Hours vary Ham Lake (763) 331-2247
Powerbuilt Construction Inc.
Deck Construction by a Licensed North Metro ContractorPowerbuilt Construction

Family-owned · Ham Lake Local

Deck Construction by a Licensed North Metro Contractor

Permit-pulled, code-built decks for Minnesota homeowners, composite or wood, ground level or elevated.

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Deck Construction Built for Minnesota Winters

A deck costs real money, and the North Metro freeze-thaw cycle will expose every shortcut a builder takes. Powerbuilt Construction builds decks that handle Minnesota winters because we pull permits, set footings below the frost line, and frame every ledger connection to code. Bob Powers holds MN General Contractor License #BC533891 and has 4.9 stars across 27 Google reviews. Call Bob directly at (763) 331-2247 and get a straight answer on what your project actually needs.

The cost of a deck varies more than most people expect. Size, decking material (pressure-treated lumber vs. composite), post height, stair configuration, railing type, and site access all move the number significantly. A small ground-level platform runs in a completely different range than a two-story elevated deck with a hip roof over it. What stays constant: every Powerbuilt deck gets a building permit and a proper frost footing, because those two things are what separate a deck you can sell the house with from one an inspector flags on closing day. Every job is different, contact Powerbuilt Construction for an accurate estimate.

What Goes Into a Structurally Sound Deck

The visible boards are the last thing we think about. The structure underneath is where decks succeed or fail.

01

Frost Footings

Minnesota requires footings set below the frost line, typically 42 inches minimum. We dig, form, and pour concrete footings sized to carry the deck's actual load. Skipping this step is why decks heave and pull away from houses.

02

Ledger Connection

Where the deck attaches to your house is the most critical structural point on the whole project. We flash and bolt every ledger connection to the rim joist with code-approved hardware, not screws into siding.

03

Joist Sizing and Spacing

Joist span tables exist for a reason. We calculate the correct lumber dimension and spacing for your deck's width and intended load. Undersized joists feel bouncy on day one and fail years before they should.

04

Decking Material Selection

Pressure-treated wood costs less upfront. Composite boards cost more but need almost no maintenance and hold color for decades. We'll tell you what each option actually looks like ten years in, so you can choose without surprises.

05

Railing Systems

Any deck 30 inches or more above grade requires a code-compliant railing. We install wood, aluminum, and cable railing systems depending on your budget and the look you're going for, all meeting the 36-inch or 42-inch height requirement for your specific situation.

06

Permit and Inspection

We pull the building permit before one board goes down. Final inspection is a feature, not a formality. It's the document your title company wants when you sell. We don't build decks that skip that step.

OUR PROCESS

How We Build Your Deck

  1. 01

    Estimate and Plan

    Bob walks the site, measures, and talks through your goals. We nail down the size, material, railing style, and stair layout before any paperwork starts.

  2. 02

    Permit and Footings

    We submit the permit application, schedule the dig, and set the footings. Work doesn't start above grade until the footing inspection passes.

  3. 03

    Frame, Deck, and Finish

    We build the structure, install the decking, set the railings, and close out the permit. You get a finished deck and the inspection record to go with it.

MATERIAL CHOICE

Composite vs. Wood: The Straight Answer

Elevated walkout deck over a covered patio on a North Metro home, built by Powerbuilt Construction
Most homeowners come in already leaning one direction. Pressure-treated lumber is less expensive and still the right call on plenty of projects. It takes stain, it holds fasteners well, and a properly built PT deck will last decades. The downside: it needs to be cleaned and resealed every few years, or it grays and checks faster than it should. Composite decking from brands like Trex or TimberTech costs more upfront but doesn't rot, split, or need sealing. In Minnesota's climate, that maintenance difference adds up fast. Composite also looks the same in year twelve as it did in year one. Honestly, you don't need composite just because a salesperson says low-maintenance is always better. If your budget favors wood and you're willing to do the upkeep, a PT deck built right is a solid choice. We'll lay out the real costs of each and let you decide. For home renovations that go beyond the deck itself, Powerbuilt handles the full scope.

Decks We Build Across the North Metro

Powerbuilt Construction builds decks throughout Anoka County and the surrounding North Metro Twin Cities communities. We know the local permitting offices, the soil conditions, and the setback requirements for the jurisdictions we work in, which means fewer surprises on your project.

Why Homeowners Call Powerbuilt

MN License #BC533891. Every deck we build is permitted, inspected, and framed to last.

MN Licensed General Contractor
License #BC533891, verifiable at the MN Department of Labor
Permits pulled on every project
No shortcuts that come back to bite you at closing
4.9 stars across 27 Google reviews
Real names, real projects, posted on Google
Bob answers the phone
You talk to the contractor, not a dispatcher or a sales rep

Deck Construction: Common Questions

Do I need a permit for a deck in Minnesota?
Almost certainly yes. Most Minnesota municipalities require a building permit for any attached deck or any freestanding deck over a certain square footage. The permit triggers an inspection of your footings and framing before the decking goes on, which is actually the protection you want. We pull every permit ourselves. A deck built without one is a liability at resale and a code violation that can require full demolition to correct.
How deep do deck footings need to be in Minnesota?
Minnesota's frost depth requires footings set at a minimum of 42 inches below grade in most of the state, though local jurisdictions can require deeper. Footings that don't reach below the frost line will heave every spring, pulling the deck away from the ledger connection and working hardware loose over time. It's the single most important structural detail on the whole project, and it's the first thing that gets cut when someone's trying to come in cheap.
Should I use 2x8 or 2x10 joists for my deck?
It depends on your joist span. A 2x8 works for shorter spans with standard spacing; a wider deck or longer cantilever typically requires 2x10 or even 2x12. We calculate the correct dimension using span tables for your actual deck width, species, and intended load. Guessing joist size is how you end up with a deck that bounces under foot traffic. We size it right the first time.
How much does a 20x20 deck cost to build?
A 20x20 deck is 400 square feet, and the cost depends heavily on material choice, post height, stair count, and railing style. Pressure-treated lumber comes in lower; composite decking adds cost but reduces long-term maintenance. There's no honest way to quote a number without seeing the site. Every job is different, contact Powerbuilt Construction for an accurate estimate.
What is the difference between a deck builder and a licensed general contractor building a deck?
A licensed general contractor holds a state-issued license that covers the full scope of residential construction, which means they're accountable to a higher standard than an unlicensed specialty builder. Powerbuilt Construction holds MN License #BC533891. That license is verifiable, it requires carrying the right credentials, and it's the number your municipality checks when you pull a permit. An unlicensed crew can't pull a permit under their own name. We can.
Can my deck be attached to the house if it's on a newer home with engineered framing?
Yes, but the ledger attachment method matters more on engineered lumber rim boards than on traditional sawn lumber. Engineered rim joists require specific fastener patterns and often manufacturer approval for ledger connections. We know which systems need special hardware and how to detail the flashing correctly so water doesn't migrate behind the ledger into the rim joist cavity. It's a detail that matters for home renovations on newer construction specifically.
How much does a 14x20 deck cost to build?
A 14x20 deck is 280 square feet. Cost drivers include decking material, post height above grade, stair count, railing style, and site access. Composite decking will run more than pressure-treated lumber but requires far less ongoing maintenance in Minnesota's climate. The permit and footing work are fixed costs regardless of surface material. Every job is different, contact Powerbuilt Construction for an accurate estimate.

Ready to Build Your Deck?

Call Bob at (763) 331-2247. We'll walk your site, talk through materials, and give you a straight estimate. No runaround.

Call (763) 331-2247 Get Your Free Estimate

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