Why Composite Decking Is Perfect for Hennepin County Homes (By Castle Deck - Your Local Deck Builder in Hennepin County, MN)

 

Around here weather changes rapidly and not always in a nice way which is quite typical for Deck Builder in Hennepin County, MN. One day it is sunny; the other day, it might snow, or a thunderstorm may come. In that case what can be hard not only for the outdoor-loving homeowners but their decks as well are the constantly changing weather conditions.

We have witnessed how wood decks have been damaged by the weather in the area, and thus quite a few wood decks have faded, cracked, warped, or tried to be taken care of, hardly, which is the reason why we have so many people turning to the composite decking option. The composites are usually maintenance-free, long-lasting, and engineered to resist very cold or very hot temperature variations without any discoloration or damage to the surface.

There are several reasons why composite decking would be a smart choice for Hennepin County homes, how Castle Deck could be helpful, and the few insights of the local projects we have learnt.

The Local Challenge - Weather, Wear, and Weekend Maintenance

If you have a traditional wood deck, then you have to do staining, sanding, sealing, and cleaning, right? It's a task that takes up one or two summer weekends. But even with all the care, our weather here in Hennepin County can be quite harsh.

We have freeze-thaw cycles that eventually make the wood expand and contract. The heavy rains in spring can cause moisture or rot issues. Then, the sun starts shining, and the UV rays are fading the stain that you have just freshly put on.

We had a chance to work with a homeowner in Maple Grove who told us that within three or four seasons his cedar deck started warping. The cause was not the lack of maintenance as they have done everything right. Yet, the combination of snow, salt, and humidity was to blame. The experience, and such instances, have propelled us to realize the significance of selecting the right materials that can withstand the Minnesota climate.

What We’ve Seen Working in the Area

To look nice is not the only thing local homeowners care about, but the durability as well. Over the last couple of years, we have done the deck-building or replacing work in different cities like Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, and Plymouth, and the major trend has always been the same: people want more and more composite decking.

Skipping maintenance is not the only thing that people want (although it is a great advantage). The key is trust. To this day, they still look as good as new; that is to say, the composite decks that were installed five or ten years ago, and the owners tell us this. Thus no splintering, no decaying, and no staining work during the weekends — only gorgeous decks that are perfect for family barbecues.

The Composite Difference - Built for Minnesota’s Climate

Well, what reasons do composite deckings present for their being an excellent choice in Hennepin County? The major factors that come to mind are three: weather resistance, longevity, and easy upkeep.

Handles Snow and Rain Like a Pro

Compared to wood, composite decking is not sucking water. Therefore, after a long, wet winter, it is not going to warp, crack, or rot. Right after a few days of snow melting or a summer storm, a quick brooming or washing will restore the decking's appearance.

We swapped out an old pressure-treated wood deck for composite boards in Bloomington. The homeowner told us it was their routine to do it every spring weekend. They now simply do a hose-off once in a while, and that's it.

Fade-Resistant and Long-Lasting Beauty

Minnesota’s mix of sun, snow, and ice can make wood decks fade fast. On the other hand, they can keep their shade for many years as they go through UV protective finishing. The color you like be it warm woodgrain or modern gray, will be there no matter what season.

We are pretty sure homeowners are going to be surprised by the fact that composite boards, contrary to what they think, are cooler than wood and so they are quite comfortable to walk on during the hot July days when you are grilling and going barefoot.

What Homeowners Love About It (Beyond the Looks)

The number one thing that homeowners after switching to composite decking are telling us is the freedom.

They get their weekends back. They no longer have to go to the hardware store to buy stains. They no longer have to sand the splinters out of the railings. What they get in return is more time to spend with family and friends in the backyard.

More Weekends to Enjoy, Not Work

Switching to using a composite deck was like raising the family lifestyle level, this is what one family in Minnetonka shared with us. Hence, they used to spend each summer weekend on maintaining their deck and now, they choose to spend that time on the lake.

Composite decking is low maintenance, thus, it is very attractive to busy families or those who would rather relax than re-stain.

Eco-Friendly Materials That Last

One more thing that people like is that most of the composite brands use recycled materials in their products, for example, reclaimed wood fibers and plastics. It is a green-friendly option that not only prevents waste from being dumped into landfills but also has a longer lifespan as compared to conventional wood.

In fact, that longer life-span is what makes composite decking sustainable. So instead of changing your boards every couple of years, you have purchased a product that will still be in good condition in the next 50 years or so.

Design Options That Fit Every Hennepin County Home

Composite decking is not only practical but also versatile. Whatever your house might be, a modern new build in Edina or a classic lakeside retreat in Wayzata, there is always the right color and texture for you.

We have installed earth-toned decks that look perfect with a forested backyard, and on the other hand, sleek charcoal designs that make a suburban patio look more modern. Additionally, composite materials come with concealed fasteners and matching rails that offer a neat, complete look to your deck.

Moreover, if the homeowners are a bit creative, they can use composite boards for built-in benches, planters, or multi-level layouts — rimming becoming a thing of the past, nor staining.

Lessons We’ve Learned From Building Composite Decks Locally

After years of experience with these materials, some tips regarding local work have come to our mind:

1. In terms of Minnesota color, lighter tones are usually more resistant to snow and spring dust than darker ones.

2. Framing is still important. The strength of the composite boards lying on the frame is that or below them. We always use weather-treated, framed that can withstand freeze-thaw cycles.

3. Good drainage is essential. Even if moisture-resistant, proper spacing and drainage help extend the life of composite decking - particularly in areas where melting snow can pool.

All this small stuff makes a great difference in the way your deck will hold up year after year.

Thinking About a Composite Deck for Your Home?

Perhaps your deck is getting old, or you are simply annoyed by its constant maintenance, and thus the idea of composite decking has crossed your mind. How long is it just a fashion trend? Or is it indeed a smart, long-term investment option for residents of Hennepin County?

A deck that is weather resistant can be a facade in Minnesota and is, therefore, not a big stretch to think that implementing composite decks in Hennepin County will ensure their longevity and keep up the good looks not only during the cold and wet season but also through the hot summer days. On top of that, you will get those valuable summer weekends back. In fact, that's the way outdoor living should take place - the fun you get from using your space and not the work.

About Castle Deck—Your Local Deck Experts in Hennepin County, MN

 While deck-building across Hennepin County has been our primary work, Castle Deck has been more than just another deck-building company. Most notably, from small backyard decks to massive lakeside builds, durability, craftsmanship, and local expertise have been the constant ingredients in our formula for successful projects- those, that people love and, thus, become our work's output.

Whether you want to raise your deck's level or grasp ideas about the best materials for the Minnesota climate - we are here to help with what we've achieved through local projects. After all, we are together with you; not only clients but neighbors too.