Get matched with top deck repair pros in Emery, SD

While experienced DIYers may take on the challenge, hiring a licensed professional is often the best route, especially for larger or elevated structures. A local deck contractor is typically the best pro for the job, as they have specialized experience and are knowledgeable about local building codes, ensuring your deck is built safely and designed to last. Other professionals who can build a deck include general contractors and carpenters, who may be more readily available in some regions.

It’s important to make sure the wood on a new deck is properly seasoned. Seasoning a deck is simple: Once you build it (or have a pro do so), just leave it alone so it can acclimate to the environment. If you don’t give the deck proper seasoning time before staining, the stain can lock in any lingering moisture and cause mold, rot, and other moisture issues down the road. Give the wood at least four to eight weeks to season before you stain.

Cutting the boards directly is one of the fastest ways to remove deck boards with hidden fasteners. Mark two parallel lines that are one-third of the total measurement on both ends and cut out the centerpiece. Then, remove the end of the board that doesn’t have a fastener. Finally, pry open the fastened side and pull it up to pop out the screw or access the fastener. This also allows you to salvage portions of boards for other projects.

If you want to make a deck cleaner from products already in your home, there are various options. The most common is to use a gentle blend of 1 gallon of warm water and 2 tablespoons of ammonia-free dish soap. You can also mix water with distilled vinegar. Sprinkling on some baking soda can help to remove mold and mildew. You can add oxygen bleach (but never damaging chlorine bleach) to the water and ammonia-free dish soap solution for something a bit stronger.