"After refinishing our deck twice on our own with mediocre results both times, we finally decided to bring in a pro - and we couldn’t be happier with that decision. 507 Decks did an outstanding job from start to finish. Communication was clear and prompt, the service was professional, and most importantly we now have a deck we can actually enjoy for years to come. If you’re in the Winona area and need deck work done right, 507 Decks is the call to make."
"Driftless Exteriors is a true one-stop shop! They pressure washed our home, cleaned the exterior windows, stained our deck, and even painted our kitchen. Everything turned out amazing!! It?s been a long time since we?ve experienced service this good.
This small business genuinely puts its customers first. From communication and scheduling to the quality of the work, they kept us updated and informed every step of the way. 5/5 stars! We would absolutely hire them again and highly recommend them to anyone looking for interior or exterior work!"
We are a locally owned and operated company that values honesty and integrity in all aspects of our business. Our major focus is on the quality our work and producing outstanding results. We are committed to creating a level of value unmatched by any of our competitors. We look forward to building lasting relationships with our clients and guarantee your satisfaction!
"The gutter cleaning was very good, but they left the mess from gutters all over patio, deck, and deck furniture. Previous cleaners have cleaned up/removed gutter contents."
"We chose not to go with Field of Dream Siding and Construction for our roofing job because when he showed up to take measurements, he didn't even get on the roof to look around. He didn't even go in the back of the house where he would have seen that there was a skylight he'd have to work around. All the other contractors who came to take measurements in order to make a bid, got on the roof and looked around. His bid was in the mid-range, so it wasn't bad, but I'm not sure what it was based on."
"Evan at Nice Job! has performed a variety of home projects for us. Nice Job! is our "go to" for getting the job done right. The work is always done in a thorough, competent, and thought-out manner. Our family is so glad to have Nice Job! there when we need them the most. Evan's friendly personality and trustworthy presence is an added plus!"
When deciding if you should use 2x6 or 2x8 deck joists, consider the size of the deck, joist spacing, and materials. Larger decks, larger-spaced joists, and weaker wood all require more support, meaning they need larger joists. For example, 2x8 redwood joists spaced 16 inches apart can only safely span up to 10 feet and 7 inches. On the other hand, 2x10 southern pine joists spaced 12 inches apart can be as big as 16 feet and 2 inches. If you aren’t sure what size joist is best for your project, speak with your deck builder.
A deck that isn’t attached to a house is called a floating or freestanding deck. These standalone decks are built near ground level, so they usually don’t need deck stairs. Some don’t even require permits. Generally speaking, building a floating deck is faster and more DIY-friendly than constructing one that’s connected to your home.
In most cases, your deck will need some form of deck footing to hold it in place, preventing moisture from rotting your wood and decreasing your deck’s lifespan. Concrete deck blocks are the most common type of footing for floating decks. Some homeowners use ground-level deck footings. For added security, consider digging and laying your ground-level footings below ground.
Most building codes require that railing spindles (also known as balusters) on decks or stairs be spaced no more than four inches apart. This safety standard is often called the '4-inch sphere rule,' which means a sphere with a 4-inch diameter should not be able to pass through the opening between balusters. This rule is in place to prevent small children and pets from slipping through the railing. For the same reason, the space between the bottom rail and the deck or floor surface should also be no more than four inches. As a general guideline, professionals often install three balusters per foot of railing. However, since specific requirements can vary by location, it is essential to check your local building codes to ensure compliance before starting your project.
In many areas, a floating deck that isn’t connected to your home and stays under 200 square feet and below 30 inches in height may not need a permit. These freestanding structures are often considered low-risk, which can simplify the building process. However, building codes vary greatly based on location. Before investing in any home improvement project, check with your local permitting office for deck-building guidelines.
The La Crosse, WI homeowners’ guide to deck maintenance services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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.
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.
