Abbey Fence & Deck Co., Inc., boasting one of the area’s largest and most versatile facilities, has been serving metropolitan Baltimore with pride for over 70 years. Family owned and operated, our guaranteed workmanship has added distinction – privacy – and security to thousands of homes, businesses, government and industrial sites. Prior to 1985, Abbey Fence Co., Inc. concentrated predominately on residential fencing. In October 1985, Fritz Fence, a well known and respected company in the commercial and industrial market, was acquired. It was a perfect fit and today, Abbey Fence & Deck Co., Inc. remains dedicated to providing quality materials, labor and professional service at competitive prices. Abbey Fence & Deck Co., Inc. is a member in good standing of the American Fence Association and the Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. We are extremely proud of our charitable endeavors as well. Materials have been donated to Grant-A-Wish Foundation at Johns Hopkins, the Ronald McDonald House and the Compassion Center in College Park, MD.
"We contracted Winkler Deck and Fence to replace 4 gates and perform minor repairs on our existing fence after receiving a referral. The initial engagement with the owner Curt was pleasant, the quote we received was reasonable, and the job started 8 weeks after we signed the contract. Unfortunately, that’s where the good ended… On the day of the job, the crew didn’t let us know they were onsite, which wasn’t a good start. Then after the work was completed they left without notifying us that the job was done nor doing a walkthrough with us. The next day we looked over the work and noticed that two of the installed gates were not level and were substantially tilted to one side. We contacted their office manager, Tammy, who stated that the owner Curt would stop by the following day to review the issues. Curt was a no-show and after following up with Tammy she stated he would stop by the next day instead. He was again a no-show. We once again followed up and asked for a specific day and time that they would come out so that we didn’t have to miss work again and never received a response… The following weekend Curt finally showed up unannounced and without notice and never apologized for the no-shows. He then immediately asked in a defensive tone “What’s your problem with the gates?”. We explained the issue and he tried to blame it on the previous fence builder. We stated that the previous gates were level and installed correctly and he replied “Well then what do you expect, this was a repair job”. Uh ok… I expect properly built and installed gates, per our contract. He finally agreed that one of the gates should be rebuilt after initially denying it had issues and said he would try to reposition the other gate to reduce the slant, but he clearly was not happy about doing the work. Also, after providing feedback on the crew’s disappearing act he stated “We have bigger jobs than this that are more important”. When I stated I couldn’t recommend them to others due to their lack of customer service, he walked off and barked “We have plenty of other work in this area so I’m not worried about it”. Wow… A simple apology would have gone a long way… Ultimately they did fix the gates and followed up to see if we were satisfied. However, based on our overall experience I would not recommend this company due to their lack of basic customer service, lack of basic respect for their customers, and shoddy workmanship. Also, they clearly don’t value smaller jobs, which is a bad move on their part because they lost future business with me as well as my neighbors who asked about my experience."
Anthony C on March 2023
Abbey Fence & Deck Co., Inc., boasting one of the area’s largest and most versatile facilities, has been serving metropolitan Baltimore with pride for over 70 years. Family owned and operated, our guaranteed workmanship has added distinction – privacy – and security to thousands of homes, businesses, government and industrial sites. Prior to 1985, Abbey Fence Co., Inc. concentrated predominately on residential fencing. In October 1985, Fritz Fence, a well known and respected company in the commercial and industrial market, was acquired. It was a perfect fit and today, Abbey Fence & Deck Co., Inc. remains dedicated to providing quality materials, labor and professional service at competitive prices. Abbey Fence & Deck Co., Inc. is a member in good standing of the American Fence Association and the Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. We are extremely proud of our charitable endeavors as well. Materials have been donated to Grant-A-Wish Foundation at Johns Hopkins, the Ronald McDonald House and the Compassion Center in College Park, MD.
