Deck Tech

I want to update my experience. I just had a personal call from Linda from Deck tech addressing my concerns. I so appreciate her candor and kindness. She assured me my deck redo is a priority and I do believe her.
Historically, this company does outstanding work and it lasts. Anyone I spoke with has been professional. I know that it has been a rainy spring and I understand the process better. I am looking forward to the updated deck.
Thank you Linda and Stephanie for your strong efforts and genuine kindness.

We have used Deck Tech for years
And just requested a new quote. When
We received the quote the price had
Increased over 50 percent. When I asked
Why such an increase I was told that
The last time they did my deck they
Did not make the profit they expected
And the news quote would make up
For that.
I then went out and received a new quote
From a qualified contractor at half
The price that Deck tech quoted.
I think Deck Tech did an excellent job
However at double the cost they
Have priced them selves out
Of my reach.

What I was sold was NOT what I received. When DeckTech’s «salesman» Ryan came by (he cancelled the first appointment and was late to the second) he walked me through the program and stated «We will do a 10 Step process.» I had had other quotes by reputable painters to power wash and stain the deck that were much lower, but with all that was promised by Ryan I decided it was worth the extra money to go with DeckTech. I figured this is what they do so I would get more and that would cost me more. I was wrong. Here is what they promised and my thoughts below each «promise»:
1). Home and Landscape Protection: We will mask and/​or cover all landscaping and foliage to prevent it from coming into contact with the restoration process. This will be performed as needed.
— Yes, they did this very well when staining, NOT when power washing. Nothing was covered and I saw my bushes being washed too.
2). Cleaner and/​or Stripper Application: We will apply a biodegradable and sustainable chemical, detergent, cleaner and/​or stripper (as needed*) via a special HVLP applicator pump, followed by a surface agitation using a special applicator brush allowing for maximum saturation, coverage and control.
— Ryan told me this would be done. When the Power Washed showed up I called DeckTech and asked why he was power washing first before the cleaner/​stripper application. I was told this wouldn’t be done as it wasn’t needed. This was a major reason I contracted with DeckTech and something Ryan told me absolutely would be done.
3). Dwell Time: Once proper Dwell Time for optimum cleaning results has been achieved, your Deck Tech cleaning technician will provide a deep cleaning of your wooded surface using a state of the art high pressure washer employing special techniques, tips, and/​or a self-​contained cleaning system to restore your Deck to its original beauty.
— Well, since the Cleaner/​stripper was never done there was no Dwell Time. As for the cleaning with the pressure washer «employing special techniques, tips, and/​or a self-​contained cleaning system» I guy came out using a pressure washer. Not sure how special this was. I also showed him that the back step pulls away from the house by physically moving the step. He power washed the step, but not the deck under it. Really? He washed the step then put it back, and then power washed the rest of the deck WITHOUT cleaning under where the step is located. He was here for 1 hour.
After the surface has been through the proper drying time (typically 24 hours) and upon the next available day (barring inclement weather), our Deck Tech sealing technicians will perform the following:
–There was no «inclement weather» for the next 4 days, but no one called and no one showed up. Then it DID start raining and it took another 2 weeks before the strainers showed up. I kept being told how far behind they were at DeckTech with the rains during the Spring. This was August. Really?
4). Home and Landscape Protection:
— They did a very nice job of this.
5). Nail Down Service: We will nail down any fasteners that are not flush with the surface boards. This will be performed as needed*.
— I guess it wasn’t needed. Never heard a hammer used.
6). Sand and Surface Preparation: Then your sealing technicians will sand all horizontal surfaces to open the face of the wood and remove splinters. This will be performed as needed*.
— The «technician» had a hand sander with what appeared to be an already used piece of sandpaper on it. He «sanded» the top of the deck for 5 minutes, lightly going over just the flooring. Never once sanding the railings, steps or any other wood surfaces AND never changing the sandpaper that was obviously used before.
7). Product Application:
— The two people did a really good job of this.
8). Application Protocol: Next, the Deck Tech seal team will back drag using special lamb’s wool applicators to remove any excess product from the surface.
— Did not see this performed. Maybe I just missed it.
9). Clean Up: We will then clean up all home and landscape protection.
— The two people did a really good job of this.
10). Client Walk-​through: We will then provide you with a general walk-​through to ensure your complete satisfaction.
— I was home and it is hard to do a walk through with a freshly stained deck. What I saw looked fine. Total time from when they pulled into the driveway to pulling out: 2 hours.
Pros: The deck does look nice. The people that showed up were very capable and friendly.
Cons: I was charged $ 984.61 for 3 hours work and whatever product was used (A Google search shows that the most expensive stain retails for $ 54 a gallon). Even if they used two gallons, which I am sure they didn’t, that price is $ 108. Therefore $ 984 — $ 108 = $ 876. $ 876 divided by 3 hours work = $ 292 an hour. Wow, do I feel like I got taken not only by the amount paid for the work that was done, but that I was sold something more and received so much less.

