What maintenance does a wood deck need?

• <div><p>A wood deck needs an annual cleaning, plus refinishing every two to three years, which involves <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-sand-deck.htm">sanding the deck</a> and applying stain or sealer. If you have a <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-paint-deck.htm">painted deck</a>, you’ll need to repaint it every 10 years. You should also fix and repair loose or broken deck boards, nails, and screws. Cleaning your deck regularly and applying sealant protects the wood from the elements, water damage, rot, mildew, and fading from the sun.</p></div>

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Q: Are there eco-friendly materials available for repairs?

• <div><p>Eco-friendly materials include sustainably-sourced woods, recycled metals, low-VOC paints, and non-toxic sealants, which reduce environmental impact. Using these in repairs promotes sustainability and can improve indoor air quality and overall building health.</p></div>

Q: Why is my deck fuzzy after pressure washing?

• <div><p>Your deck may look or feel fuzzy after pressure washing because the high-pressure spray tears some wood fibers as it removes the outer layer of dead and discolored wood. This fuzzy effect is a normal part of the pressure-washing process and will go away on its own in a few weeks. You can opt to spot-sand your deck if you&rsquo;d like to remove it more quickly.</p></div>

Q: What are the spindles on a deck called?

• <div><p>Spindles on a deck may also be called balusters or pickets. While not as important to the structural support of the deck as the rail posts, they play a critical role in ensuring the deck is safe to use by closing in large gaps in the railing. For this reason, balusters must be no more than 4 inches away from one another.</p></div>

Q: What are the signs that my deck needs professional repair?

• <div><p>Rotting wood, loose railings, or unstable stairs may indicate a need for expertise.</p></div>

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Lamb Painting

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Lamb Painting

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Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Lamb Painting is a residential and commercial painting contractor providing high quality custom painting and related services to clients in the Northern Black Hills area who seek quality, value and integrity when they hire a painting contractor. We specialize in residential and commercial, custom painting. We also provide carpentry, drywall and general construction services. We’re in the business of protecting your property and the relationship we have with you. The best craftsmanship and products will be used on your project, which provides real value with a long lasting and attractive result.

Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

A wood deck needs an annual cleaning, plus refinishing every two to three years, which involves sanding the deck and applying stain or sealer. If you have a painted deck, you’ll need to repaint it every 10 years. You should also fix and repair loose or broken deck boards, nails, and screws. Cleaning your deck regularly and applying sealant protects the wood from the elements, water damage, rot, mildew, and fading from the sun.

Eco-friendly materials include sustainably-sourced woods, recycled metals, low-VOC paints, and non-toxic sealants, which reduce environmental impact. Using these in repairs promotes sustainability and can improve indoor air quality and overall building health.

Your deck may look or feel fuzzy after pressure washing because the high-pressure spray tears some wood fibers as it removes the outer layer of dead and discolored wood. This fuzzy effect is a normal part of the pressure-washing process and will go away on its own in a few weeks. You can opt to spot-sand your deck if you’d like to remove it more quickly.

Spindles on a deck may also be called balusters or pickets. While not as important to the structural support of the deck as the rail posts, they play a critical role in ensuring the deck is safe to use by closing in large gaps in the railing. For this reason, balusters must be no more than 4 inches away from one another.

Rotting wood, loose railings, or unstable stairs may indicate a need for expertise.

The Veblen, SD 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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