Cedar decks
Cedar is the classic Minnesota deck: warm color, naturally rot and insect resistant, cooler underfoot than composite in July, and it can be sanded and refinished years down the road.
How we build
- Footings below frost depth (42 in+) sized to the load, inspected before pour
- Treated framing and joists with joist tape so water does not sit on the wood
- Cedar decking, hidden or face fasteners, cedar rail or black aluminum rail
- Flashing at the ledger — the detail that causes rot and deck failures when skipped
- Stairs, landings, and permit and inspection
Typical cost
| Scope | Installed |
|---|---|
| Cedar deck, simple rectangle | $40 – $60 per sq ft |
| Multi-level or wrap-around | $55 – $85 per sq ft |
| Add stairs, benches, pergola | Priced separately |
Maintenance
Let new cedar dry a season, then stain or seal, and re-coat every 2 to 3 years in our sun and snow. Maintained, a cedar deck runs 20+ years; neglected, it grays and checks in five.
What's included
- Free, no-pressure estimate
- Licensed & fully insured crew
- Cleanup included — we leave it spotless
- Same-day or scheduled service
- Written quote, fair pricing
- 24/7 emergency response
FAQ
Cedar or composite?
Cedar costs less up front, feels cooler in summer, and can be refinished. Composite costs more and never needs staining. If you hate maintenance, go composite; if you like real wood, go cedar.
Do deck footings need to be below frost line?
Yes — 42 inches or more in the metro. Shallow footings heave and the deck racks.
Do I need a permit for a deck?
Almost always in the Twin Cities. We pull the permit and meet the inspector at footing and final.
Related cost guide
Deck Cost in Minnesota
Real Twin Cities pricing — what you should expect to pay in 2026.
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