Low-elevation decks might sit close to the ground, but when things go wrong underneath them, the problems can grow fast. When Jen looked closely at the aging wood deck of her Minneapolis home, she was facing two major urban backyard headaches: hidden moisture damage creeping toward her home's foundation and an open crawlspace that had turned into prime real estate for nesting neighborhood critters.
Jen needed more than just a surface facelift—she needed structural wall restoration, a permanent pest-proofing solution, and a clean, modern aesthetic that ditched flimsy lattice once and for all. Our team at BigDeck.com stepped in to solve her urban deck challenges with custom craftsmanship, clever logistics, and a trusted BigDeck Design!
Key Takeaways
- THE CHALLENGEA low-elevation deck required animal enclosure skirting, narrow alley material delivery, and hidden ledger board rot repair.
- THE INSTALLThe crew performed structural house wall repairs, added custom framing, and installed Deckorators Sierra decking with horizontal board skirting.
- THE RESULTThe completed structure prevented pest access under the deck, restored structural integrity, and aligned perfectly with backyard walkways.
After some back and forth on material options, Jen ultimately chose to go with Deckorators Sierra composite decking for its strength and clean finish. To replace unsightly lattice, our build team designed custom sub-framing to mount full-length composite boards horizontally around the lower perimeter, creating an attractive barrier against rodents.
Project Summary
| Client Profile: |
Jen (Homeowner) |
| Project Location: |
Minneapolis, MN |
| Primary Objective: |
Rebuild a low-elevation deck and solve pest issues with deck resurfacing options. |
| System Installed: |
Deckorators Sierra composite decking with horizontal board perimeter skirting applied via custom outdoor decks. |
| Key Outcome: |
Structural wall restoration, animal-proof lower perimeter, and custom step alignment. |
Uncovering Hidden Rot & Navigating Tight City Delivery
When our crew tore off the original wooden deck boards, we discovered why low-elevation builds require experienced eyes. Missing flashing behind the original ledger board had allowed water to seep behind the house envelope over time, causing rot in the underlying sheathing and framing.
Because we believe in honest work and transparent communication, here's how we tackled the hidden damage head-on:
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Structural Wall Repair: Removed the rotted siding and sheathing, rebuilt the wall framing, and sealed the building envelope with high-performance, self-adhering flashing.
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Building Code Standards: Paused framing briefly to allow municipal city inspectors to review and sign off on the wall repairs before proceeding.
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Specialized Delivery Logistics: Navigating narrow Minneapolis alleyways with long composite deck boards is no easy task. We coordinated specialized four-way Moffett delivery equipment to safely maneuver materials through tight city spaces and directly into Jen’s yard.
Ditching the Lattice: Custom Horizontal Board Skirting
To keep burrowing animals and rodents from nesting beneath the low platform, Jen wanted a solid enclosure. However, she wanted to avoid the cheap, outdated look of standard plastic lattice.
"We wanted to close off the space underneath the low deck so animals couldn't nest, but we needed something cleaner than standard lattice." - (Mike Smisek, BigDeck.com)
Our solution was a custom-engineered enclosure using Dekorators Sierra composite decking:
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Custom Sub-Framing: Installers added specialized framing around the entire lower deck perimeter.
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Seamless Horizontal Boards: We mounted full-length composite boards horizontally to create a sleek, modern wall that matched the top deck surface perfectly while forming an impenetrable barrier against pests.
Deckorators Sierra composite decking installed with custom horizontal board skirting in Minneapolis.
The Result: Clean Lines, Superior Durability, & Total Peace of Mind
The finished Minneapolis deck build completely transformed Jen's backyard. We measured and set the stair placement down to the fraction of an inch, ensuring the new steps lined up seamlessly with Jen’s existing stone pathways.
Her home is now structurally protected from water intrusion, the lower crawlspace is entirely pest-free, and the durable composite materials mean Jen will never have to stain or seal her deck again!
Solve Your Urban Deck Design Challenges in Minneapolis With BigDeck.com!
At BigDeck.com, we specialize in navigating tight city lots, local building codes, and structural wall repairs across Minneapolis, building custom deck designs that are installed to perfection. Our experienced crews handle every phase of deck construction from initial inspection through final city approval.
Need expert help with a low-elevation deck project in Minneapolis? Reach out to BigDeck.com for an in-person consultation!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you close off the bottom of a low deck in Minneapolis?
Installing horizontal composite deck boards around the bottom perimeter creates a clean enclosure that prevents rabbits and rodents from nesting. This approach requires additional sub-framing but provides superior durability compared to plastic lattice.
What happens if rot is found under a deck ledger board?
Decayed siding and sheathing must be removed to repair underlying structural rim joists. New flashing and waterproofing membranes are applied to protect the home before a new ledger board is structurally secured.
Why do city deck inspections vary across the Twin Cities?
Building code enforcement and inspection preferences for beam attachments, post footings, and ledger flashing vary by municipality. Working with an experienced local contractor ensures framing methods meet specific city standards.
