Exterior & Repairs · Twin Cities & Anoka County

Deck Builder in Minneapolis, MN

We build new decks, repair and replace old ones, and rebuild the porches, landings and exterior stairs that get you in and out of the house. The work starts below grade with footings set for Minnesota frost and a ledger flashed to keep water out of the house. We work across Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and Anoka County.

Get an estimate Call (763) 439-6173

Deck builder for new decks, deck repair and porches

A deck is a structure that holds people above the ground, so most of the work goes into the parts you don't see: footings, beams, joists, hardware and the connection to the house. We build and repair decks, porches and exterior stairs for homeowners and property managers across the Twin Cities and Anoka County.

Wood and composite decks
New deck installation and deck replacement
Deck framing
Deck board replacement and resurfacing
Deck repairs
Deck stairs, railings and handrails
Front porches and entry landings
Outdoor wooden stairs
Deck staining and painting
Rotted wood repairs
Outdoor structural carpentry

Read the full scope →

New decks and replacements

Wood and composite decks on pressure-treated framing
Deck framing sized for span and snow load, with metal connectors and hangers
Ledger boards bolted to the house rim and flashed so water can't get behind them
Freestanding decks on their own beams and posts where attaching to the house doesn't work

Repairs

Decking board replacement
Rotted joist, beam and post repairs
Loose or failing railings and stairs
Ledger repairs when water has rotted the connection

Stairs, railings and handrails. Exterior wooden stairs, stair tread replacement, guard railings and graspable handrails. Code sets guard height, baluster spacing and stair rise and run, and we build to it.

Porches and entry landings. Front porches, stoops and entry landings in wood, including the framing, decking, stairs and railings.

Staining and painting. Cleaning, staining and painting of wood decks, railings and stairs.

How we work as your deck builder, from plan to final stain

1

Site visit

We look at the house wall, grade, doors and the existing deck if there is one. On a repair, we probe the framing and check the ledger and footings.
2

Design and scope

We work out size, height, stair location, decking material and railing style, and write up the scope and estimate.
3

Plans and permit

Most decks need drawings showing footings, beams, joists and the ledger connection. We submit them and get the permit.
4

Utility locates and footings

Underground utilities get marked before any digging. We dig and pour footings below the frost line, and the inspector checks the holes when the city requires it.
5

Framing

Posts, beams, joists, ledger, flashing and hardware go in, followed by a framing inspection where required.
6

Decking, stairs and railings

We install decking, stairs, guards and handrails.
7

Final inspection and walkthrough

After the city's final inspection, we walk the deck with you and go over care and maintenance.

Good to know

What a deck builder plans for in Minnesota

Frost depth

Footings that sit above the frost line heave in winter and settle in spring, which racks the frame and pulls on the ledger. In the Twin Cities metro, footings generally need to reach at least 42 inches below grade.

Snow load

Decks here are framed to carry snow. Shovel with a plastic shovel, especially on composite boards.

Ledger flashing

Snow and meltwater sit against the house where the deck attaches. Without proper flashing, water rots the ledger and rim joist, and that's how decks come loose.

Building season

Footings need unfrozen ground, so most deck building happens from spring through fall.

Finish maintenance

Freeze-thaw and summer sun wear finishes quickly. Wood decks need cleaning and restaining every few years to keep water out of the grain.

Older decks

Decks built before current code often lack lateral connectors, flashed ledgers or proper guard heights. A repair is a good time to bring those up to standard.

Deck builder questions

Should I build with wood or composite decking?

Pressure-treated wood is the traditional choice and takes stain, but it needs cleaning and restaining every few years. Composite decking doesn't need stain and holds its color better, though it still needs cleaning and can get hot in direct sun. The framing underneath is pressure-treated lumber either way.

Do I need a permit for a deck?

Most cities require a permit for decks attached to the house and for decks more than 30 inches above grade. Some small, low, freestanding decks are exempt. Check with your city, and expect plans showing footings, beams, joists and the ledger connection.

Can you replace just the deck boards and keep the frame?

Sometimes. If the joists, beams, ledger and footings are sound and properly connected, new decking and railings can go on the existing frame. We probe the framing and check the ledger before recommending it, since new boards on a failing frame don't make sense.

How deep do deck footings need to go?

Footings for attached decks have to go below the frost line so they don't heave. In the Twin Cities metro that generally means at least 42 inches below grade. Your city's building department sets the exact requirement.

When should I stain a new wood deck?

New pressure-treated lumber is often wet from treatment and needs time to dry before it takes stain well. A simple test is to sprinkle water on the boards: if it soaks in, the wood is ready. After that, plan on cleaning and restaining every few years.

Deck Builder across the Twin Cities

Based in East Bethel, working across the north metro and the Twin Cities. Not sure we cover your town? Call or send the form and we'll tell you.

Anoka County: East Bethel · Blaine · Coon Rapids · Anoka · Andover · Ham Lake · Ramsey · Fridley
Hennepin County: Minneapolis · Brooklyn Park · Maple Grove · Plymouth
Ramsey County: St. Paul
Sherburne County: Elk River

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Planning this project?

Send a few details and photos. We'll call to set up a walkthrough.

Get an estimate Call (763) 439-6173

Deck Builder in Minneapolis, MN

Deck builder for new decks, deck repair and porches

How we work as your deck builder, from plan to final stain

Site visit

Design and scope

Plans and permit

Utility locates and footings

Framing

Decking, stairs and railings

Final inspection and walkthrough