Washington County
Deck replacement and new builds in Cottage Grove (55016)
Cottage Grove has 1960s and 1970s ramblers on its older streets and newer two-story subdivisions to the east, so we replace a lot of tired decks and build new ones.
- Answered 24/7
- Serving 55016
Cottage Grove at a glance
Replacing or building new behind a Cottage Grove home
Cottage Grove grew in two big waves. The older streets near the Highway 61 corridor filled in with ramblers and split levels in the 1960s and 1970s, many of them with low decks that have been patched for decades. Newer neighborhoods to the east went up from the 1990s on, mostly two-story homes on rolling lots with lookout or walkout basements. That split shows up in our calls. On older homes, people want the deck replaced outright. On newer ones, they'd like the builder deck enlarged, re-railed or partly covered.
Replacement on an older rambler usually starts with demolition and a look at what the original builder left behind: shallow footings, nailed ledgers and joists spaced too far apart for composite. We take it back to clean siding, flash the house, set new footings at 42 inches and frame for the board you pick. For newer homes, we often keep the footprint idea but add a second level, a covered section or a wider stair. Phone us with rough measurements and a few photos, and we can talk through options before a site visit.
Common deck jobs on Cottage Grove streets
Rambler decks ready to retire
Low decks behind 1960s and 1970s ramblers have often outlived two sets of boards. Once the joists are soft, we tear out the whole deck, haul it away and rebuild on new footings.
Builder decks that feel small
Many 1990s and 2000s homes came with a narrow deck that fits a grill and two chairs. Extending it, or adding a lower level near grade, gives room for a table without crowding the patio door.
Composite on old joist spacing
Joists at 24 inches apart were common under older wood decks, but most composite boards need tighter spacing. We sister or add joists when keeping the frame makes sense, or reframe completely.
Summer shade and bugs
Open rear yards in the newer areas get full afternoon sun. A pergola or roofed section takes the edge off the heat, and a screened porch handles the mosquitoes most families fight in July.
Typical prices for these jobs in Cottage Grove
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 Demolition and Removal | $1,240 to $4,770 | per deck |
| Deck Extensions and Additions | $47 to $93 | per square foot added |
| Composite Deck Installation | $58 to $97 | per square foot installed |
| Pergola Building | $4,860 to $22,700 | per pergola |
| Screened Porch Building | $24,800 to $68,500 | per porch |
Deck questions from Cottage Grove
How long does a full deck replacement behind a Cottage Grove rambler take?
Most rambler replacements take one to two weeks of work on site once the permit is in hand, though footing inspections and weather add days. Tear-out comes first, then footings and inspection, then framing, boards, rails and stairs. Larger or covered decks take longer, and we give you a realistic schedule after we see the yard.
Can my narrow builder deck in Cottage Grove be widened instead of replaced?
Often it can. If the existing frame and footings are in good shape, we add an extension on new footings and tie it into the deck with proper beams, not just a few screws. The tricky part is getting old and new boards to look alike, so many people resurface the whole deck at the same time for an even look.
Do I need a permit to replace a Cottage Grove deck at the same size?
In most cases, yes. A replacement deck that attaches to the house or sits more than 30 inches above grade typically needs a permit, even on the same footprint. We prepare the drawings and handle the application, and the city inspects the footings and the framing before the deck is finished.
Deck work in Cottage Grove? Call any hour.
We are on the phone 24/7 and on site across Cottage Grove every week. Tell us about the deck and we will set a visit.