"We contracted Winkler Deck and Fence to replace 4 gates and perform minor repairs on our existing fence after receiving a referral. The initial engagement with the owner Curt was pleasant, the quote we received was reasonable, and the job started 8 weeks after we signed the contract. Unfortunately, that’s where the good ended… On the day of the job, the crew didn’t let us know they were onsite, which wasn’t a good start. Then after the work was completed they left without notifying us that the job was done nor doing a walkthrough with us. The next day we looked over the work and noticed that two of the installed gates were not level and were substantially tilted to one side. We contacted their office manager, Tammy, who stated that the owner Curt would stop by the following day to review the issues. Curt was a no-show and after following up with Tammy she stated he would stop by the next day instead. He was again a no-show. We once again followed up and asked for a specific day and time that they would come out so that we didn’t have to miss work again and never received a response… The following weekend Curt finally showed up unannounced and without notice and never apologized for the no-shows. He then immediately asked in a defensive tone “What’s your problem with the gates?”. We explained the issue and he tried to blame it on the previous fence builder. We stated that the previous gates were level and installed correctly and he replied “Well then what do you expect, this was a repair job”. Uh ok… I expect properly built and installed gates, per our contract. He finally agreed that one of the gates should be rebuilt after initially denying it had issues and said he would try to reposition the other gate to reduce the slant, but he clearly was not happy about doing the work. Also, after providing feedback on the crew’s disappearing act he stated “We have bigger jobs than this that are more important”. When I stated I couldn’t recommend them to others due to their lack of customer service, he walked off and barked “We have plenty of other work in this area so I’m not worried about it”. Wow… A simple apology would have gone a long way… Ultimately they did fix the gates and followed up to see if we were satisfied. However, based on our overall experience I would not recommend this company due to their lack of basic customer service, lack of basic respect for their customers, and shoddy workmanship. Also, they clearly don’t value smaller jobs, which is a bad move on their part because they lost future business with me as well as my neighbors who asked about my experience."
Anthony C on March 2023
Freedom Fence and Deck specializes in affordable top quality maintenance free decks and fences. We are an owner operated company with zero complaints. We also have earned a A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. We offer a limited Lifetime Warranty on all our work. Angie's List has awarded us the Super Service Award three years in a row.
"Jim, the salesman, was great! He came to provide the initial estimate, gave me time to think about the project, followed up with a couple of phone calls and a thank you note! When he came back to clarify a few things about placement and schedule the fencing project, I felt confident in choosing Freedom Fence and Deck to do the job. Ed and Xavier, the fence craftsmen, took great care in building the fence how I wanted it done and made suggestions for improving my ideas. Steve, the owner of Freedom Fencing, came at least once each day to help the guys and make decisions on the installation and work on building the fence. Overall, I couldn't be more pleased with the fence that Freedom Fence and Deck built. I will definitely recommend them!"
Anne W on June 2019
Freedom Fence and Deck specializes in affordable top quality maintenance free decks and fences. We are an owner operated company with zero complaints. We also have earned a A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. We offer a limited Lifetime Warranty on all our work. Angie's List has awarded us the Super Service Award three years in a row.
"Jim, the salesman, was great! He came to provide the initial estimate, gave me time to think about the project, followed up with a couple of phone calls and a thank you note! When he came back to clarify a few things about placement and schedule the fencing project, I felt confident in choosing Freedom Fence and Deck to do the job. Ed and Xavier, the fence craftsmen, took great care in building the fence how I wanted it done and made suggestions for improving my ideas. Steve, the owner of Freedom Fencing, came at least once each day to help the guys and make decisions on the installation and work on building the fence. Overall, I couldn't be more pleased with the fence that Freedom Fence and Deck built. I will definitely recommend them!"
Anne W on June 2019
I started Straka Contracting over a decade ago in Howard County after having gained considerable experience in all areas of home improvement. Much of that know-how came from working with my father who has been in the trade since the 1960s. Today we serve the central Maryland area with a full array of services including remodeling, additions, decks, fencing, roofing, skylights, siding, windows, doors, gutters and gutter guards. Straka Contracting is dedicated to quality work and we offer a guarantee to back it up on every job. What’s more, when I take on work I am personally involved from beginning to end, making sure things are done properly. Karel Straka, Owner Straka Contracting
"Karel Straka has helped me on and off with construction items on my townhouse for almost twenty years, making major changes to my deck and patio among other things. I find him easy to work with, very thorough, trusty-worthy, reliable and affordable. Sometimes I submit my own design, and he always does it better."
Ken M on January 2025
I started Straka Contracting over a decade ago in Howard County after having gained considerable experience in all areas of home improvement. Much of that know-how came from working with my father who has been in the trade since the 1960s. Today we serve the central Maryland area with a full array of services including remodeling, additions, decks, fencing, roofing, skylights, siding, windows, doors, gutters and gutter guards. Straka Contracting is dedicated to quality work and we offer a guarantee to back it up on every job. What’s more, when I take on work I am personally involved from beginning to end, making sure things are done properly. Karel Straka, Owner Straka Contracting
"Karel Straka has helped me on and off with construction items on my townhouse for almost twenty years, making major changes to my deck and patio among other things. I find him easy to work with, very thorough, trusty-worthy, reliable and affordable. Sometimes I submit my own design, and he always does it better."
