mine All Sell Painting and Home Restorations

SAC DEVELOPMENTS, CORP

SAC DEVELOPMENTS, CORP

Arrow Property Preservation

Arrow Property Preservation

The Union City, PA homeowners’ guide to deck maintenance services

Cost to Seal or Waterproof a Deck [2025 Data]

7 Best Maintenance-Free Decking Materials

Who Should You Hire to Replace Your Porch Columns?

Why Is My Wood Stain Not Drying? What’s Causing the Issue and How to Fix It

How to Seal a Cedar Fence and Protect Its Natural Beauty

Why Is My Deck Stain Peeling? What’s Going Wrong and How to Fix It

Get our Angi-powered app

Get matched with top deck maintenance specialists in Union City, PA

Enter your ZIP and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your deck maintenance project in Union City, PA?

Deck or Porch Repair

Handyman for Multiple Small Project Service

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch Clean and Seal

Verified Reviews for Deck Maintenance pros in Union City, PA

Find Deck maintenance specialists in Union City

VPainting

VPainting

DLS contracting

DLS contracting

Five Hounds Construction LLC

Five Hounds Construction LLC

Eddie's Painting

Eddie's Painting

Mike Kern Construction

Mike Kern Construction

GSB Construction and Home Improvements

GSB Construction and Home Improvements

Bradrew Custom Woodworks

Bradrew Custom Woodworks

Mine All Sell Painting and Home Restorations

Mine All Sell Painting and Home Restorations

SAC DEVELOPMENTS, CORP

SAC DEVELOPMENTS, CORP

Arrow Property Preservation

Arrow Property Preservation

The Union City, PA homeowners’ guide to deck maintenance services

Cost to Seal or Waterproof a Deck [2025 Data]

7 Best Maintenance-Free Decking Materials

Who Should You Hire to Replace Your Porch Columns?

Why Is My Wood Stain Not Drying? What’s Causing the Issue and How to Fix It

How to Seal a Cedar Fence and Protect Its Natural Beauty

Why Is My Deck Stain Peeling? What’s Going Wrong and How to Fix It

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