Get matched with top deck maintenance specialists in Wolfforth, TX

Cold temperatures can make your deck boards contract. If they don’t contract evenly, they can put pressure on the deck screws and cause them to pop out, making a noticeable sound. Winterizing your deck can help prevent this from happening.

Deck repairs cost around $800 to $3,500 . However, your cost depends on the type and severity of the repair, as well as the type of decking material you have. Other factors, like location and labor costs, impact the price, too. Boards and railings are the priciest parts of a deck to repair, while loose stairs are less expensive to fix.

Applying too much sealer to a deck might seem like extra protection, but it can cause more harm than good. Wood is a porous material with a limited capacity to absorb liquids. When you go overboard with sealer, the excess can't soak in and instead forms a film on the surface. This leftover layer is prone to peeling, cracking, and trapping moisture, ultimately defeating the purpose of sealing in the first place. 

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.