What are the disadvantages of a floating deck?

• <div><p>Floating decks are a cost-effective and versatile option, but they come with some compromises. Since they sit on smaller footings instead of being deeply anchored, they’re more likely to shift over time, especially in areas with heavy rainfall or freeze-thaw conditions. Their low-to-the-ground design makes them more susceptible to moisture buildup and potential water damage.</p></div>

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Q: Is a deck more accessible than a patio?

• <div><p>Generally, a patio is more accessible than a standard deck because patios are constructed at ground level. However, decks can be made accessible by adding a wheelchair-accessible ramp, a vertical lift, or a stair lift along the entry. An ADA-compliant deck ramp costs about <b>$3,000</b> on average. The additional investment will provide a much friendlier experience for your guests with movement impairments.</p></div>

Q: How deep should footings be for a ground-level deck?

• <div><p>Footings for ground-level decks need to be at least 12 inches deep, and some areas require them to be even deeper. A standard range for deck footings is anywhere from 12 to 48 inches. The minimum footing depth is determined by an area&rsquo;s frost line and soil conditions. If you&rsquo;re unsure how deep to install deck footings, check local building codes to find the minimum footing depth in your area. </p></div>

Q: Can you build a deck and not attach it to the house?

• <div><p>Yes. Freestanding or floating decks are exactly what the name implies&mdash;structures with their own support beams. You can <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-to-build-a-deck.htm">build a deck yourself</a> and place it next to a house for the illusion of a connected deck without the hassle. Or you can construct it in a separate part of your yard for a dedicated outdoor entertainment space. For the purpose of removing a freestanding deck, the steps are the same as an attached deck, but you don&rsquo;t have to cut the deck away from the home. </p></div>

Q: What kind of base or substructure is required for composite decking?

• <div><p>Composite decking requires a solid foundation or substructure for support. This base is typically a frame composed of posts, beams, joists, and footings. The frame can be built from various materials, such as composite, plastic, timber, or metal, depending on your budget, deck type, and environmental conditions. For maximum stability, a professional deck builder may recommend installing this frame on top of a solid concrete base. It is best to discuss the most suitable substructure design and materials for your specific project with a professional.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Deck Maintenance pros in New Castle, VA

*The Angi rating for Deck Maintenance companies in New Castle, VA 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 New Castle, VA 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 March 20, 2026

Reviewed in March 2026
I would like express my appreciation for the excellent service provided by Meyers Pro Tree Care. Their work strategy and communication throughout the project were outstanding. I was particularly impressed by the promptness of response; I received a contact the same day I requested a quote....
Myers Pro Tree Care
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Reviewed in August 2025
Hired this man to pressure wash siding, deck, and sidewalk. He was punctual and got to work right away. He worked several hours in the sun non stop and even cleaned some areas I wasn’t aware of. Very reasonable with pricing and kept his commitment to the job. Good workers like this are hard to...
Powerhouse
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Reviewed in April 2025
Travis and helpers have been the best handymen crew I've used in recent memory. His work is of the highest quality, he's right on time every day and works a full day if necessary, sometimes longer, his work is very reasonably priced, he uses the best materials, and, perhaps best of all, he's...
Affordable Labor & Contracting
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Reviewed in April 2025
Room for Improvement did a wonderful job renovating our kitchen, bathrooms and new deck build! The RFI team were professional, timely and very responsive to any questions I had. I always recommend Room for Improvement to anyone looking to have home renovations done.
Room For Improvement LLC
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Reviewed in November 2024
Him and his crew came in and replaced some of our top boards on our deck. And we also had them do some drywall patches and painting.
Barker Renovations
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Reviewed in February 2023
I hired Down South Landscaping & Maintenance to do a "fall clean up" of my recently purchased property, which had not been properly maintained for a number of years. Michael Austin of Down South was one of the first to respond to my post on Angi. As requested, he promptly provided a detailed...
Down South Landscaping & Maintenance
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Reviewed in June 2022
I called for a lawncare quote and Jose immediately answered the phone. He was very professional and friendly. We setup an onsite visit and he arrived promptly as agreed and provided a very reasonable quote that was less than what we had been paying. We hired him for an ongoing schedule to mow...
Zuniga Landscaping
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Reviewed in April 2022
Sal not only did an excellent job on rebuilding my wooden privacy fence, but also an excellent job power washing the house and an old section of the wooden fence, then sealed it and sealed my 8 month old new deck. All in a timely matter and cost effective.
One Level Development, LLC
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Reviewed in December 2020
We hired Mighty Dad in late spring/early summer of 2020 to do the construction part of a deck remodeling job (plus the last not-insignificant demolition step that we didn't finish). He replaced the old weathered wood planking with composite material and railing, and worked around some...
Mighty Dad Flooring & Home Repair
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Reviewed in November 2020
Loved these guys . They had great communication . Treated the job as if it were their own property . Always left things neat and tidy when they left for the day . We had weather issues with getting the staining done on the deck and they were very flexible and timely in spite of the weather . ...
Pristine Pressure Washing, LLC
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Find Deck maintenance specialists in New Castle

B & B Services

4.5(

)

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving New Castle, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 2018

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Our furnace motor was making a loud noise, and Chris Suttles came by and diagnosed the problem shortly after I called. He fixed the problem that afternoon, and the furnace is now quieter than it's ever been. I asked him to come by the next week and give the furnace a tune-up and clean the heating ducts. When Chris opened one of the supply ducts, he found the inside of the ducts had a sticky, oil-like coating. I decided to replace the ductwork, and he replaced all of the ductwork in 2 days. The air coming out of our vents is now cleaner, warmer, and stronger."

