Hennepin County
Deck replacement and new decks in Bloomington (55420)
Bloomington runs from 1950s ramblers on level east-side blocks to hillside homes on the Minnesota River bluffs, so one street wants a low deck and the next needs a tall walkout frame.
- Answered 24/7
- Serving 55420
Bloomington at a glance
Why decks in east and west Bloomington need different plans
East of I-35W, most Bloomington blocks filled in during the 1950s and early 1960s with ramblers on fairly level lots. Those homes often have a small deck off the back door a few steps above grade, or a concrete stoop that someone later boxed in with wood. We're usually replacing tired boards and leaning rails there, and the conversation turns quickly to size. A 12 by 16 foot deck is 192 square feet, and a modest bump in width often changes how much a family actually uses the backyard.
West Bloomington and the streets along the Minnesota River bluffs are hillier, with split levels and walkout homes from the 1960s through the 1980s. Decks there stand higher, sometimes on ground that drops away toward the river valley, and the original posts and footings often weren't sized for that height. We dig footings to 42 inches, or use helical piers where the grade is too steep to auger safely. Then we frame for snow load, add bracing and set the stairs so they land on solid ground instead of a washed-out slope.
Bloomington deck jobs we see again and again
Wood boxed over concrete stoops
Some back doors have a wood landing built right over an old concrete stoop, which traps water and rots from underneath. We pull it off, check the slab and frame a real deck on footings at the right height.
Bluff lots with eroding slopes
On lots that fall toward the Minnesota River valley, rain can wash soil from around posts. We set footings back from the edge where we can, use helical piers on steep ground and send downspout water away from the deck.
Split-level decks at odd heights
Split levels often put the slider halfway between the yard and the upper floor. We match the deck to the door threshold with a proper step-down, then design stairs that fit the yard instead of fighting it.
Traffic noise near the interstate
Homes closer to I-494 and the busier corridors often want more privacy outdoors. Privacy screens, taller planters along one side or a pergola with partial cover can block sightlines and soften street noise without closing the deck in.
Deck services Bloomington homeowners call us for
Typical prices for these jobs in Bloomington
Ranges from 2026 Twin Cities projects. Your price comes in a written scope after we see the site.
| Service | Typical range | Priced |
|---|---|---|
| Deck Replacement | $42 to $98 | per square foot including tear-off |
| Deck Extensions and Additions | $47 to $93 | per square foot added |
| Second-Story and Walkout Decks | $63 to $118 | per square foot installed |
| Deck Footing and Post Repair | $465 to $1,290 | per footing |
| Deck Privacy Screens and Walls | $1,460 to $5,980 | per screen run |
| Composite Deck Installation | $58 to $97 | per square foot installed |
Deck questions from Bloomington
What foundation do you use for a deck on a Bloomington bluff lot?
It depends on the slope and the soil. On moderate grades, we auger concrete footings to 42 inches, below the frost line. On steeper bluff ground where a digging machine can't work safely, helical piers are often the better choice, since a small machine screws them in and they can be load-tested on the spot. We decide after walking your lot.
How much bigger can my Bloomington rambler deck get?
That depends on your lot setbacks, the size of the yard and where windows and the air conditioner sit. Many rambler decks can grow several feet outward or stretch along the back wall. We measure the property, check the city's setback rules during permitting and sketch a couple of sizes so you can see how each one fits.
Does a low deck attached to my Bloomington house still need a permit?
If it attaches to the house, it usually does, even when it sits only a step or two up. A detached deck under 30 inches may not, but rules vary and the city has the final word. We confirm the requirement for your address, prepare the drawings and handle the permit, including the footing and final framing inspections.
Deck work in Bloomington? Call any hour.
We are on the phone 24/7 and on site across Bloomington every week. Tell us about the deck and we will set a visit.