Ken M on January 2025
We are a company with more than 10 of experience in the construction industry. We provide a quality work to all our clients. We've built an excellent reputation for customer satisfaction by providing quick estimates, a great attention to detail, and competitive pricing.
"The work was done in the highest heat of the summer, and all the workers always had a smile. They were skilled professionals, courteous and neat. Geo (the owner) was on site daily and responded to my texts. He was able to explained the work in a manner that educated us and helped us with our decision-making. It was Great dealing with the man in charge !"
Annette M on October 2024
We are a company with more than 10 of experience in the construction industry. We provide a quality work to all our clients. We've built an excellent reputation for customer satisfaction by providing quick estimates, a great attention to detail, and competitive pricing.
"The work was done in the highest heat of the summer, and all the workers always had a smile. They were skilled professionals, courteous and neat. Geo (the owner) was on site daily and responded to my texts. He was able to explained the work in a manner that educated us and helped us with our decision-making. It was Great dealing with the man in charge !"
Annette M on October 2024
Over 12 years in business! All home improvement work, concrete, brick, decks, garage, bathrooms, kitchen, basements
"Project was a new deck, started last year 2024, should have been completed before the end of that summer, here it is Jun 2025 and still not complete, talk to owner several times said still no movement forward, board cracking all over the place due to screws not normal wood cracking, even thought the wood is cracking more and more day by day since the deck is not complete it has not been sealed. Boards do not line up, come home one day during the build to to 3’ wide steps, we ordered 5’ wide steps, no communication between the project manager and the builder. They walked in one day and said we are done except for the sanding and staining, we asked where the post lights were, they said we didn’t order them, I said check the contract, there response after checking was oh our bad, they did a makeshift attempt to add post lights and not the ones we wanted. Talked to the owner (Bill) several times, each time I have to re-explain the issues, each time he says he will come out and make it right, still no appointment and no visit. These guys claim to be a Vet Owned Business, they give it a bad name. I have given him 5 days to respond or we seek legal assistance/action. With they way this project has gone I don’t understand how they stayed in business or received any good reviews. I would give no stars if I could."
Stuart B on June 2025
Over 12 years in business! All home improvement work, concrete, brick, decks, garage, bathrooms, kitchen, basements
"Project was a new deck, started last year 2024, should have been completed before the end of that summer, here it is Jun 2025 and still not complete, talk to owner several times said still no movement forward, board cracking all over the place due to screws not normal wood cracking, even thought the wood is cracking more and more day by day since the deck is not complete it has not been sealed. Boards do not line up, come home one day during the build to to 3’ wide steps, we ordered 5’ wide steps, no communication between the project manager and the builder. They walked in one day and said we are done except for the sanding and staining, we asked where the post lights were, they said we didn’t order them, I said check the contract, there response after checking was oh our bad, they did a makeshift attempt to add post lights and not the ones we wanted. Talked to the owner (Bill) several times, each time I have to re-explain the issues, each time he says he will come out and make it right, still no appointment and no visit. These guys claim to be a Vet Owned Business, they give it a bad name. I have given him 5 days to respond or we seek legal assistance/action. With they way this project has gone I don’t understand how they stayed in business or received any good reviews. I would give no stars if I could."
Stuart B on June 2025
WE offer Senior, Teachers, Military and First Responders discounts! ONE-STOP- SHOP, with over 15 years of professional experience covering all your home improvement needs. Our specialties include: Bathroom and Kitchen Remodel, Home Renovations, Interior and exterior Painting, Decks, Gutter Installation, Flooring Installation. Our quotes are ALWAYS FREE! We are licensed and insured to deliver superior service. We guarantee great quality results on all projects offering fair and competitive prices. We take great pride in pleasing our customers! Give us a call today, we look forward to serving you!
"Very hardworking, great and trustworthy! Such good communication and loved having them"
Kayla C on April 2025
WE offer Senior, Teachers, Military and First Responders discounts! ONE-STOP- SHOP, with over 15 years of professional experience covering all your home improvement needs. Our specialties include: Bathroom and Kitchen Remodel, Home Renovations, Interior and exterior Painting, Decks, Gutter Installation, Flooring Installation. Our quotes are ALWAYS FREE! We are licensed and insured to deliver superior service. We guarantee great quality results on all projects offering fair and competitive prices. We take great pride in pleasing our customers! Give us a call today, we look forward to serving you!
