Frequently Asked Questions
F.A.Q.
Thank you for choosing Deck Detail. We are a full service decking company. We specialize in building, cleaning, sealing, and maintaining residential decks. We have been in business for 20 years serving the Detroit Metropolitan area.
What costs more - wood or composite decking?
Composites in general cost more than wood products however you save money in the long run. Sanding and sealing once a year with real wood can get costly. Manufacturers claim 5 years or more for many of their deck finishing products but that is not realistic for Michigan. In this climate, wood needs to be sealed once per year. At Deck Detail we can help save headaches and stop the confusion by cutting through the slick sales presentations found in manufacturers brochures and the big box home stores. We will give you the best information as products and deck technologies change. We treat our customers like family by giving you the facts we paid for with many years of experience in this business.
How long will it take to build my deck?
How much does a deck cost?
When asked, how much does a deck cost, it’s much like a car. Do you want an economy or sports car? Just the basics or the luxury package? Anything is possible and we would like to talk to you about your needs. We have several options that can be customized to fit your budget.
Do I have to wait until spring to start construction?
We can build in the winter months and we encourage it. It’s also one of the benefits of living in the great state of Michigan. Snow one day and blue sky the next! Now you could wait until spring but we work on a first come first serve basis – which can turn into a backlog of jobs when spring begins. In peak season the wait can be 1 – 3 months to start a project. The construction will take slightly longer in the winter but Deck Detail will work daily on your project and call you when inclement weather hinders progress.
Communication is the key to our business and our customers satisfaction. We will not compromise the project due to the weather on our project and will meet our obligations to keep you a satisfied customer.
Are you licensed and insured?
Absolutely. Deck Detail is fully licensed and insured, giving our clients peace of mind that they are working with a professional, reputable company that adheres to all safety standards.
Do you offer warranties on your work?
Yes, we stand behind the quality of our craftsmanship and offer warranties on every deck we build. This ensures that your investment is protected and that you can enjoy your outdoor space for years to come.
How often do I need to clean and seal my deck?
To ensure the absolute best protection and the best appearance for your deck, it should be maintained on a yearly basis. Decks take a tremendous beating from the weather and will deteriorate rapidly without proper care. We recommend a yearly powerwash and the application of another coat of sealer to keep your deck at its best.
Why doesn't water bead?
Certain sealers use paraffin wax as a protective ingredient. If the sealer used on your deck contains this wax, you will see water bead for a period of time after the sealer is applied. Other sealers use oils as their protective ingredients. Although decks sealed with an oil-based sealer will not bead water, they are fully protected from any damage that may be caused by water.
Will the chemicals kill my plants?
All the chemicals used to clean and brighten your deck are environmentally friendly and will not harm your plants, children or pets. The sealers, howerver, will kill plants if saturated. We will do our best to cover all plants and grass before sealing.
How do you clean the deck?
When wood has been weathered, it will have to be restored before it may be sealed. In our process, we first apply an environmentally safe cleaning chemical, then powerwash the deck. This removes all the gray discoloration caused by damaged wood fibers and restores the wood to almost its natural color. Our powerwashers are custom-designed for our company. They are low pressure and will not damage the wood surface. All decks, including new ones, should be cleaned before they are sealed. Once the deck has been powerwashed, we then apply a wood brightener to neutralize the cleaner and further restore the wood’s natural color.
How soon can I seal my new deck?
We recommend you let your deck dry for a minimum of four weeks after construction before we apply a penetrating sealer. The problem with new wood is that the grains are closed and the wood still contains natural chemicals called tannins and mill glaze. If left to nature, it would take 3-6 months for the grain to open and the natural chemicals to leach out. By using a combination of powerwashing and mill glaze remover, we can speed up this process.
How long will the sealer last?
Most sealers will protect your deck for 18 months to 2 years on the horizontal surfaces and 3 to 4 years on all vertical surfaces depending on use and weather exposure. Please ask us about the life expectancy of any particular brand.
What is the difference between sealing and staining?
When we use the term ‘sealers’ we are referring to a semi-transparent product designed to give your deck a warm, natural appeearance. Sealers allow the natural grain of the wood to show through the color. When sealing the wood, weathering, shade lines, sun exposure and wood structure greatly affect the color and evenness on the floor. We recommend using Total Wood Preservative (TWP) deck sealer. TWP is a synthetic oil based sealer that offers a long wear in Michigan weather. Solid base stains, on the other hand, are similar to paints and completely cover the wood surface. At Deck Detail, we only recommend using stains on the vertical surfaces of your deck. When stains are used on horizontal surfases, like the floor of a deck, cracking and peeling usually occur within one year. A popular look for decks today involves using stain on the railings and a sealer on the floor. The stain is usually tinted to match the trim of your house. We call this a two-tone deck.
How do you apply the sealer?
All sealers and stains are applied according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. They can be sprayed, brushed or rolled depending on the product and the specific deck. Some products require one coat and some require two. Please ask if you have questions regarding a particular product.
What if it rains after you seal the deck?
Most sealers need a minimum of 4-8 hours to dry, although this can vary depending on the weather and the condition of your deck. If it rains soon after we apply the sealer, look for water spots. These are lighter discolorations on the wood similar to water marks left on fine furniture. If your deck has water spots, please contact us immediately to have the sealer re-applied.
Is there a guarantee?
All work will be completed in a workmanlike manner according to standard practices. We guarantee our work for one year. We are certified by all major deck care product manufacturers. We carry full general liability and worker’s compensation insurance.
What are the sealer colors?
Rustic
Rustic
Pecan
Natural
Dark Oak
Cedar
