Deck Building & Renovation | Minnetonka & Wayzata MN
New deck construction, renovation, and deck-to-patio transitions. Composite and natural wood options designed for year-round Minnesota living. Licensed contractor (#BC684026).
Your Deck Is the Bridge Between Inside and Out
It is now common to use your outdoor space more often. To live 365 outdoors, your landscape design needs to incorporate features that serve essential functions all year. A well-designed deck is the primary transition from your home's interior to the outdoor living space beyond, and in many Lake Minnetonka homes, the deck is the most-used outdoor feature from April through November.
Whether you need a new deck built from the ground up, a complete renovation of an aging pressure-treated structure, or a multi-level deck that steps down to a paver patio, we approach every project with the same design-build methodology we apply to all our work. The deck is designed in context with the overall landscape: retaining walls below, patio connections at ground level, lighting throughout, and plantings that frame the views you want to emphasize.
As a licensed Minnesota contractor (#BC684026), we pull all required permits, meet current building codes for railing height, joist spacing, ledger board attachment, and footing depth, and build structures that pass inspection on the first visit. Many homeowners are surprised to learn how much building codes have changed since their original deck was built. A renovation often requires bringing the entire structure up to current code, which is another reason professional oversight matters.
Composite vs. Natural Wood: The Minnesota Decision
Both options perform well in Minnesota when properly installed. Your choice comes down to aesthetics, maintenance tolerance, and budget.
| Feature | Composite (Trex, TimberTech) | Cedar / Redwood | Pressure-Treated Pine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maintenance | Minimal. Wash annually. No staining. | Stain/seal every 2-3 years. | Stain/seal every 1-2 years. |
| Lifespan | 25-50 years (warranty backed) | 20-30 years with maintenance | 15-20 years with maintenance |
| Splinter & Warp Risk | None | Possible without sealing | Common after 3-5 years |
| Cost Installed (per sq ft) | $35-$60 | $30-$50 | $20-$35 |
| Snow/Ice Performance | Excellent. Resists moisture absorption. | Good. Grain can trap moisture. | Fair. Prone to checking and cupping. |
| Best For | Low-maintenance, long-term value. | Natural aesthetic, willing to maintain. | Budget builds, temporary solutions. |
We most commonly recommend composite decking for Lake Minnetonka area homes. The 25-year manufacturer warranty, zero-staining maintenance, and superior performance in freeze-thaw conditions make it the best long-term value despite higher upfront cost.
New Builds, Renovations, and Everything Between
New Deck Construction
Ground-up deck builds designed as integrated elements of your outdoor living space. We design the deck in 3D alongside patios, retaining walls, and landscaping so everything connects seamlessly. Posts are set on concrete footings below the 42-inch frost line, ledger boards are properly flashed and lag-bolted to the house band board, and all connections use code-compliant hardware. Options include multi-level decks, built-in benches, privacy screens, under-deck drainage systems, and integrated lighting.
Deck Renovation & Rebuild
Many homes in the Lake Minnetonka area have decks that are 15-25 years old and showing their age: soft boards, wobbly railings, rusted hardware, and footings that have shifted. We evaluate the existing structure to determine whether a full rebuild or a surface renovation makes more sense. In many cases, the framing is still sound and we can re-deck the surface with composite boards, add new railings, and upgrade to LED lighting for a fraction of the cost of a complete rebuild.
Multi-Level Designs
Properties with significant grade changes benefit from multi-level decks that step down the slope, creating distinct zones for cooking, dining, lounging, and fire features at different elevations. Each level connects to the one below with wide steps or transitions to a paver patio at ground level. This approach maximizes usable space on sloped lots and creates visual interest that a single-level deck cannot achieve.
Deck-to-Patio Transitions
The most popular configuration we build combines an upper deck (connected to the house at door level) stepping down to a ground-level paver patio. The deck provides the transition from the home's interior while the patio creates a larger, more versatile entertaining surface at grade. This combination gives you the best of both materials: the elevated convenience of a deck and the permanence and design flexibility of pavers.
Services That Pair With Decks
Patios
The deck steps down to a paver patio at grade. Most deck projects include a patio connection for expanded entertaining space.
Pergolas
A pergola mounted to the house above the deck provides shade and architectural definition for the outdoor dining area.
Landscape Lighting
Post cap lights, riser lights, and railing-mounted downlights extend your deck's usable hours well past sunset.
Industry Certifications & Partnerships
Deck Building FAQ
A new composite deck in the Lake Minnetonka area typically costs $35-$60 per square foot installed, including footings, framing, decking, railings, and stairs. A standard 300-square-foot deck runs $10,500-$18,000. Multi-level decks, built-in features, and premium materials like TimberTech or Trex Transcend increase costs. Pressure-treated pine decks start lower at $20-$35 per square foot but require ongoing staining and have shorter lifespans. Our detailed proposals break down every cost so there are no surprises.
Yes. All attached decks require a building permit in Minnesota. Freestanding decks over 30 inches above grade or over 200 square feet also require permits in most municipalities. The permit process includes plan review, footing inspection, framing inspection, and final inspection. We handle the entire permit process as part of our service, including engineering drawings when required for elevated or complex structures. Our MN contractor license (#BC684026) is mandatory for permitted deck construction.
If your deck is under 15 years old and the framing (joists, beams, posts) is sound, re-decking the surface with composite boards and upgrading railings is often the most cost-effective approach, saving 30-40% compared to a full rebuild. If the framing shows rot, the footings have shifted, or the ledger board connection is compromised, a full rebuild is necessary for safety. We provide honest assessments during our initial consultation. Probe testing of framing members and visual inspection of connection points tell us quickly which direction makes sense.
Build or Renovate Your Deck
Schedule a consultation with Charlie Kraemer. We will evaluate your existing structure (or your blank slate), discuss options, and provide a detailed proposal with 3D design.