Our homeowners association contracted Deck Tech to stain our decks. Two months ago they were out, and they put the stain on so thick I still get an oily residue from my shoes when I walk into the house. They’ve been contacted about this but have not replied. I would stay far away from these folks. Not only do they not know how to apply stain, their customer service is horrible.

why would I want to remodel? The windows were only 6 years old and replacing them with the same window is not remodeling. Maybe if you hire people that speak English and have respect for other peoples property this wouldn’t have happened. Maybe if they knew the cost of higher end materials they would have been more careful. THEY TOOK CHUNKS OF WOOD OUT OF MY LOGS!!! WHAT DON’T YOU PEOPLE GET!!! I honestly don’t know how you have a business licence in Illinois. But believe me I will do anything I can to worn other homeowners!!! As a matter of fact I will be adding photos to my reviews!!!

–Final Update — work is completed and deck looks very nice. The work itself I would probably give 4 stars for. The long initial delay (about 11 weeks in total from date of estimate to completion) reduces my overall opinion to 3.
–Update — did finally receive a call, from Linda, who was very nice and helpful. However, that’s still the first call or email since the estimate, which is just a tick under 70 days.
Also appreciate the response on Unilocal here. That response makes sense, I just wish I was kept informed as the time line began to drag into being 5 times longer than the original two weeks.
Open to adding more stars once the work is complete.

Customer Service took care of my needs.

Salesman is Ron Johnson. Tried sending an email, came back undeliverable.
.
Had to send multiple texts, Ron responded he had problems printing and asked for my email address to send. Over 24 hours later, I have not received proposal. If you value my business, a phone call would have been a nice touch to inform me of said printing problems, and I would not have minded a second visit to deliver propasal.
Another feather in the cap of professionalism of the DeckTech company.

Stained My Deck IN 2007 and 2011. 2011 cost was $ 650 .00. There was so much oil on the deck after a rain I would have oil puddles on the deck and when friends would sit on the bench seats they would have stain all over there pants. Deck tech sent 3 different bosses to see the problem. They said they have to redo the whole Deck, no extra charge. After they finished had same problem. Oil from friends shoes would. track all over our rugs. Ruined our Rec Room Rug. Deck Tech would not return our calls. Finally they answered them and told us it it would cost $ 1400.00 to do the deck again. I also know 2 other people who have had the same problem. 0-​stars. Don’t ruin your clothes &Deck. Bad customer service.

We recently had Deck Tech out to do our bi-​annual cleaning and resurfacing. Our deck is 13 years old and has been lovingly cared for by Deck Teck since the beginning, which is probably why it looks brand new.
They do a very thorough and professional job from estimating to finishing and we’ve had neighbors and friends compare their experiences with ours and all I can say is, you get what you pay for.
I appreciate that they keep their promises, in spite of a period of rainy weather they came out when they said they would and kept us posted with phone calls when rain delayed the start of our job. They covered windows with plastic sheeting and were considerate of plants and landscaped areas that surround our two story deck.
By the time they were finished, there was no trace of them being there — except for our gleaming deck. We are loyal Deck Tech customers and I would highly recommend them to anyone.

Tried getting ahold of them late last year but didn’t get my deck done. Tried again this year but scheduling seems to be a problem. no one has called me back… now I’m on the hunt for a deck company that will actually call me back.

Furious. I own the third floor condo and the fourth floor unit used this company to stain their deck. They promised a «sophisticated» system to prevent drippage and they would fully cover my deck with tarp just in case. They tarped and went about their business.
Fast forward 2 hours and my deck is now covered with drips of stain. The brick walls, the stone ledges, and 4 inches around the base of the wall all COVERED in stain. 60 minutes of cleaning by two workers (of which only one spoke English), has left my stone and brick sandpapered, and my wood still stained. I just now called and left a message to file a formal complaint.
I look forward to hearing from the Deck Tech owner, and having them pay for someone to clean my bricks, stone, and stain my whole deck so it looks consistent and not like a hack job that really took place. I left a message at 12:15pm today, you have my info.

I am not using Deck Tech based on the estimation process
Filled out the online form from their official website to set up an estimate on Sunday May 4^th, was told within 48 hours I will get a contact.
On the 7^th, which is well past 48hrs window since I never got a call I called their number. The person who picked up my call basically asked for my name and address and said one of the Sales will call me within 48hrs…
On May 9^th late afternoon, I went to their website and found out their email so I can send them an email because for days I never got a response!
on May 12^th I finally got a call to set up an appointment. However she claimed she got my info from the office when I called so it actually took them 120 hours instead of the 48hrs… I am sure they are just busy :)
During the phone call, I told the Agent we
would like to have the whole deck including gazebo to do repair, power wash and new paint. She said will come in for an estimate and will left pricing in my mailing box
All I got was a brochure and asked me to call. I called, she gave me a price and said this price is for the deck only, not including the gazebo. I thought I heard it wrong so I asked again, she said deck only didnt know if we wanted to have the gazebo done. I asked, is there anyone who would just power wash and re-​color the deck but not the gazebo, plus a week ago when you call I said the deck with gazebo…
Anyway, she gave me the price. The price is just the power wash and to paint both deck and gazebo. I asked what about the repair, she said they do not do repair I will have to find another company to do it, I asked her, well when you called I said I wanted an estimate of the repair, power wash and new paint so how come you didnt tell me you dont do repair!!!
Overall, talked to her twice on the phone, both time as if she was too busy for me or didnt want to address my concerns? Furthermore, the price just for power wash and new paint, I can have the builder who built us the deck/​gazebo to build a new one and than some :)

