How wide can deck stairs be with two stringers?

• <div><p>Deck stairs should have at least three stringers rather than two. The recommended minimum width for stairs is 36 inches, and the <a href="https://www.nachi.org/inspecting-stair-stringers.htm">International Association of Certified Home Inspectors</a> 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.</p></div>

Is building a pergola on an existing deck possible?

• <div><p>Yes, it’s definitely possible to build a pergola on an existing deck. All you need to do is attach the pergola support beams to the deck’s joists and build up from there. Beware that mistakes can damage your deck, so if you’re at all unsure of the process, play it safe and hire a pro for your custom build.</p></div>

Get matched with top deck maintenance specialists in New Castle, VA

Q: Can I draw my own deck plans?

• <div><p>Yes, you can draw your own deck plans in many cases. However, you must know your local building codes and be familiar with carpentry principles. Even then, it's always best to run your plans by a professional contractor with experience building decks, whether you choose to DIY some of the build or not.</p></div>

Q: Is PVC decking hotter than composite?

• <div><p>PVC decking tends to be cooler than composite because the material is less dense and absorbs less heat. However, it depends on the deck&rsquo;s color. A dark-colored PVC deck may run hotter than a light-colored composite deck. If you&rsquo;re concerned about your deck getting too hot, it&rsquo;s best to stick to a light color such as beige or gray. </p></div>

Q: What is the proper and most comfortable height for deck stair risers?

• <div><p>The proper and most comfortable height for a deck stair riser, also called a step, is between four and seven inches. A height of seven inches is often considered ideal for a strain-free step that minimizes the risk of trips and falls. While it is possible to have risers up to 12 inches, this height can be challenging for children, pets, or individuals with mobility issues. For optimal safety and comfort, pair a seven-inch riser with a tread depth (or run) of at least 10 to 12 inches. Always check your local building codes, as they may have specific requirements that differ from these general recommendations.</p></div>

Q: Is building a pergola on an existing deck possible?

• <div><p>Yes, it&rsquo;s definitely possible to build a pergola on an existing deck. All you need to do is attach the pergola support beams to the deck&rsquo;s joists and build up from there. Beware that mistakes can damage your deck, so if you&rsquo;re at all unsure of the process, play it safe and hire a pro for your custom build.</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your deck maintenance project in New Castle, VA?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

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
Request a quote
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
Request a quote
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
Request a quote
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
Request a quote
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
Request a quote
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
Request a quote
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
Request a quote
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
Request a quote
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
Request a quote
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
Request a quote

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

"Went well. Chris was very professional and did a great job."

Recommended by92%of homeowners

Request Quote

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

Request Quote

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

"He showed up on time but, didn't get done what I wanted done in the time that I bought from the big deal. I think it should have taken him two hours. It was easy to schedule."

Recommended by58%of homeowners

Request Quote

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

Request Quote

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

Request Quote

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.

Request Quote

Showing 1-10 of 14

Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

Yes, you can draw your own deck plans in many cases. However, you must know your local building codes and be familiar with carpentry principles. Even then, it's always best to run your plans by a professional contractor with experience building decks, whether you choose to DIY some of the build or not.

PVC decking tends to be cooler than composite because the material is less dense and absorbs less heat. However, it depends on the deck’s color. A dark-colored PVC deck may run hotter than a light-colored composite deck. If you’re concerned about your deck getting too hot, it’s best to stick to a light color such as beige or gray.

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.

The proper and most comfortable height for a deck stair riser, also called a step, is between four and seven inches. A height of seven inches is often considered ideal for a strain-free step that minimizes the risk of trips and falls. While it is possible to have risers up to 12 inches, this height can be challenging for children, pets, or individuals with mobility issues. For optimal safety and comfort, pair a seven-inch riser with a tread depth (or run) of at least 10 to 12 inches. Always check your local building codes, as they may have specific requirements that differ from these general recommendations.

Yes, it’s definitely possible to build a pergola on an existing deck. All you need to do is attach the pergola support beams to the deck’s joists and build up from there. Beware that mistakes can damage your deck, so if you’re at all unsure of the process, play it safe and hire a pro for your custom build.

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
•
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
•
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.
Angi
•
Apr 16, 2026Apr 16, 2026
How Much Does Mahogany Decking Cost? [2026 Data]
Discover mahogany decking costs and learn about material, labor, and installation factors to budget your new deck project with confidence.
Jenna Jonaitis
•
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.
Lawrence Bonk
•
Mar 19, 2026Mar 19, 2026
Deck Maintenance Checklists for Every Season
Keep your decking looking new with this deck maintenance checklist.
Deirdre Sullivan
•
Jul 31, 2026Jul 31, 2026
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.