Decks & Patios in Big Lake, MN

Outdoor Rooms Built to Carry Snow and Shrug Off Frost

Deck footings in Sherburne County must reach 42 inches below grade, because Minnesota Rule 1303.1600 places the county in frost Zone II, and a pier that stops short heaves the first winter. Curtis C Contracting LLC builds decks and patios in Big Lake, MN, Elk River and Monticello on footings dug to that depth, with cedar, redwood, pressure-treated, composite and PVC decking, 1/2-inch ledger bolts, paver and poured-concrete patios, and stairs and guards laid out to the residential code.


Our approach starts with a site walk and a scaled drawing, then we pull the permit, dig and inspect the footings, and frame to the span tables before the first deck board goes down. We hold Minnesota residential building contractor license BC808587, carry BBB A+ accreditation, and bring 30 years of carpentry and outdoor structure work to every ledger, beam and guard post. Quotes are free, so request yours through our contact page and we will schedule the site visit.

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Decks and Patios We Build

  • Custom Deck Design and Construction

    Every build starts with a measured drawing fixing post locations, beam spans and stair runs before we dig. Piers go to 42 inches, the ledger gets 1/2-inch bolts over flashing, and joists run 16 inches on center so 5/4 decking stays stiff.

  • Cedar, Redwood and Pressure-Treated Wood Decks

    Cedar, redwood and pressure-treated lumber each weather differently, so we match the species to your budget and how often you will seal. Wood decks last 10-15 years with an annual wash, stain and seal, and we orient end cuts to slow checking.

  • Composite and PVC Decks

    Composite and PVC boards carry 25-, 35- and 50-year manufacturer warranties and never need staining, though the material moves more than wood. We follow each brand's gapping chart, use hidden fastener clips where the profile allows, and match fascia and risers.

  • Deck Repairs and Renovations

    Soft stringers, rusted joist hangers and a ledger nailed instead of bolted are the failures we find most often on older decks. We probe framing for rot, replace compromised members, re-flash the house connection and raise guards to the required 36 inches.

  • Deck Additions and Expansions

    Adding a level, widening a landing or wrapping a corner changes the load path, so we re-check beam and post sizing rather than tie new joists into old framing. New footings go to full depth, and boards match the existing profile.

  • Paver and Concrete Patios

    Paver patios sit on compacted base and 1-1.5 inches of screeded bedding sand, compacting to 3/4 to 1-1/4 inches under the plate. Poured-concrete patios get control joints and a pitch away from the foundation, and we frame patio-to-deck stairs and pergola posts.

Why Choose Us for Decks & Patios

Permits and Inspections Handled for You

You will not be standing at the city counter or waiting for the inspector. We file the deck permit with the drawing and footing detail, book the footing and framing inspections, and hand you the approved paperwork after the final.

Footings Dug to Frost Depth Every Time

Frost heave is why older decks here tilt, crack the ledger connection and pull stair treads off level. We dig every pier to 42 inches, verify depth with the inspector before the pour, and set adjustable post bases so settling can be corrected.

Guards and Stairs Laid Out to Code

Stair geometry decides whether a deck feels safe after dark, so we hold risers to 7-3/4 inches, treads to 10 inches, and run a graspable handrail at 34-38 inches on flights of 4+ risers. Baluster spacing keeps the 4-inch sphere out.

Ledger Flashing That Protects Your Rim Joist

Most deck collapses start at the ledger, not the posts, and most begin with water trapped behind the board. We flash the ledger with formed metal or membrane, bolt through with 1/2-inch hardware, and leave weep space so the rim joist dries.

Material Guidance Without the Upsell

Choosing between cedar, pressure-treated and composite depends on how you use the deck and how much upkeep you accept, not our margin. We explain the maintenance of each, show samples in daylight on site, and price all 3 options on request.

Jobsite Cleanup and Yard Protection

Lawn, sprinkler heads, downspouts and the neighbor's fence get mapped before the auger shows up. We stage lumber on plywood, run the spoil out in wheelbarrows, not across turf, and sweep screws and cutoffs with a magnet before loading the trailer.

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Outdoor Space That Stays Level When the Ground Moves

The difference between a deck you enjoy and one you worry about usually comes down to what happened below grade before the first board was fastened. Curtis C Contracting LLC builds decks and patios in Big Lake, MN the same way we frame a house: footings to frost depth, a bolted and flashed ledger, joists sized from the span tables and guards that meet the 36-inch rule without an inspector having to ask. Whether you are replacing a deck that has started to tilt, adding a paver patio off the walkout, or planning an outdoor space from scratch, the first step is a site visit and a free quote. Use our contact page to request yours, and we will bring samples.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need a permit to build a deck in Minnesota?

    Yes, in most Minnesota cities a deck attached to the house or standing more than 30 inches above grade needs a building permit, a footing inspection and a final. Only painting, wallpapering and carpeting are exempt in many towns, so plan for paperwork.

  • How deep do deck footings need to be in Minnesota?

    Sherburne County sits in frost Zone II, so footings must reach 42 inches below grade under Minnesota Rule 1303.1600. Curtis C. Contracting digs every pier to that depth on decks in Big Lake, MN, because a shallow footing heaves the first winter.

  • How high does deck railing need to be?

    Guards are required on decks more than 30 inches above grade, and the top rail must stand at least 36 inches above the deck boards. Stair guards measure from the tread nosing to the same 36-inch minimum, while lower decks need none.

  • What is the 4-inch rule for deck railing?

    Openings in a guard cannot let a 4-inch sphere pass, which keeps a child's head from slipping between balusters. On stairs the triangle between tread, riser and bottom rail allows a 6-inch sphere, and stair guard openings may pass 4-3/8 inches.

  • When do deck stairs need a handrail?

    Any stair flight of 4+ risers needs a graspable handrail on one side, set 34-38 inches above the tread nosings. The rail must return to a post or wall at each end so clothing and bags do not catch on it.

  • How long does a composite deck last compared to wood?

    Manufacturers rate composite decking for 25-50 years and back it with 25-, 35- or 50-year warranties, while a wood deck lasts 10 to 15 years with annual washing, staining and sealing. Framing under either surface should still be pressure-treated lumber.

  • Can a patio be built over an old concrete slab?

    Often, if the slab is sound, drains away from the house and sits low enough that the new surface clears the door threshold. Curtis C. Contracting checks slabs in Big Lake, MN for cracking and heave before overlaying pavers on bedding sand.

  • How do you keep a paver patio from heaving in winter?

    Drainage is the whole answer, because water trapped under pavers freezes and lifts the surface. A compacted aggregate base, screeded bedding sand held to 1-1.5 inches, edge restraint and a pitch away from the foundation let meltwater leave before it freezes.