I called them on a Friday, left a message, and got a call back from them later that day. I was told that Dennis would be in contact with me about scheduling a free consultation. That was almost over a month ago. I called again last week. They apologized, said he would call me back very shortly. Again, no call. They might do good work, but first you have to get them to come out to your house, which seems virtually impossible.

Deck Tech did a great job from start to finish on my neglected deck. By the time i decided to do my deck i was worried it would be early summer by the time it got started. Today is 5÷9÷2014 and my deck is finished and ready for a long summer. The man who washed the deck did a great job to protect my plants and not make a big mess. The crew who treated the deck covered all plants and windows. They hand sanded areas of concern. I didn’t realize how much prep went into the job. I have a large heavy gas grill (to big to move) and i was going to have them treat the deck around it. To my surprise they moved it and treated under it and put it back. It was nice to see a company do a little extra and not try to hit me up for $$$$. From the sales person who came out and measured to the girls in the office it was a 5 star experience. I looked on Unilocal before i picked Deck Tech and I will be honest a few reviews made me think twice but the good out weighed the bad. Thanks Deck Tech

Just an update to my original review. After about 25 phone calls from various employees there, Paul, Robert, George, Val and a few missed appointments to fix the work, George finally came out to finish the job. The work is excellent! I love how the deck and the gazebo look now. George spent a total of 25 minutes fixing it and I probably spent 90 minutes on the phone and waiting for them to come, so I’m still not sure why that couldn’t have been done the first time. However, that being said, I am very happy with the work.
I would say that Paul, Robert, and George could not have been nicer on the phone this time but the poor coordination and communication within the company and with the customer distracts from the work itself. If they could fix that issue, it would have been a five star review.

This how quite possible been the worst experience I have had with a contractor.
They had no problem charging my credit card for a deposit mid-​July.
We were promised we were on the schedule July 29^th. No call, No show.
Nothing– that whole week.
We contacted, we are PROMISED August 8^th. No call.
I phone in, we are promised they’ll be here in the afternoon. Nothing by 1pm.
Then we are promised arrival between 3 and 5pm.
They aren’t here by 515pm.
I phone again, we are promised 6pm– latest.
630pm– still not here.
I phone in again– the phone rep is thoroughly irritated with me. Promises me they’ll be here by 7pm.
It’s 736pm.
They aren’t here. They haven’t called. and the office closed.
I stopped payment on my credit card, and filed a complaint with the BBB.
I wouldn’t suggest you trust this company– they take your deposit, and you never hear from them again.

Our 10 year old cedar deck looks brand new thanks to the Deck Tech crews. They efficiently cleaned and even sanded the deck, railings and fence. After the stain was applied, we were in awe of the difference. You do not realize what a difference their products and process make!
We have used the products for most of the life of our deck and will not switch!

I have used them 4 times and I will never use them again. I cannot stand a company that never returns a call or an email. They doubled my original quote the second time I used them. Not sure why i continued except the product is great. I called and sent them emails, waiting to schedule service… nothing. I know in about a month they will badger me with phone calls nightly.
I just scheduled another company, and it was considerably less. With this economy, they should be out of business for their lack of customer service.
Also, 4 years ago the stain dripped down on my patio thru the cracks staining the cement below, and of course they never returned.

Working w/​them was a nightmare. My condo assoc has a bunch of attached decks, owned by different units. Their estimator smelled like he had smoked 3 packs of cigarettes on the way to my house. He didn’t even look at all of the decks to do the estimate, and didn’t notice that one deck had been painted. Later they wanted to charge an addl $ 800 to strip the deck b/​c of their own mistake.
The scheduling was a mess and they changed the date for the work 3x (especially annoying given the number of owners we were coordinating). Also, on the dates that they were scheduled to come do the work, they didn’t give us a time, so I sat home all day waiting (they eventually showed up after lunch).
To make matters worse, it was very difficult to get in touch with anyone once we signed the contract (e.g. to find out why they hadn’t arrived by 11am).
The deck looks great, the work was good, and the on-​site techs could not have been nicer or more considerate. Even so, given all of the hassles from Deck Tech’s home office I would not use this company again.