Composite Decking · Minneapolis, MN
Composite Decking in Minneapolis
Composite decking is made from a blend of wood fibers and plastic, usually with a protective outer shell. It doesn't need staining or sealing, resists rot, and comes in a wide range of colors and wood-grain finishes.
Local conditions
What's different about composite decking in Minneapolis
Composite and PVC handle Minnesota's freeze-thaw cycles well because they absorb little moisture. Snow removal is the main care concern: use plastic shovels, and check which ice-melt products are allowed. Temperature swings from deep winter to summer make correct gapping essential. Wood decks in the Twin Cities need sealing before winter every year or two; composite removes that chore, which is a major reason homeowners switch during a replacement.
What are the benefits of composite decking?
Composite's main advantages are low maintenance, consistent appearance, resistance to rot and insects, and no splinters. You wash it periodically instead of staining and sealing it.
Full detail in our composite decking guide.
What do Minneapolis's housing and climate data mean for this service?
Heat is composite's main tradeoff, and Minneapolis sees about 18 days a year at 90°F or above (NOAA normals, Lower St Anthony Falls). Board color can be chosen mostly on looks, though full-sun decks still benefit from lighter tones.
With about 66 wet days a year and 75 freeze-thaw days, capped composite's resistance to moisture and splitting is a practical advantage over unsealed wood in Minneapolis. About 54.3 inches of snow a year means choosing ice-melt the manufacturer allows and plastic-bladed shovels.
With 50% detached homes, many Minneapolis composite projects are re-decks of existing backyard decks, so joist spacing on the old frame must be checked first.
| ZIP | Homes | Median year built | Owner-occupied |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55401 | 9,471 | 2002 | 28% |
| 55402 | 492 | 1938 | 0% |
| 55403 | 13,230 | 1968 | 25% |
| 55404 | 14,852 | 1971 | 18% |
| 55405 | 9,086 | 1938 | 36% |
| 55406 | 17,939 | 1938 | 66% |
| 55407 | 16,078 | 1938 | 59% |
| 55408 | 18,433 | 1958 | 24% |
| 55409 | 5,641 | 1938 | 66% |
| 55410 | 8,886 | 1948 | 79% |
| 55411 | 11,099 | 1944 | 53% |
| 55412 | 9,601 | 1938 | 72% |
| 55413 | 8,503 | 1970 | 38% |
| 55414 | 16,410 | 1988 | 15% |
| 55415 | 3,536 | 2012 | 34% |
| 55416 | 19,444 | 1974 | 50% |
| 55417 | 11,472 | 1944 | 84% |
| 55418 | 15,169 | 1948 | 66% |
| 55419 | 12,385 | 1938 | 82% |
| 55420 | 9,695 | 1960 | 67% |
| 55421 | 13,450 | 1966 | 61% |
| 55422 | 12,972 | 1958 | 74% |
| 55423 | 17,214 | 1959 | 62% |
| 55424 | 3,873 | 1952 | 91% |
| 55425 | 4,756 | 1975 | 33% |
| 55426 | 12,417 | 1961 | 64% |
| 55427 | 10,774 | 1966 | 67% |
| 55428 | 13,525 | 1968 | 56% |
| 55429 | 10,211 | 1963 | 60% |
| 55430 | 8,266 | 1960 | 70% |
| 55431 | 8,451 | 1965 | 67% |
| 55432 | 13,782 | 1970 | 64% |
| 55433 | 14,576 | 1982 | 68% |
| 55434 | 12,398 | 1983 | 82% |
| 55435 | 8,162 | 1976 | 48% |
| 55436 | 6,361 | 1973 | 76% |
| 55437 | 8,807 | 1974 | 69% |
| 55438 | 7,538 | 1981 | 79% |
| 55439 | 3,700 | 1971 | 90% |
| 55441 | 8,302 | 1979 | 60% |
| 55442 | 5,677 | 1987 | 80% |
| 55443 | 12,313 | 1989 | 73% |
| 55444 | 5,313 | 1979 | 90% |
| 55445 | 4,797 | 1990 | 83% |
| 55446 | 11,001 | 2003 | 83% |
| 55447 | 8,809 | 1978 | 77% |
| 55448 | 10,770 | 1984 | 84% |
| 55449 | 12,356 | 2005 | 88% |
| 55450 | 23 | n/a | 100% |
| 55454 | 4,139 | 1974 | 8% |
| 55455 | 5 | n/a | 0% |
Permits for composite decking in Minneapolis
Minnesota has a statewide building code administered by the Department of Labor and Industry and enforced by municipalities that have adopted it. Whether your project needs a permit depends on its scope and your exact address, so check with the building department that serves it before work begins.
Authoritative references
- Construction Codes and Licensing — Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
- Prescriptive Residential Wood Deck Construction Guide (DCA 6) — American Wood Council
- U.S. Climate Normals — NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information
Scope
What moves the scope of composite decking
- Board line (capped vs. uncapped, premium vs. standard)
- Color and heat-mitigating options
- Joist spacing changes on an existing frame
- Picture framing, inlays and diagonal layouts
- Matching composite stair treads, fascia and railings
FAQs
Composite Decking questions
Does composite decking get hot?
It can, especially darker colors in direct sun. Lighter colors, shade and boards designed to run cooler reduce the effect.
How do you clean composite decking?
Most manufacturers recommend periodic washing with soap and water and a soft brush. Follow the manufacturer's care guide for stains and pressure-washer use.
Can composite go over my existing wood deck frame?
Only if the frame is sound and spaced correctly for the boards. Many older wood decks were framed for wider spacing than composite allows, so extra joists may be needed.
Is composite slippery?
Textured, capped composite generally provides reasonable traction, but any deck can be slippery when wet, icy or covered in debris. Keep it clean, and avoid using rock salt unless the manufacturer allows it.
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Composite Decking in Minneapolis
Call (888) 555-0123 to talk with a deck specialist about your project.