Deck Building, Fence Installation & Repair
New decks built for Northland winters, old decks made solid again, and fences that stand plumb through frost heave — outdoor carpentry is our happy place.
Built for the Freeze, Enjoyed All Summer
Outdoor structures in the Twin Ports live a hard double life — buried in snow half the year, hosting every summer gathering the other half. Building for that means footings below the frost line, hardware rated for treated lumber, proper ledger flashing, and framing that sheds water instead of trapping it. We build new decks that way, and we rebuild older decks that weren't.
Fences get the same treatment: posts set deep and true, gates that still swing next spring, and honest advice about cedar versus treated versus chain link for your yard, your budget, and your dog. If your existing deck or fence just needs help — soft boards, a leaning section, a dragging gate — repair is usually far cheaper than replacement, and we'll tell you which one your structure actually needs.
What We Handle
- New deck constructionDesigned, footed below frost, framed & finished
- Deck repairBoards, joists, ledgers, stairs & structural fixes
- Deck railing installationWood, metal & cable — safe and code-height
- Deck stairsBuilt or rebuilt with solid stringers & even rises
- Deck board replacementSwap the worst boards, save the structure
- Deck staining & sealingWash, prep & protect before winter
- Fence building & installationPrivacy, picket, cedar, treated & chain link
- Fence repairLeaning posts reset, panels & pickets replaced
- Gate building & repairSagging gates squared, latched & swinging free
- Composite deckingLow-maintenance boards over sound framing
- Privacy screens & pergolasShade and separation for small city lots
- Safety inspectionsHonest assessment of an aging deck's real condition
Common Deck & Fence Projects
| Project | What's included | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| New backyard deck | Footings, framing, decking, rail, stairs — to code | Permits handled; book winter/spring for a summer build |
| Deck resurface | New boards & rail on your existing sound frame | Roughly half the cost of full replacement |
| Fence line install | Posts below frost, panels, gates, cleanup | We locate utilities before any digging — always |
| Leaning fence rescue | Reset or sister posts, re-hang panels & gate | Frost-heave damage is repairable — don't replace yet |
Frost Heave Is Undefeated — Unless You Dig Deep
The number one killer of Northland decks and fences is shallow footings. Frost here drives four-plus feet down and lifts anything set above it, a little more every winter, until stairs separate and fence lines wave. We set structural footings below frost depth, on proper bases — the difference between a deck that lasts thirty years and one that starts moving in three.
Deck & Fence Questions
Do I need a permit for a new deck?
In most Twin Ports jurisdictions, yes — Duluth, Superior, and surrounding cities each have their own thresholds for size and height. We'll tell you what your project needs and handle the permit process as part of the job.
When should I book a summer deck build?
Late winter or early spring. The Northland building season is short and deck slots go first. Repairs and staining fit into the season more flexibly, but new builds booked in July often land in September.
Repair or replace my old deck — how do I know?
The frame decides. If joists, beams, posts, and the ledger are sound, new boards and railings give you a new-looking deck for half the money. If the structure is soft or the footings have heaved, we'll show you exactly why replacement is the honest answer.
Related Services
Dreaming of Summer on a New Deck?
Deck builds, fence lines, and rescue repairs — get a free quote now and claim a spot in the season.