6 Steps to Build a Custom Deck

An outdoor deck is an excellent way to elevate your backyard space and enhance the exterior of your home. A deck allows you to spend more time outside, enjoy your yard, and entertain family and friends. 

One of the best ways to get a yard you’ll love is to have a custom deck designed and installed. Alternatively, you may have an old, unsafe deck that needs replacement. Get rid of the eyesore so you can enjoy a brand new deck. 

At Roofers of Minnesota, we provide custom deck installation services that ensure you get the deck you love and that you’ll enjoy for years to come. 

If you're planning or considering having a custom deck installed, you may have questions about what the process looks like. In this guide, we’ll go over the basics of our custom deck installation process and also give you a few tips on preparing your property.

Step 1: Dig Post Holes

After planning and designing your custom deck, we build the post holes around the perimeter. This requires a post-hole digger and a trained hand. Using this tool will ensure that every post on your deck is level and in the right place. 

This step ensures that the deck will be secure and offer great stability, giving you a great-looking deck for many years to come.

Step 2: Concrete Pouring & Post Anchors

Next, we will pour concrete and add the post anchors. Concrete must be mixed and applied properly so it can harden the right way. The concrete and post anchors will help keep your deck in place and provide structural stability. 

Because installing a deck involves a mix of skills, including working with materials like wood and concrete, partnering with a professional is the best way to ensure a high-quality deck.

Step 3: Attach Posts & Frame the Deck

Then, we will finish affixing the posts so they are secure in the concrete. During this step, we will start with the framing process. This is when the support beams and basic layout of the deck are put together.

Framing involves several steps, including:

• Installing ledger boards

• Installing joists

• Setting support beams

• Installing rim joists

This part of the job requires precise measurements to ensure the deck is stable and structurally sound. If any part of this process is overlooked, it could spell out problems down the road, whether during the build process or after completion. 

Step 4: Build the Rest of the Deck

Once the beams are secured and the frame is in place, it’s time to finish building the deck. Our experienced deck contractors ensure every beam and fastener is high-quality and secure. The decking portion of this process involves: 

• Laying deck boards

• Securing deck boards

• Trimming deck boards

This is a laborious process and can take a lot of time, particularly if you don’t have the right tools to do the job. Each deck board needs to be level and properly secured to avoid creating trip hazards and unsafe conditions. 

Step 5: Finishing Touches

After the deck boards are finished, we can move to the finishing touches. These include: 

• Installing railings

• Adding stairs

• Applying finish

• Installing accessories

Is it time to enjoy your new deck? Not yet. 

Step 6: Inspection and Maintenace

In Minnesota, your city will inspect your deck to ensure it complies with city standards. After your new deck is installed, you will need to schedule a building inspection. The inspector will check for the following: 

• Setbacks and deck location comply with approved plans

• Depth and sizes of footings

• Framing and the connections

• Treated lumber size, spacing, and direction of other approved materials

• Guards, stairs, and handrails

After your deck passes inspection, you can enjoy it!

You should also plan on developing a maintenance plan for your deck to ensure it will continue to be a safe and enjoyable place to relax. 

How to Prepare Your Property for a Custom Deck

Before our exterior contractors arrive to install your custom deck, you can prepare your property by doing the following:

• Clearing a path to the backyard

• Ensuring your yard is clear of obstacles or excess debris

• Cleaning up any yard debris around where the deck will be installed

If you have more questions about our custom deck installation process or want to get started with the design process, call today at 612-205-4791 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.