Get matched with top deck maintenance specialists in Merrill, WI
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Find Deck maintenance specialists in Merrill

Avatar for GF Company
GF Company
4.6(
152
)

Serving Merrill, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 1974

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"we had a large double window two windows one opening replaced they did a a good job made that room much warmer in winter which is what we were after it is now the warmest room in the house in the winter which is good as it is the room we spend most our time in. will defiantly be having them out to price gutters when we are ready in the spring."
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+19

Recommended by93%of homeowners
Avatar for Eagle Improvements
Eagle Improvements
3.5(
6
)

Serving Merrill, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 2006

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"He comes too early to plow and I have to go out later and blow the end of the driveway and mailbox area. Also the driveway was not plowed out wide enough. If I have to go out and snowblow it doesn't pay to pay someone to do my driveway."
Recommended by75%of homeowners
Avatar for Matthew Moss Painting
Matthew Moss Painting
3.7(
3
)

Serving Merrill, WI and surrounding areas

In business since 1990

Emergency services offered

Credit card accepted

"Well it took some time for them to get out there because we had lots of rain that week, but when they showed up, they were great, I cant believe they even took the time to do a little shed for me that was not even in the quote, and did not charge me for it, they said they felt bad because the rain kept delaying them but that was not there fault, wow what a professional company, you don't see guys like Mr. Moss anymore you could tell his work is very important to him....."
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+24

Recommended by66%of homeowners
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Deck Maintenance questions, answered by experts

It is definitely worth sanding a deck to ensure the wood absorbs new stain. Sanding a deck removes the outer layers of aging wood, allowing the stain to penetrate. It also gives a fresh look to the entire surface as part of the deck refinishing process. Without sanding, your stain or sealant is less likely to absorb into the wood. While sanding a deck is a time-intensive project, the rewards are noticeable and long-lasting.

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.

Applying too much sealer to a deck might seem like extra protection, but it can cause more harm than good. Wood is a porous material with a limited capacity to absorb liquids. When you go overboard with sealer, the excess can't soak in and instead forms a film on the surface. This leftover layer is prone to peeling, cracking, and trapping moisture, ultimately defeating the purpose of sealing in the first place. 

If you want to make a deck cleaner from products already in your home, there are various options. The most common is to use a gentle blend of 1 gallon of warm water and 2 tablespoons of ammonia-free dish soap. You can also mix water with distilled vinegar. Sprinkling on some baking soda can help to remove mold and mildew. You can add oxygen bleach (but never damaging chlorine bleach) to the water and ammonia-free dish soap solution for something a bit stronger. 

It is possible to build your own deck, but it’s typically better to leave the work to a decking professional. Decks can be exceptionally complicated, especially if you want a wrap-around or second-story deck, and you don’t want to risk making an expensive or dangerous mistake. It’s usually better to hire a decking pro who can pull permits and build a structurally sound deck that will last for decades and provide the maximum return on investment.

The Merrill, WI homeowners’ guide to deck maintenance services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.