"Very hardworking, great and trustworthy! Such good communication and loved having them"
Kayla C on April 2025
Homecraft is a 2nd generation, family-owned remodeler specializing in decks, roofing, siding, windows, and finished basements. We handle all steps of a project from planning, to permits, to building. When you partner with Homecraft you receive the finest materials - custom cut on site. This provides flexibility in design and perfection in construction. Since '96, homeowners have thanked us for establishing a company that cares. We take your ideas, add our building experience and together create a custom project that extends your living space and adds value to your home. Award Winning.
"Had an excellent experience working with Jeff on my deck project. The work is top notch and exactly what I wanted for a fair price. No BS up sales or any of that. Will definitely look to rehired for any future work."
Gregory B on January 2025
Homecraft is a 2nd generation, family-owned remodeler specializing in decks, roofing, siding, windows, and finished basements. We handle all steps of a project from planning, to permits, to building. When you partner with Homecraft you receive the finest materials - custom cut on site. This provides flexibility in design and perfection in construction. Since '96, homeowners have thanked us for establishing a company that cares. We take your ideas, add our building experience and together create a custom project that extends your living space and adds value to your home. Award Winning.
"Had an excellent experience working with Jeff on my deck project. The work is top notch and exactly what I wanted for a fair price. No BS up sales or any of that. Will definitely look to rehired for any future work."
Gregory B on January 2025
OVER 100 YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE AS YOU PATIO AND HARDSCAPE EXPERTS! SBC Outdoor Services was founded in 2015 by Brad Crist. Brad had over 15 years of experience in the industry and wanted to create a landscaping company that could hold true to the concept of “quality landscaping.” Ever since then we've been constantly growing as a high-end hardscape, landscape design, and commercial maintenance business. Over the course of our existence, we've earned a great reputation for quality service and we aim to not just maintain our reputation for excellence but to constantly improve it. That's why we only hire the best of the best. Our management team alone has over 30 years of experience in the industry and members of management used to maintain the White House. The rest of our team is similarly qualified and has over 100 years of combined experience. At SBC Outdoor Services we believe that landscaping is an art, not just a skill. We not only teach our employees proper installation methods but also encourage them to take initiative and to completely pour their imagination and skill into their work. Our design and installation divisions make sure that the product will be very functional as well as attractive while our maintenance division employees take great pride in the ongoing beauty of your property.
"I hired them to do landscaping and a driveway, my drive way is crumbling and have holes in it."
Cynthia R on December 2023
OVER 100 YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE AS YOU PATIO AND HARDSCAPE EXPERTS! SBC Outdoor Services was founded in 2015 by Brad Crist. Brad had over 15 years of experience in the industry and wanted to create a landscaping company that could hold true to the concept of “quality landscaping.” Ever since then we've been constantly growing as a high-end hardscape, landscape design, and commercial maintenance business. Over the course of our existence, we've earned a great reputation for quality service and we aim to not just maintain our reputation for excellence but to constantly improve it. That's why we only hire the best of the best. Our management team alone has over 30 years of experience in the industry and members of management used to maintain the White House. The rest of our team is similarly qualified and has over 100 years of combined experience. At SBC Outdoor Services we believe that landscaping is an art, not just a skill. We not only teach our employees proper installation methods but also encourage them to take initiative and to completely pour their imagination and skill into their work. Our design and installation divisions make sure that the product will be very functional as well as attractive while our maintenance division employees take great pride in the ongoing beauty of your property.
"I hired them to do landscaping and a driveway, my drive way is crumbling and have holes in it."
Cynthia R on December 2023
FA Outdoor Spaces is a large exterior home improvement company servicing Northern Virginia, DC and Maryland. With roots in Design and Build having serviced our clients at our sister company FA Design Build, we bring 45+ years of professionalism to every project we undertake. We have teams dedicated to each region ready to serve you. We specialize in all things Outdoors, like Trex & Timber Tech composite decking for new builds, deck reflooring/rerailing, deck enclosures, three season rooms, sunrooms, patios and fencing — all backed with a lifetime installation warranty you won’t find anywhere else.
"I’m so happy with how easy it was to work my project manager, Veronica. She clearly explained how the project would proceed and followed up to make sure the work proceeded on time and with attention to every detail. Now my porch is exactly what I wanted. It makes me happy just to sit there on my porch swing and enjoy the detail and care brought to every aspect of the project."
