Saint Paul neighborhood
Screened porch additions and decks in Como Park (55117)
Como Park homes ring Como Lake and Como Zoo, mostly bungalows, story-and-a-half houses and post-war Cape Cods, and many owners want a porch that keeps the lake's mosquitoes out.
- Answered 24/7
- Serving 55117
Como Park at a glance
Turning a tired Como Park deck into a porch you will use
Summer near Como Lake means walks on the shoreline path, crowds heading to the zoo and conservatory, and evenings full of mosquitoes. That last part is why so many Como Park owners ask us about screening in an existing deck or building a porch from scratch. The houses here run from 1910s bungalows to 1950s Cape Cods, usually on modest lots with a detached garage at the alley. A small rear deck from the 1980s or 1990s is common, and its frame may or may not be strong enough to carry a roof.
Before a roof goes over any deck, we check whether the footings reach the 42-inch frost depth and whether the beams and posts can take the added snow load. Most older decks were built for foot traffic only, so the conversion often starts with new footings and a heavier frame, then walls, screens or windows on top. Some homes near the lake also have front porches worth restoring rather than replacing. For either project we prepare permit drawings for Saint Paul DSI, and we'll walk you through what the inspector checks at each visit.
Como Park deck situations that shape the plan
Screening in an existing deck
A deck that is sound but buggy can often take a roof and screen walls. We confirm the footings, post sizes and beam spans can carry snow on a roof before we draw the plan.
Rear decks too small to use
Many decks here are barely wide enough for two chairs. Extending the frame toward the garage or adding a step-down platform gives you room for a table without crowding the yard.
Front porches losing their shape
Original front porches on Como Park bungalows sag where the piers have settled over the decades. We reset the framing on new footings and repair the columns and railings to match the house.
Damp shade under mature trees
Big yard and boulevard trees keep many decks here damp and covered in leaves each fall. We suggest boards that cope with shade, wider gaps for drainage and a simple spring and fall cleaning routine.
Deck services Como Park homeowners call us for
Typical prices for these jobs in Como Park
Ranges from 2026 Twin Cities projects. Your price comes in a written scope after we see the site.
| Service | Typical range | Priced |
|---|---|---|
| Screened Porch Building | $24,800 to $68,500 | per porch |
| Three-Season Porch Building | $41,600 to $97,800 | per porch |
| Covered Decks and Deck Roofs | $19,400 to $61,300 | per covered area |
| Deck Extensions and Additions | $47 to $93 | per square foot added |
| Front Porch Repair and Rebuilds | $1,870 to $18,600 | per porch |
| Composite Deck Installation | $58 to $97 | per square foot installed |
Deck questions from Como Park
Will my existing deck in Como Park hold a roof for a screened porch?
Sometimes. A roof adds a lot of weight, especially under Minnesota snow, so the posts, beams and footings must be sized for it. If your deck sits on shallow footings or slim posts, we replace those first and keep the boards if they are still good. You see the plan and the permit drawing before any work starts.
What porch style gets the most use on a Como Park bungalow?
For most families here, a screened porch off the back of the house gets the most use from May through September. A three-season porch with windows stretches that season into spring and fall. On a small lot, we keep the footprint modest so the yard and the path to the garage still work for you.
Does living near Como Lake change how a deck in Como Park should be built?
The rules match the rest of Saint Paul, including footings below the 42-inch frost line. The difference is mostly moisture and shade from mature trees, which keep boards damp longer. We pay attention to board spacing, airflow under low decks and hardware rated for treated lumber so the frame lasts through many wet springs.
Nearby areas we serve
Deck work in Como Park? Call any hour.
We are on the phone 24/7 and on site across Como Park every week. Tell us about the deck and we will set a visit.