217-454-5388
Deck FAQ
How long does it take to finish the deck?
Most decks can be completed within a few days to a week.
What material do you recommend?
We recommend ACQ Treated Lumber, Cedar, Red Wood, or Vinyl.
What is ACQ Treated Lumber?
It is pressure treated pine but does not contain the harmful (cancer causing) chemicals. Its costs a little bit more but it is well worth it.
Do you need a permit?
Under most conditions, yes.
Please see the permit section for more info.
I have found a decking material not listed on your website. I like this material and want my deck built from it. Will you build my deck from this material?
Probably. We have been around a long time and have used many materials. Give us a call, we would be more than happy to sit down and talk with you about it.
I have an older treated wood deck. The framework, I believe, is still in great shape but the decking and rails are not. Will I have to completely tear out the old deck before I go with new?
Probably not. You can remove your old rails/decking and go back with treated wood if you like. The other option is to remove the rails and cover the wood in vinyl. You can then add wood or vinyl rails. We would be more than happy to talk with you about the options.
Can you build furniture right into the deck?
Yes, any type you like.
How much more will it cost to have a Jacuzzi?
The starting cost is around $1900 and that can go up considerably depending on the style chosen.
Is Deck Maintenance Necessary?
Many decks are made of pressure treated pine. Good quality treated pine will last thirty years or so before there is any substantial decay. However, discoloration and splintering can begin after only a few months. For this reason, most people take on a regular cycle of maintenance. Failure to do so won't cause your deck to rot, but your deck will most certainly become discolored and the surface will become rough and prone to splinters.
Do New Decks Need to be Sealed?
Yes. To ensure that the deck continues to look good with minimal splintering and discoloration, the deck should be sealed as soon as it becomes stabilized within its environment. This usually means waiting 30 - 60 days after the deck is completed before sealing.
What Will Happen to a Poorly Maintained Deck?
Many people never treat and seal their decks. Untreated decks don't fall down or rot away quickly. Nothing dramatic happens. They will simply get dirty and the surface will become much rougher much sooner. Splinters and cracking are a common problem with wood decks. Another hazard is slick surfaces. Much of the "dirt" we see on a poorly maintained deck is actually living organisms. Just like the algae and moss that grow on rocks next to a stream, the organic material growing on a deck can make the deck very slippery when wet. Cleaning and sealing a deck kills, removes, and slows the return of organic build-up.
What Type of Maintenance is Recommended?
Approximately once a year, the deck should be checked for loose boards and protruding nails, thoroughly cleaned, and resealed. Cleaning involves the removal of dirt, algae, moss, and other organic matter. Resealing is accomplished applying a clear or semi-clear liquid sealant to all exposed surfaces. You can do any of these tasks yourself or hire a professional.
Many professional painters offer this service. Prices and quality vary. Typically, deck cleaning and sealing expenses run from $300-$900. At the bottom end of that scale are a lot of companies that don't know much about what they are doing. Choose an experienced, high-quality contractor, such as ourselves.
Copyright © 2002 H&H Painting & Remodeling