Sharon D on June 2025
FA Outdoor Spaces is a large exterior home improvement company servicing Northern Virginia, DC and Maryland. With roots in Design and Build having serviced our clients at our sister company FA Design Build, we bring 45+ years of professionalism to every project we undertake. We have teams dedicated to each region ready to serve you. We specialize in all things Outdoors, like Trex & Timber Tech composite decking for new builds, deck reflooring/rerailing, deck enclosures, three season rooms, sunrooms, patios and fencing — all backed with a lifetime installation warranty you won’t find anywhere else.
"I’m so happy with how easy it was to work my project manager, Veronica. She clearly explained how the project would proceed and followed up to make sure the work proceeded on time and with attention to every detail. Now my porch is exactly what I wanted. It makes me happy just to sit there on my porch swing and enjoy the detail and care brought to every aspect of the project."
Sharon D on June 2025
Betterliving sunroom of the Capital area is sub division of Deck Soldier - family own business, over 14 years we spetialise in Deck building , restoration and screen porch constractions. December 2023 is time when we get opportunity to be come dealer for one of the best Sunroom manufactory -Betterliving sunrooms. Beginning of 2024 was education time. We spent 2 weeks with crew leaders on factory in PA - learning new materials and installation process. Another 2 weeks our sales team learned history of 70 years company and saw how every detail of sunroom is made, learn why Betterliving Sunrooms is best quality sunrooms on market. We proud that we build over 30 Sunrooms and screen porches in 2024 and all our customers happy with their final rooms. We sustain our business on quality and integrity. We look forward to earning your business -sunrooms (3 or 4 season , vinyl or aluminum) -screen rooms -porches -deck building -deck remodeling -deck restoration( washing, staining) -paver patio/retaining walls
"Deck Soldier (aka Betterliving) did a fantastic job of powerwashing and then sealing my deck, installing new handrails, and staining the swingset in the yard. Very pleased with their work and their professionalism."
Andrew H on October 2024
Betterliving sunroom of the Capital area is sub division of Deck Soldier - family own business, over 14 years we spetialise in Deck building , restoration and screen porch constractions. December 2023 is time when we get opportunity to be come dealer for one of the best Sunroom manufactory -Betterliving sunrooms. Beginning of 2024 was education time. We spent 2 weeks with crew leaders on factory in PA - learning new materials and installation process. Another 2 weeks our sales team learned history of 70 years company and saw how every detail of sunroom is made, learn why Betterliving Sunrooms is best quality sunrooms on market. We proud that we build over 30 Sunrooms and screen porches in 2024 and all our customers happy with their final rooms. We sustain our business on quality and integrity. We look forward to earning your business -sunrooms (3 or 4 season , vinyl or aluminum) -screen rooms -porches -deck building -deck remodeling -deck restoration( washing, staining) -paver patio/retaining walls
"Deck Soldier (aka Betterliving) did a fantastic job of powerwashing and then sealing my deck, installing new handrails, and staining the swingset in the yard. Very pleased with their work and their professionalism."
Andrew H on October 2024
The lifespan of automatic pool covers varies by component. Cover fabrics require replacement every five to six years, costing between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on size and material quality. Mechanical elements like motors function for five to ten years before needing replacement at $450 plus labor. The tracking system and housing unit can last considerably longer with proper care. Scheduling professional maintenance one to three times yearly at $150 to $200 per service helps maximize the operational life of all components.
While automatic covers require a larger initial investment, they provide significant advantages that often justify the premium. The convenience of one-touch operation encourages more consistent use, maximizing energy savings that can reach 50% to 70% on heating costs. The enhanced safety features, reduced chemical requirements, and decreased water evaporation deliver ongoing operational savings. These benefits outweigh the higher upfront expense for households that use their pools frequently.
Most existing pools can be retrofitted with automatic covers, though rectangular shapes accommodate them more easily than custom configurations. On-deck track systems offer the most straightforward installation for existing pools since they require minimal structural modifications. Recessed track systems necessitate more substantial deck alterations but provide a cleaner appearance. A professional assessment is essential to determine which system best suits your pool's specific layout and structural characteristics.
Proper maintenance includes promptly removing standing water and debris to prevent excessive weight on the cover. Use manufacturer-approved cleaning solutions for periodic washing according to recommended guidelines. Keep tracks clear of dirt and obstructions that could cause alignment problems or motor strain. Professional servicing one to three times yearly allows technicians to inspect mechanical components, lubricate moving parts, and make necessary adjustments before minor issues develop into major problems requiring costly repairs.