Minneapolis neighborhood
Back deck replacement in Ericsson (55417)
Ericsson sits beside Lake Hiawatha, with tidy bungalows, Cape Cods and story-and-a-half homes on regular lots, many still carrying back decks that are well past their useful life.
- Answered 24/7
- Serving 55417
Ericsson at a glance
When an Ericsson deck is past saving, and what we build instead
Plenty of the decks behind Ericsson homes went up in the 1980s and early 1990s, built with older treated lumber, nailed ledgers and joist hangers that have since rusted thin. By now the boards are split, the rails wobble and the frame has been patched more than once. At that point, ongoing repairs cost more over time than a new deck would. We remove the old structure, haul it out through the alley or side yard, check the house rim for rot, then start fresh with flashed ledgers and footings below frost.
A replacement also lets you rethink the shape. The deck that came with the house may be a narrow strip, while what you really want is room for a table, a grill and a few chairs, or a screened end for buggy evenings near the lake. Many owners here choose treated framing with a composite or treated surface, plus skirting so the space below doesn't collect leaves and animals. Low-voltage lights on the stairs help after dark. Call and tell us how you actually use the yard, and we'll draw a deck that fits it.
What Ericsson deck tear-outs usually uncover
Rust-thinned joist hangers
Hangers on older builds were often lightly galvanized and have corroded against treated lumber. We swap every connector for hot-dip galvanized or stainless hardware rated for the wood we frame with.
Soft rim joist behind the ledger
Water that ran behind an unflashed ledger for years often softens the house rim. We cut out the bad section, sister or replace it, then flash the new ledger before any decking goes back on.
Animals living under the deck
Open space beneath low decks invites rabbits, skunks and raccoons. New skirting with a screened bottom edge keeps them out while still letting air move under the frame.
Dark stairs down to the yard
Many old decks have no light at the steps at all. We add low-voltage riser or post lights wired to a timer, so the stairs are easy to see once the sun goes down.
Deck services Ericsson homeowners call us for
Typical prices for these jobs in Ericsson
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 |
| Pressure-Treated Wood Decks | $36 to $61 | per square foot installed |
| Screened Porch Building | $24,800 to $68,500 | per porch |
| Deck Skirting and Lattice | $27 to $71 | per linear foot |
| Deck Lighting Installation | $1,380 to $5,640 | per deck |
Deck questions from Ericsson
How long does it take to replace a deck in Ericsson?
Most small and mid-size replacements here take one to two weeks of site work once the permit is in hand. Demolition and footings come first, then the footing inspection and framing, then decking, rails and stairs. Weather and material choices shift the schedule a little. We give you a realistic timeline before we start and keep you posted as it runs.
Will you haul away my old Ericsson deck when you replace it?
Yes. Removal and disposal are part of every replacement we do. We take the old boards, framing, rails and concrete footings out through the alley or side yard, keep your lawn as clear as we can and leave the site swept. If some lumber is still sound and you want it for a project, just tell us.
Does living near Lake Hiawatha change how you build an Ericsson deck?
Mostly it changes what you'll want on it. Evenings by the lake bring mosquitoes, so many owners add a screened section or plan the frame for one later. Structurally, we still dig to 42 inches and check the soil in the first hole. Where the ground is damp, we leave extra space under the frame so the joists can dry.
Deck work in Ericsson? Call any hour.
We are on the phone 24/7 and on site across Ericsson every week. Tell us about the deck and we will set a visit.