"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!"
Ideally, a gate should be able to swing both in and out. However, if it can only open in one direction, it is generally best for it to swing inward. This is often the safest option, especially for deck gates near steps, as you'll want the gate to swing away from the stairs. An inward swing also prevents the gate from opening into a public space, like a sidewalk, and can be more convenient when carrying heavy items like a wheelbarrow into a garden.
There are exceptions, however. The layout of your property may require a different approach. For example, if your property is on a slope, the gate may not be able to swing inward. You should also ensure the gate can open fully without colliding with any objects or blocking access to other areas. For a backyard garden gate where public access isn't a concern, the direction it swings is largely a matter of personal preference. Finally, always check your local building codes, as they may have specific requirements for which way a gate must swing.
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.
There are more pros than cons when staining a deck. Deck stain is more affordable than paint, it protects the wood and allows the natural textures to shine through, and it can revive the appearance of your home. However, deck stain also requires prep work (sometimes days or more), carries more upkeep than a painted deck, and can fade over time if not cared for.
The best material for your deck depends on several factors, including your budget, location, aesthetic preferences, and the level of maintenance you’re willing to do. Wood decking, like redwood, ipe, cedar, and pine, lasts the longest, but it’s more expensive and requires more upkeep than composite and synthetic decking.
For a 12x20-foot (240-square-foot) deck, you can expect to pay between $7,200 and $14,400. This cost is based on a general price of $30 to $60 per square foot. The final price will depend on factors such as the decking material, design complexity, deck type, location, and local labor costs. Keep in mind that add-ons will increase the total; for example, adding an under-deck drainage system to a deck of this size could cost an additional $7,700.
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.
