What​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ We've Learned about Building Decks That Actually Last Through the Minneapolis Winter

 

Many deck conversations here in Minneapolis and Minnetonka seem to revolve around the same thing: a person steps outside in April after the winter finally breaks and notices something no longer looks quite right. 

Maybe some boards are curling upward, or perhaps the railing that has been solid for years suddenly feels loose. Sometimes it's just that dreaded gray look that comes after another season of snow, ice, salt, and moisture.

Having been to so many local backyards, we can tell that Minnesota weather really exposes every little flaw in an outdoor space. That's, in fact, the reason why deck planning here is usually quite different from the way it is in warmer areas of the country.

In Minneapolis, a deck is more than just a pretty face. It has to stand up to the challenges of extreme temperature changes, heavy snow, spring thaws, summer humidity, and, of course, the occasional backyard party where half the neighborhood somehow ends up vying for the same corner.

One thing that we learned when doing deck installation in Minnetonka, MN is that home owners are no longer necessarily looking for the most elaborate design. Most of them just want something that feels good, is durable, and won't become a new maintenance project every spring.

The “It Looked Fine Last Fall” Problem

This is a point of discussion that comes up over and over again.

One homeowner states to us that their deck looked perfectly fine before winter. Then the snow melts, temperatures go up and down from freezing one day to thawing the next, and suddenly there are soft spots, broken boards, or fasteners coming out.

That freeze-thaw cycle is quite harsh here. Water finds its way through minuscule cracks, freezes during the night, expands, and over time, the material gets weakened. And heat of the summer dries everything up again. Repeat these cycles enough times, and even the best-built deck will start to show its age if it wasn't made to withstand Minnesota conditions.

And it’s not always the decking that’s the problem.

In fact, sometimes the major issue lies below the surface. Bad drainage, poor ventilation, or moisture that’s trapped near the framing can shorten the lifespan of a deck much more quickly than most homeowners realize.

We have seen a situation in Minnetonka where the deck still looked pretty good on the surface, but underneath, years of trapped moisture had already started to deteriorate the structural components.

That’s usually why discussions about outdoor living have evolved recently. People want to think more about the long-term.

Why More Homeowners Are Choosing Composite Decking

While walking around neighborhoods near Minneapolis, the preference for deck materials is clearly changing.

In the past, treated lumber was essentially the go-to option for everyone. Today, however, since many families are deciding to stay in their homes for a long time, more of them are choosing composite decking.

A big part of it is simply that they are tired of the cycles of sanding, staining, sealing, replacing that come with traditional wood decks in Minnesota climates.

After a few winters, these annual projects lose their appeal and feel less like fun and more like chores.

Consequently, people have been shifting to composite decking because it cuts down on a lot of the maintenance work that comes with traditional wood.

Being more resistant to moisture, less prone to splinters, and better able to handle temperature changes are some of the advantages of composite decks.

Having said that, there are some aspects that one should be aware of when it comes to composites.

For example, if the product is exposed to direct sunlight during July and August, a few composite ones can get uncomfortably hot. Also, if the material is not of the highest quality, it may fade unevenly over time. Additionally a composite deck is usually more expensive initially than a treated wood deck.

However, for many Minnetonka homeowners, the lower upkeep associated with composite decking makes it a no-brainer.

In particular, for busy families with kids and pets, a deck that doesn’t need constant maintenance is a huge plus.

The Small Design Decisions That Matter Most Later

Apart from aesthetics, one of the things we have realized over the years is that the details that homeowners are initially very concerned about probably will not be what they talk about later.

Initially, people tend to be preoccupied with things like color choices or railing styles, and this is quite understandable.

But more often than not, it is the practical features that bring them the most satisfaction a year or two later.

For instance, stairs that do not get slippery when snow melts.

Or wider stair treads that are safer for icy mornings.

Or deck arrangements that do not trap water in case of summer storms.

Drainage, especially, is something that matters much more to people than they think at first.

We should also mention that in many cases, the problem is with moisture and water collecting at the base of the structure and this leads to the premature failure of the deck components.

Besides, there are the issues that many people overlook such as airflow.

Decks that are built too close to the ground without proper ventilation tend to hold the moisture for a longer time. This can have an impact on the frame durability and may even cause mildew problems during the humid periods of July and August.

These are not usually the most attractive features of a deck, but they are probably the main reasons why some decks cope very well with the passage of time while others start to deteriorate only after a few winters.

Outdoor Spaces Have Changed Around Here

Apart from building decks that last, another change we have noticed in Minneapolis area is that people are using their decks quite differently than even 10 years ago.

It used to be that decks were quite minimalist. There might have been a grill, couple of chairs, and sufficient space for a small gathering.

Today, many homeowners actually consider the outdoor space as the continuation of their home.

Hence we see more and more features being incorporated in the deck design such as built-in seating, privacy walls in tighter neighborhoods, and pergolas, lighting, and layered layouts as people want to use the spaces even when the warm weather season in Minnesota seems short.

Honestly, this is logical here.

Since the winters get quite long, the people end up really cherishing those few months when outdoor living is comfortable and that there is the desire to get the most out of every bit of good weather.

Along with that, we have seen more homeowners desiring to make the small backyards work for them.

In particular, in the older neighborhoods of Minnetonka, properties may not have a large backyard. A smart deck plan, however, can make even one with limited space appear functional without the house getting overwhelmed.

Split-level decks, corner seating areas, and transitions that naturally connect to patios or gardens are usually the ones that fit well in such situations.

Questions Homeowners Ask All the Time

There are several questions that get repeatedly asked when talking about deck installation in Minnetonka, MN.

The very first question is usually about when one can start.

Many homeowners do not realize that outdoor projects get booked quite far ahead of time in Minneapolis once spring arrives. The first day that temperatures rise consistently, people really remember all the backyard projects they wanted to do during the winter and suddenly everyone is out there working on their yards.

People think that planning ahead only helps a little but when there is a need for permits or HOA approvals, it actually helps a lot.

Speaking of permits, they more often than not have to be part of the planning process.

Before starting any large deck works in Minnetonka, home owners should check what building codes and requirements apply. In fact, most people find it quite reassuring to discover that inspections are part of the process since it ensures the safety of the structure for handling snow loads and local conditions.

The other question people ask a lot is about the longevity of decks.

To be honest, a lot of factors come into play such as materials, upkeep, drainage, and weather exposure.

If people make an effort and take care of a treated lumber deck, it can last for many years here in Minnesota. On the other hand, composites seem to be visually more resistant to wear and tear and require less maintenance.

We should also mention that no matter what type you choose, it will never be completely maintenance free in Minnesota.

The snow, ice, UV rays, and moisture will eventually impact everything outdoor.

The aim, in most cases, is not to have something perfect all the time. What matters is that it keeps being something enjoyable and reliable from year to year.

The Best Decks Usually Feel Like Part of the Home

When all is said and done, the outdoor areas that people are generally most satisfied with are not the ones that have the biggest square footage or the highest price tag.

They are the decks that just feel right.

Where neighbors are still there after dinner conversations. Where wet footprints are left by kids running through sprinklers in July. Where a sweatshirt and a fire table feel inviting on a cool September evening.

After all, the outdoor season in Minneapolis always seems a little short to us.

And probably that’s the reason these spaces matter so much.

Besides, honestly, that is the main takeaway from building and working on decks around here durability is important, but so is comfort.

Simply because the top decks are not really about the deck at all but about the times that people spend there once everything else ceases to ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌matter.