Cost to Build a Deck in Minnesota (2026)
A 12×16 ft deck in Minnesota runs about $4,832 in pressure-treated pine and $10,001 in composite, installed — 7% above the US average. Here is what moves that number in Minnesota, with a calculator priced for the state.
Pressure-treated pine
$21–$27 /sq ft
Cedar
$30–$39 /sq ft
Composite
$45–$58 /sq ft
Deck cost calculator for Minnesota
Priced with Minnesota labour, material and footing-depth factors. Change any input and the estimate updates.
Estimated installed cost
$8,800 – $11,501
192 sq ft · about $52.09/sq ft
- Materials
- $6,040
- Labour
- $3,961
- Footings (51 in deep)
- 3 × about $253
- Frost-depth adjustment
- +$259
Mid-range estimate for a rectangular deck attached to the house, with one beam line per 12 ft of depth and footings every 8 ft. Excludes demolition, permits and site work. For railing, stairs and a full line-item breakdown use the main deck cost calculator.
Minnesota deck cost by size and material
Mid-range installed prices for a standard-height deck attached to the house, including framing, footings at the local depth and hardware. Railing and stairs are priced separately in the main deck cost calculator.
| Deck size | Pressure-treated pine | Cedar | Composite |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 10 ft (100 sq ft) | $2,641 | $3,675 | $5,333 |
| 12 × 12 ft (144 sq ft) | $3,689 | $5,178 | $7,565 |
| 12 × 16 ft (192 sq ft) | $4,832 | $6,818 | $10,001 |
| 16 × 20 ft (320 sq ft) | $8,312 | $11,622 | $16,927 |
| 20 × 20 ft (400 sq ft) | $10,217 | $14,355 | $20,986 |
What drives deck prices in Minnesota
Labour
Labour is the biggest regional variable. Carpentry labour in Minnesota runs 15% above the national level, so a composite 12×16 that averages $9,216 nationally comes to about $10,001 here. On pressure-treated decks labour is more than half the bill, so the regional gap is widest on the cheapest material.
Climate
Some of the deepest frost in the lower 48, heavy snow and hot, humid summers.
Footings and frost depth
Footings in Minnesota typically go 42–60 inches deep. At 51 inches each 12 inch footing costs roughly $253 installed, and a 12×16 deck needs about 3 of them — a premium of $259 against the 24 inch depth national prices assume.
Which decking makes sense here
Our pick for most Minnesota homes: composite. Higher labour costs and a harsh freeze-thaw cycle favour boards that need no refinishing. Composite adds about $5,169 to a 12×16 deck over pressure-treated — see the full 20-year comparison in the composite vs wood calculator.
Permits and code in Minnesota
The Minnesota State Building Code applies statewide, with footings at 42 inches in the south and 60 inches in the north. Minneapolis and St. Paul require permits for attached decks of any height.
Typical deck permit fees: $100–$500. Expect a footing inspection before concrete, a framing inspection before the decking goes down and a final. Estimate your fee with the deck permit cost calculator, and read our deck permit guide for what the drawings need to show.
Best time to build a deck in Minnesota
May to October.
Deck cost in Minnesota cities
- Minneapolis — 12×16 composite about $10,117
Compare neighbouring states
- Wisconsin — 12×16 pressure-treated about $4,628 (+2% vs US)
- Iowa — 12×16 pressure-treated about $4,309 (−2% vs US)
- North Dakota — 12×16 pressure-treated about $4,684 (+2% vs US)
- South Dakota — 12×16 pressure-treated about $4,173 (−5% vs US)
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to build a deck in Minnesota?
A typical 12×16 ft (192 sq ft) deck in Minnesota costs about $4,832 installed in pressure-treated pine, $6,818 in cedar and $10,001 in composite. That is $21–$27 per square foot for pressure-treated and $45–$58 for composite — 7% above the US average.
Is a composite deck worth it in Minnesota?
On a 12×16 deck composite costs about $5,169 more than pressure-treated up front. Higher labour costs and a harsh freeze-thaw cycle favour boards that need no refinishing. Composite needs no staining, which saves a refinishing cycle every two to three years on wood.
Do I need a permit to build a deck in Minnesota?
The Minnesota State Building Code applies statewide, with footings at 42 inches in the south and 60 inches in the north. Minneapolis and St. Paul require permits for attached decks of any height. Where a permit is required, fees typically run $100–$500. Under the model residential code, a freestanding deck under 200 sq ft and no more than 30 inches above grade that does not serve an exit door is often exempt — attaching it to the house removes that exemption.
How deep do deck footings need to be in Minnesota?
Typically 42 to 60 inches depending on the part of the state. At about 51 inches, each 12 inch footing costs roughly $253 installed, compared with $167 at a 24 inch depth. Confirm the exact depth with your building department before digging.
When is the best time to build a deck in Minnesota?
May to October. Booking a builder outside the spring rush often gets a faster start date and a keener price.
Is Minnesota expensive for deck building compared with other states?
Minnesota ranks 40 of 50 from cheapest to most expensive on our index. Carpentry labour runs 15% above the national level and materials right in line with it, which puts a typical deck 7% above the US average.
Price the rest of the project
How these figures are made: national installed prices per square foot, split into materials and labour and adjusted by a Minnesota labour index (reasoned from BLS state carpenter wage data), a material and freight index, and the local footing depth. They are planning estimates — get two or three itemised local quotes. Method.