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Midwest Building Exteriors
Residential · Decks

Decks built to live on.

Composite, PVC, and cedar decks — designed for how you actually use the backyard. Permits and structural engineering included.

  • 01
    Trex & TimberTech composite
  • 02
    Cedar & hardwood
  • 03
    Custom railings & lighting
  • 04
    Permits & engineering
Free · No Obligation

Start Your Deck Project

Free design consult · permit handling included · financing available.

Or call (612) 750-6051 — we typically answer within 3 rings.

How long does a deck last in Minnesota?

Wood decks typically last 10–20 years in Minnesota’s freeze-thaw climate. Premium composite and PVC decks last 25–50+ years with minimal maintenance — no annual staining, no splinters, and excellent fade & stain warranties. A typical 400 sq ft project starts around $8,000, and financing makes it easy to upgrade now and pay over time.

Compare our decking systems

Cedar / Pressure-Treated Wood
Lifespan
10–20 years
Starting Investment
from $8,000+

Lowest upfront cost, requires annual staining.

Composite (Trex / TimberTech)
Lifespan
25–35 years
Starting Investment
from $14,000+

Capped composite, fade & stain warranties.

PVC / Premium Capped Boards
Lifespan
30–50+ years
Starting Investment
from $18,000+

Best moisture & UV resistance available.

Starting investments are general guidance for typical Minnesota homes and vary by size, complexity, accessibility, and material selection. Every project receives a free, no-obligation written quote.

Do I need a permit to build a deck in Minnesota?

Yes — nearly every Twin Cities city requires a building permit for a new deck, and most require one for a full rebuild of an existing deck. Permits cover footing depth, ledger attachment, guardrail height, and stair geometry, and an unpermitted deck can hold up the sale of your home.

We pull the permit, schedule the inspections, and handle the plan submittal for your city. Minnesota frost depth means footings typically go 42 inches or deeper, which is not something to eyeball.

Composite or wood — which is better for a Minnesota deck?

Composite is the better long-term choice in Minnesota because it doesn't absorb meltwater, won't check or splinter through freeze-thaw cycles, and never needs staining. Cedar and treated lumber cost less up front and look warmer, but they require annual maintenance and typically last about half as long here.

The structure underneath matters more than the surface. We build with proper joist spacing for the decking you choose, flash the ledger correctly against the house, and protect joist tops so the frame outlives the boards.

When is the best time to build a deck in the Twin Cities?

Book in winter or early spring to build in spring; the calendar fills quickly by May and permit review adds one to three weeks in most cities. Frost-depth footings can be installed nearly year-round, but the design and permitting stage is what determines whether you're using the deck in June or August.

If your deck is being replaced as part of storm or water damage, we coordinate it with the rest of the exterior scope so you're not managing two schedules.

How the project runs

  1. 01

    Design consultation

    We look at how you actually use the yard — grilling, dining, hot tub, kids, dog — and design around traffic flow and sun exposure.

  2. 02

    Plans and permit

    Structural plans drawn, submitted to your city, and inspections scheduled. Typical review is one to three weeks.

  3. 03

    Footings and frame

    Frost-depth footings, correctly flashed ledger attachment, and joist spacing matched to your decking product.

  4. 04

    Decking, rails and lighting

    Hidden fasteners, picture framing where the design calls for it, plus railing, stair, and integrated lighting details.

  5. 05

    Final inspection

    City inspection, full cleanup, and warranty registration including the MBE Lifetime Craftsmanship Warranty on our workmanship.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to build a deck?

Most decks take one to two weeks of on-site work after the permit is issued. Multi-level decks, roofs, and screened areas take longer. Permit review adds one to three weeks up front.

How much does a deck cost in the Twin Cities?

A basic 400 square foot cedar or treated deck generally starts around $8,000, composite around $14,000, and premium PVC around $18,000. Height, stairs, railing style, and lighting drive the final number.

Can you rebuild just the surface of my existing deck?

Sometimes. If the frame, footings, and ledger pass inspection, we can re-deck and re-rail over the existing structure. We check the ledger flashing first, because that's where old decks fail.

Do composite decks get hot in summer?

Darker composite boards do run warmer in direct sun than lighter colors. If barefoot comfort matters, we recommend lighter tones or a shade structure during design.

Will a new deck add value to my home?

Outdoor living space is consistently one of the better-returning exterior improvements, and a permitted, code-compliant deck avoids the inspection problems that unpermitted decks create at closing.

Do you build screened porches and deck roofs?

Yes. We design and build covered decks, screened porches, and pergolas, coordinated with your roofline and siding so the addition doesn't look bolted on.

Financing · 0% & Low-APR Options

Flexible financing options available.

We make protecting and upgrading your home or commercial property more affordable with flexible financing programs through trusted lending partners. Get started with comfortable monthly payments — ask us about financing options during your free inspection.

  • Quick pre-qualification — no impact on your credit score
  • 0% intro APR & low-rate plans through vetted partners
  • Residential & commercial projects of every size
Ask About Financing →
Financing · 0% & Low-APR Options

Flexible financing options available.

We make protecting and upgrading your home or commercial property more affordable with flexible financing programs through trusted lending partners. Get started with comfortable monthly payments — ask us about financing options during your free inspection.

  • Quick pre-qualification — no impact on your credit score
  • 0% intro APR & low-rate plans through vetted partners
  • Residential & commercial projects of every size
Ask About Financing →
Request Free Inspection← Back to Home

Questions? Call (612) 750-6051 — most calls answered within 15 minutes.