Deck and Patio: what a handyman does
A handyman can replace cracked deck boards, reset popped fasteners, tighten balusters and refinish worn surfaces. Anything holding the deck up is different: the ledger, footings, posts, beams and joists need a contractor, and Winnetka's village deck checklist requires a building permit application. Check these before the first cookout.
Jobs we take on
Tap one to add it to your list.
- Replace cracked, split or rotted deck boards
- Reset or replace popped nails and screws that stick up or have broken
- Re-tighten loose balusters and railing screws
- Replace damaged stair treads and risers on deck steps
- Clean, sand and re-seal or stain the deck surface
- Repair or replace deck trim and fascia boards
- Swap a deck or patio light fixture like for like
- Re-level a few loose patio pavers and refill the joints
- Assemble outdoor furniture and hang outdoor hooks and shelves
Signs it is time to call
- Soft, cracked or rotted wood, especially next to the house and at the bottom of posts
- Red rust on joist hangers, bolts and other metal connectors
- A railing that moves when you lean on it, or gaps between balusters wide enough for a 4-inch ball
- No visible flashing above the board that attaches the deck to the house, or a gap opening between the two
- Nails or screws sticking up or breaking in the deck boards
What is not a handyman job
The ledger that attaches the deck to the house, footings, posts, beams, joists and joist hangers are structural, and NADRA recommends a design professional where the ledger connection cannot be evaluated. Railing posts need a proper connection to the deck frame, so a post that moves goes to a contractor. New decks, rebuilds and anything needing drawings go to a licensed contractor and a village permit. Outlets and hot tub wiring go to a licensed independent electrician. Large sunken patio sections and grading go to a mason or landscape contractor.
Plumbing, electrical and roofing go to licensed independent contractors.
What a visit looks like
- We walk the deck or patio with you and mark what we can repair and what needs a contractor.
- We agree on the scope of work before starting.
- We clean up and walk you through the finished work.
Common questions
How do I check whether my deck is safe?
The North American Deck and Railing Association checklist looks for decay and cracks, red rust on connectors, flashing above the ledger, and loose rails. It notes a guard is needed when the walking surface is more than 30 inches above grade, and that baluster openings should be under 4 inches. A qualified professional should evaluate anything structural.
Do I need a permit to repair or replace deck boards?
We cannot say for certain. Winnetka's deck checklist covers building permit applications for deck projects, and rules for repairs differ from new construction. Call the Village of Winnetka Community Development office at (847) 716-3520 before starting, especially if anything beyond surface boards will change.
Can you fix a wobbly deck railing?
If the wobble is loose balusters or top rail screws, yes. If the post itself moves, the connection to the deck frame is the problem. NADRA notes that guard posts need proper hardware tying them to the frame and that bolts alone failed its load checks. That repair goes to a contractor.
Can you fix a sunken or uneven patio?
We can re-level a few loose pavers and refill the joints. A large sunken area usually points to drainage or base problems, and a cracked slab is concrete work. As general practice, those go to a mason or landscape contractor rather than a handyman.