Custom Deck Building in the Twin Cities
Cedar, pressure-treated pine, and composite (Trex, TimberTech, Deckorators) decks built to Minnesota code — concrete footings poured to 42 inches below grade, ledger boards flashed and lagged into the rim joist, and joists sized for our snow loads.
Materials & pricing (installed, per square foot)
| Material | Price/sq ft | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated pine | $25 – $40 | 15–20 years |
| Cedar | $30 – $50 | 20–25 years |
| Composite (Trex/TimberTech) | $45 – $75 | 25–30 years |
| PVC (Azek) | $55 – $90 | 30+ years |
A typical Twin Cities 12×16 (192 sq ft) deck runs $8,000 – $14,000 depending on material, height, railings, and stairs.
What's included
- Design consultation & 3D visualization
- City permit & inspections
- Concrete footings to 42" frost depth
- Galvanized post bases & joist hangers
- Stainless or coated structural fasteners
- Code-compliant railings (36" residential, 42" if 30"+ above grade)
- Full cleanup
Permits
Required in nearly every Twin Cities city for any deck attached to a structure or over 30 inches above grade. We pull the permit, schedule footing & final inspections, and meet the inspector on-site.
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 vs composite — which should I choose?
Cedar is beautiful and natural ($30–$50/sq ft) but needs staining every 2–3 years. Composite ($45–$75/sq ft) costs more upfront but eliminates 25+ years of maintenance — a clear winner long-term for most MN homeowners.
How deep are deck footings in Minnesota?
42 inches minimum, below the Minnesota frost line. Concrete piers sized to the post load. Shallower footings heave and the deck twists within a few winters.
Do I need a permit?
Yes — almost always. Any deck attached to a house or over 30 inches above grade requires a permit and inspections in Twin Cities cities. We handle the paperwork.
How long does a deck take to build?
A typical 12×16 deck is 5–10 working days: footings + cure (2–3 days), framing (2–3 days), decking & railings (2–3 days), inspection.
Can you build a deck in winter?
Yes, but footings need to be poured before frozen ground or after thaw. We can frame and deck in cold weather with composite.
Will you remove my old deck?
Yes — demo and disposal of an existing deck is typically $500–$1,500 depending on size and is included in your quote.
Related cost guide
Deck Cost in Minnesota
Real Twin Cities pricing — what you should expect to pay in 2026.
Read the guideCustom Deck Building near you
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