Get matched with top deck maintenance specialists in Halls Crossing, UT

It is recommended to clean your deck once or twice a year to prevent the accumulation of dirt, debris, mold, and mildew. The ideal times for cleaning are in the spring and fall. A spring cleaning removes grime that has built up over the winter, preparing your deck for summer use. A fall cleaning washes away messes from summer activities, preventing them from setting into the wood over the winter. The exact frequency can depend on factors such as how often the deck is used, its exposure to pollen, and whether salt was used on it during the winter. Regular cleaning helps protect the wood and its finish from damage.

Yes, and in some cases, frozen ground may improve the digging process for footings due to sturdier conditions. It’s easier than working in muddy conditions, which are more common in the spring. Contractors may use machinery that makes this step a breeze, so harder ground shouldn’t affect the building process.

Deck stairs should have at least three stringers rather than two. The recommended minimum width for stairs is 36 inches, and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors recommends at least three cut stringers to provide sufficient support on wood decking stairs of this width. Generally, stringers should be a maximum of 16 inches apart for wood decking and 12 inches apart for more flexible composite decking.

It depends on the type of wood. The average cost to build a deck out of pressure-treated lumber is $15 to $25 per square foot, but more affordable varieties such as bamboo and cedar cost less at around $3 to $10 per square foot. However, when comparing the cost of vinyl decking versus wood decking, it’s important to also consider ongoing maintenance costs. For example, most woods require regular sealing to keep them protected against weather and rot.