Hennepin County
Deck replacement for lake and wooded lots in Minnetonka (55305)
Homes in Minnetonka sit on large, wooded and often hilly lots, some reaching the eastern bays of the lake, so decks here are commonly tall, wide and built over walkout levels.
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- Serving 55305
Minnetonka at a glance
What Minnetonka's lots ask of a deck
Minnetonka was built out over several decades on land full of ponds, wetlands and wooded ridges, and lots here are larger than in most inner suburbs. Many homes from the 1970s and 1980s have walkout lower levels and decks that run along most of the back wall. By now a lot of those original cedar or treated decks have soft stairs, cupped boards and posts that move. We often recommend full replacement rather than patching, since the frame, footings and ledger tend to wear out together.
Near Grays Bay and the other eastern bays of Lake Minnetonka, view lines matter as much as structure. Clear or cable railings, wider stair landings and composite or PVC boards that handle full sun all come up in planning. Wetland edges elsewhere in the city bring soft soil and setback rules that shape where a deck can go. We check those during permitting, choose footing methods that suit wetter ground and plan crew access when the backyard sits well below the driveway.
Deck situations common on Minnetonka properties
Wide walkout decks at end of life
Long decks across the back of 1970s and 1980s homes usually fail at the stairs and posts first. We tear down to the footings, inspect the ledger and rebuild with heavier posts and real bracing.
Soft soil along wetland edges
Homes backing onto ponds or wetlands sit on softer ground that can let footings sink. Helical piers or wider footings help, and buffer setbacks may limit how far a new deck can reach toward the water.
Lake views in full sun
Lakeside decks take direct sun plus glare off the water for much of the afternoon. We lean toward boards with good heat and fade performance, paired with rails that keep the view across the bay open.
Backyards far below the driveway
When the yard drops well below the garage, we plan routes for materials and tear-off debris, use small equipment and protect lawns and retaining walls along the way.
Deck services Minnetonka homeowners call us for
Typical prices for these jobs in Minnetonka
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 |
| Second-Story and Walkout Decks | $63 to $118 | per square foot installed |
| Aluminum and Glass Railing | $96 to $289 | per linear foot |
| PVC Deck Installation | $67 to $112 | per square foot installed |
| Under-Deck Drainage and Ceilings | $9.60 to $24.80 | per square foot |
Deck questions from Minnetonka
Is replacing my whole Minnetonka deck better than fixing the stairs?
If the stairs are the only problem and the frame is sound, a stair rebuild can be enough. On many decks from the 1970s and 1980s, though, we find soft posts, rusty hangers and an unflashed ledger along with the stairs. We show you what we find and price both paths so you can compare them side by side.
How close to the pond behind my Minnetonka house can a new deck go?
That depends on city setbacks and any wetland buffer recorded for your lot. We look at your survey early and design within those limits. When the buffer is tight, a deck that runs along the back of the house, or a second level stepping down beside it, often gives you the space without reaching toward the water.
Do you build stairs down to the shoreline on Minnetonka lake lots?
We build stairs and landings on sloped lake lots when city and lake rules allow it. Long runs get intermediate landings, and footings go on stable soil away from eroding banks. Shoreland rules can limit what's allowed near the water, so we check them during permitting before laying out the route.
Deck work in Minnetonka? Call any hour.
We are on the phone 24/7 and on site across Minnetonka every week. Tell us about the deck and we will set a visit.