Maybe a bit late now but its a good idea to get three quotes for any job.
If you only have the one you have nothing to compare it to.
You can ask the "manager" for references from others who have had the same
work done 3-5 years ago and ask them how it turned out.
Treat it as a problem solving or learning exercise and try not to get
confrontational.

Presumably if its being varnished traction is not an issue?

It hard to say here without seeing the deck - what kind of wood it is and
its condition. (Given its age the surface should be well bleached by the sun.)


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