Deck cost in Minneapolis, MN (2026)
Planning a deck in Minneapolis? Here is what decks typically cost, what is different about building one in Minneapolis, and how to get a price range for your own yard in about two minutes.
Short answer
Using typical national ranges from published 2026 cost guides (the same sample rates as our calculator), an installed deck runs about $28 to $55 per square foot in pressure-treated wood, $45 to $78 in composite, and $58 to $95 in PVC or premium composite, from ground level up to a walkout or second-story deck. Railing and stairs are extra.
These are not Minneapolis prices. We do not have Minneapolis price data and we do not make up a local average. A local builder sets the real price after seeing your yard, height, footings, access and permit needs.
Typical deck costs by size and height
These worked examples come from the same estimator as the deck cost calculator, using national sample rates:
| Deck | Height | Pressure-treated wood | Composite | PVC / premium composite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 x 16 ft (192 sq ft) | At ground level | $4,550 to $6,200 | $7,350 to $9,950 | $9,450 to $12,800 |
| 12 x 16 ft (192 sq ft) | A few steps up | $6,700 to $9,100 | $9,650 to $13,050 | $11,950 to $16,150 |
| 16 x 20 ft (320 sq ft) | Raised | $17,100 to $23,150 | $22,550 to $30,500 | $26,900 to $36,400 |
| 16 x 20 ft (320 sq ft) | Walkout or second story | $23,550 to $31,900 | $29,800 to $40,350 | $34,450 to $46,600 |
Examples assume one side against the house, black aluminum railing where railing is required, and stairs on the raised examples. Typical national ranges, not a quote.
Installed price per square foot (national sample rates)
| Height | Pressure-treated wood | Composite | PVC / premium composite |
|---|---|---|---|
| At ground level Under 2 ft · 0-2 steps | $28 | $45 | $58 |
| A few steps up About 2-4 ft off the ground | $34 | $52 | $66 |
| Raised About 4-6 ft off the ground | $42 | $62 | $78 |
| Walkout or second story About 6-12 ft, off an upper door | $55 | $78 | $95 |
What is different about building a deck in Minneapolis
- Minneapolis requires a building permit when a deck is more than 30 inches above grade, attached to the house, or part of an accessible route. (Minneapolis wood deck guidelines (PDF))
- A freestanding deck under 30 inches that is not attached to a frost-footed structure and does not serve the main entrance is exempt from a building permit. (Minneapolis: Exempt from permit) Zoning approval is still needed even when the building permit is not. (Minneapolis deck permit bulletin (PDF))
- The city bulletin puts deck footings at a minimum 42 inch frost depth, says work must start within 180 days of the permit and be finished within one year, and says permits go to a Minnesota-licensed contractor or the owner. (Minneapolis deck permit bulletin (PDF))
- Outside the city, Minnesota's statewide deck guide lists two frost zones (5 feet in Zone 1 and 3 feet 6 inches in Zone 2), so suburbs and towns can differ from Minneapolis. (Minnesota DLI residential deck guide (PDF))
Permit office: City of Minneapolis Construction Permits, see the city's construction permits pages. Rules change, so confirm with the office before you build. Facts checked October 27, 2026.
Climate and materials in Minneapolis
Twin Cities winters are long and cold, and the ground freezes deep, which is why footings go down so far. Repeated freezing and thawing in late fall and early spring works on footings, fasteners and stair stringers, and snow sits on the deck for weeks at a time. Boards that shed water and stay flat, corrosion-resistant fasteners and good drainage under the deck all pay off here.
Lots, slopes and deck height
Many older Minneapolis houses have basements and sit on fairly narrow lots, often with a detached garage along the alley. A narrow yard leaves less room for a wide deck and makes setbacks and zoning approval matter. Where the back door is a few steps up, expect the "A few steps up" or "Raised" height level.
When to plan
Deep footings mean digging waits for thawed ground, so the building season is short. The city also expects work to start within 180 days of the permit. Planning over the winter, with a drawing, a budget and quotes in hand, helps you get on a builder's spring schedule.
Draw your deck and see a price range
Find your home on the satellite map, tap the corners of your deck, pick the height and materials, and see typical ranges for wood, composite and PVC side by side. Free, no sign-up, no contact details, nothing saved.
Open the deck cost calculatorHow to use these numbers
- Use the range to set a budget before you call builders, not as a price to hold anyone to.
- Height is the biggest lever. Measure from the ground to the door threshold where the deck will attach.
- Ask each builder whether the quote includes the permit, footings, railing, stairs and removal of any old deck, so you compare like with like.
Deck builders in Minneapolis
QuoteDecking puts this estimator on your own website with your prices, and each homeowner's drawing and estimate come to you as a lead. Starter $49/mo, Pro $99/mo. 30-day free trial, no card needed.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit for a deck in Minneapolis?
Yes if it is more than 30 inches above grade, attached to the house, or part of an accessible route. A low freestanding deck can be exempt from the building permit, but zoning approval is still needed.
How deep are deck footings in Minneapolis?
The city bulletin calls for a minimum 42 inch frost depth. Suburbs follow their own rules and the statewide frost zones, so check locally.
How long do I have to build after getting the permit?
The city bulletin says work must begin within 180 days and be completed within one year.
Is this what a deck costs in Minneapolis?
The ranges are typical national ranges from published 2026 cost guides, not Minneapolis price data. A local builder sets the real price after seeing your yard.
Sources
- https://www.minneapolismn.gov/media/-www-content-assets/documents/Wood-Deck-Guidelines-One-and-Two-Family-Dwellings.pdf
- https://www.minneapolismn.gov/business-services/licenses-permits-inspections/construction-permits/exempt-from-permit/
- https://www2.minneapolismn.gov/media/content-assets/www2-documents/departments/Decks-and-Building-Permits-for-One-and-Two-Family-Dwellings.pdf
- https://www.dli.mn.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/res-decks.pdf
Prices are typical national ranges from published 2026 cost guides, not Minneapolis prices or a quote. Local permit facts are summarized from the official pages above. Deck cost in other cities.