Most homeowners focus on what a deck looks like the day it’s finished.

Smart homeowners ask a different question: how will it hold up in five years? Ten? Twenty?

At Kinmount Exteriors, we build decks across the south metro designed to last as long as possible. Not just decks that look great on day one. Decks that hold up through Minnesota winters, wet springs, and everything in between.

Here’s exactly how we do it, and why it matters.

We start where other contractors skip: the frame

The bones of your deck matter more than anything you’ll ever see on the surface.

Most deck builders use standard pressure-treated lumber for framing. It’s cheap, it’s common, and it shrinks, twists, and swells over time. That movement causes squeaky boards, uneven surfaces, and fasteners that start to pop.

We frame with KDAT lumber – Kiln Dried After Treatment. It’s a higher-grade material that’s been dried after the treatment process, so it arrives stable and stays that way. No shrinking. No twisting. No swelling. Your deck frame holds its shape the way it was built.

For projects where it makes sense, we also use aluminum framing systems. Aluminum doesn’t rot, warp, or degrade. It’s one of the most durable framing options available today, and very few deck contractors in the south metro are using it.

A watertight frame: the detail most builders miss

Moisture is the enemy of any wood structure.

Even with quality lumber, water works its way into the frame over time if nothing is protecting the contact points. That’s why we apply bitumen tape between joists and decking boards during every installation.

This creates a watertight seal along the frame. It protects the structure underneath from moisture intrusion and dramatically extends the life of your deck.

You’ll never see it once the deck is done. But it’s one of the most important things we do.

The right decking surface for Minnesota

We install two of the most trusted names in the industry: TimberTech and Trex composite decking.

Both are premium composite decking products built to stand up to heavy use and harsh weather. Composite decking won’t splinter, fade, or require annual staining the way natural wood does. Low maintenance, without sacrificing the look of a quality deck.

We also work with PVC decking for homeowners who want the most moisture-resistant surface available. PVC has no wood content at all, which means moisture simply can’t affect it.

Not sure which material is right for your home? We’ll walk you through the real differences and help you choose what actually makes sense for your space and budget.

Railings that look sharp and actually hold up

Railings take abuse. Sun, ice, kids grabbing them, people leaning on them. They need to be built for it.

We install aluminum railings, including Westbury Railing systems. Aluminum doesn’t rust, chip, or peel. Westbury is one of the best railing systems available for both long-term performance and clean, modern aesthetics.

Compared to basic wood railings or budget vinyl options, the difference in durability over ten years is significant.

Proper footings and extra posts – because the ground matters

A deck is only as solid as its foundation.

We install proper footings and use additional posts where needed for added stability. In Minnesota, frost depth matters. A deck with inadequate footings shifts every winter. That movement adds up over several years – and shows up as cracked concrete, loosened hardware, and structural problems that become expensive to fix.

We do it right from the ground up.

Built to code – then we go further

Every deck we build meets local code requirements. That’s the minimum.

But we don’t stop at the minimum. We apply additional best practices on every job:

• Extra blocking and proper post placement for long-term stability
• Proper flashing at the house connection to prevent water intrusion
• Bitumen tape at every joist for a fully sealed frame
• Materials chosen for longevity, not just what’s required to pass inspection

Our goal isn’t just to pass inspection and move on. Our goal is for your deck to still be solid and beautiful in fifteen to twenty years.

Low-voltage lighting: the detail that changes how you use your deck

A well-lit deck extends how long you actually use it each day.

We install low-voltage lighting in posts and along steps to create a warm, functional outdoor space after dark. It’s a detail that’s easy to overlook during planning, and something almost every homeowner wishes they had added.

We build it in during construction, so there are no afterthought wire runs or visible hardware.

Quality craftsmanship at a fair price

We price our work to reflect the materials we use and the care we put into every job. What you get is straightforward: no shortcuts, no cheap substitutions, and a finished deck that performs the way it’s supposed to for a long time.

If you’ve gotten quotes from other contractors and want to understand what you’re actually comparing, we’re happy to walk you through it line by line. That’s what the ClearQuote™ Promise is all about.

The south metro’s deck contractor that takes the work seriously

Kinmount Exteriors builds decks for homeowners across Lakeville, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Eagan, Rosemount, Farmington, and the surrounding south metro.

This is where we live and work. When we put our name on a project, it needs to be something we’re proud of. That means using better materials, paying attention to details other contractors skip, and treating every job like it matters.

Because it does.