New Deck Construction in Rochester, MN

Building a new deck in Rochester means footings at least 42 inches down, a frame sized for Minnesota loads, and a city permit for almost every attached deck. If you own a home in Rochester or the nearby towns and want a deck added, we connect you with an independent deck builder who designs it, applies for the permit and builds it.

What does Rochester require for a new deck?

A permit for attached decks. The City of Rochester's deck handout says every deck attached to the house needs a building permit, and a freestanding deck does too once it's 30 inches or more above grade.
Footings below frost. Minnesota Rule 1303.1600 puts Olmsted County in Zone II with a 3½-foot minimum footing depth, and the city's handout calls for 42 inches of cover from the bottom of the footing to grade.
Design loads. The handout says decks must support at least a 40 psf live load, with at least a 10 psf dead load assumed.
Two key inspections. A footing inspection after the holes are dug and before concrete goes in, and a final once the deck and finish grading are done.

Attached or freestanding?

An attached deck hangs one side on a ledger bolted to the house with at least ½-inch by 5-inch lag screws or bolts and covered with corrosion-resistant flashing, per the city handout. A freestanding deck gets its own beam and footings next to the house instead. Freestanding can make sense on homes with brick or stone veneer, a cantilevered floor, or a rim board you don't want to cut into. It costs more in footings but keeps water and fasteners away from the house wall.

Designing for how you'll use it

Size. A 12-by-12 deck holds a small table and a grill. Plan bigger if you want a dining set and a seating area.
Sun. Rochester's July sun is strong on south and west decks. A pergola or a roof can be planned now and footings sized for it.
Hot tub. A filled tub weighs far more than people and furniture, so it needs its own framing and footings from the start.
Power. The city handout says decks over 20 square feet with access from inside the home need a GFCI weatherproof receptacle.
Overhead lines. Power lines must clear the deck by at least 10 feet.

Boards and framing

Most decks here sit on a treated lumber frame. On top, treated pine is the least expensive surface, cedar is lighter and stable, and composite or PVC trade a higher price for little upkeep. See composite and low-maintenance decking for that side of the decision.

What sets the price?

Deck size, height and shape, plus any second level
The number of footings, which goes up with size and height
Board, railing and stair choices
Removing an old deck, and access to the backyard for an auger
Permit fees, which the city bases on the value of the work

The builder you're connected with gives the quote after measuring and seeing the house. We don't provide prices.

Where we connect homeowners

Common questions

How deep do deck footings need to be in Rochester, MN?

Minnesota Rule 1303.1600 sets a 3 1/2-foot minimum for Olmsted County, and the City of Rochester handout calls for 42 inches of cover from the bottom of the footing to grade.

Does a low freestanding deck need a permit in Rochester?

Under the city handout, a freestanding deck needs a permit once it is 30 inches or more above grade. Every attached deck needs one regardless of height.

Who schedules the inspections?

Usually the contractor who pulled the permit. The city handout says footing inspections happen after holes are dug and before concrete is poured, and a final follows when the deck and grading are done.

Related services

More background: Rochester deck guide.

New deck construction in Rochester, Minnesota