Recommended by92%of homeowners

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C&C Construction & Renovations

4.8(

)

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving New Castle, VA and surrounding areas

"Hired them to do multiple services and couldn't be happier with how everything went. Chad is super nice and easy to get along with. Will be using them for any future projects or services we may need."

+41

Recommended by87%of homeowners

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving New Castle, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

"It was wonderful and I loved them. They were very polite, they work ethically, I don't have any issues, they worked fast and I am very satisfied with the work."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Benjamin Bear Associates / O.L. TURNER & Sons Inc.

3.5(

)

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving New Castle, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 1968

Emergency services offered

"Did not work out for work I requested.

"

Recommended by58%of homeowners

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S&J Handyman services

5.0(

)

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving New Castle, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 2020

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Very honest company love all their work ! They get job done in timely matter no waiting around on this company! Thanks !"

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving New Castle, VA and surrounding areas

"Shawn promise to demolition- remove and replace damage woods, after searching for any possible problems"

Recommended by50%of homeowners

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving New Castle, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 2015

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"Fantastic service and exceptional care. Trustworthy company"

+11

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and SealDeck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal - For Business

Serving New Castle, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 2010

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"OUTSTANDING Fixed what was needed in an old system Other contractors tried to convince my elderly mom to put in a $6000 system and he fixed the valve that was leaking... VERY HONEST, thoughtful, called before arriving so my mom wasn't surprised, polite and respectful to an older lady I would highly recommend his services to anyone"

Response time1 day

Recommended by50%of homeowners

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A&R Sheet Metal, LLC.

5.0(

)

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving New Castle, VA and surrounding areas

In business since 1995

"Fixed the fan mechanism in my fireplace and improved the flame."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

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Davidson Services Company

New to Angi

Deck, Fence, Patio or Porch - Clean and Seal

Serving New Castle, VA and surrounding areas

Relentless work ethic, always go above and beyond, willing to do anything, anywhere, in any conditions for how ever long it takes for completion and satisfaction.

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Showing 1-10 of 14

Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

Generally, a patio is more accessible than a standard deck because patios are constructed at ground level. However, decks can be made accessible by adding a wheelchair-accessible ramp, a vertical lift, or a stair lift along the entry. An ADA-compliant deck ramp costs about $3,000 on average. The additional investment will provide a much friendlier experience for your guests with movement impairments.

Footings for ground-level decks need to be at least 12 inches deep, and some areas require them to be even deeper. A standard range for deck footings is anywhere from 12 to 48 inches. The minimum footing depth is determined by an area’s frost line and soil conditions. If you’re unsure how deep to install deck footings, check local building codes to find the minimum footing depth in your area.

Floating decks are a cost-effective and versatile option, but they come with some compromises. Since they sit on smaller footings instead of being deeply anchored, they’re more likely to shift over time, especially in areas with heavy rainfall or freeze-thaw conditions. Their low-to-the-ground design makes them more susceptible to moisture buildup and potential water damage.

Yes. Freestanding or floating decks are exactly what the name implies—structures with their own support beams. You can build a deck yourself and place it next to a house for the illusion of a connected deck without the hassle. Or you can construct it in a separate part of your yard for a dedicated outdoor entertainment space. For the purpose of removing a freestanding deck, the steps are the same as an attached deck, but you don’t have to cut the deck away from the home.

Composite decking requires a solid foundation or substructure for support. This base is typically a frame composed of posts, beams, joists, and footings. The frame can be built from various materials, such as composite, plastic, timber, or metal, depending on your budget, deck type, and environmental conditions. For maximum stability, a professional deck builder may recommend installing this frame on top of a solid concrete base. It is best to discuss the most suitable substructure design and materials for your specific project with a professional.

The New Castle, VA 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
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Aug 31, 2026Aug 31, 2026
Cost to Seal or Waterproof a Deck [2026 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.
Mitchell Grant
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Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
How Much Does a Pressure-Treated Wood Deck Cost? [2026 Data]
Looking to update your yard with a new outdoor entertaining area? Learn how much a pressure-treated wood deck costs and how to estimate your total.
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•
Apr 16, 2026Apr 16, 2026
How Much Does Mahogany Decking Cost? [2026 Data]
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•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
Top Deck Maintenance Tips for Every Decking Material
Deck maintenance is vital to protecting a wooden deck. Cleaning, staining and sealing a deck after pressure washing will add years to its lifespan. Protect a deck by following these deck maintenance tips for cedar and other types of wood materials.
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Deck Maintenance Checklists for Every Season
Keep your decking looking new with this deck maintenance checklist.
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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.