When you're a busy professional traveling weekly for work, taking on a major home improvement project as a DIY build can quickly turn from an exciting dream into an endless, stress-inducing hassle. An Andover homeowner knew he wanted to double the size of his original elevated deck, but navigating a steep yard slope, tricky property line easements, and structural safety rules called for a professional team that could get the job done right and fast.
He eventually turned to Rock Solid Services to take the reins. With our attentive planning, licensed construction expertise, and dedicated crews, we redesigned the layout, fixed hidden house wall rot, and built a massive, double-sized elevated deck in just a single day!
Key Takeaways
- THE CHALLENGEExpanding an elevated deck on sloped terrain within property line easements and tight scheduling constraints.
- THE INSTALLTrex cinnamon composite decking with Westberry black aluminum railings and relocated front stairs.
- THE RESULTExpanded outdoor living space built in one day with repaired rim joist flashing.
We ultimately moved forward with designing a structural solution that maximized deck area without infringing on front yard easements. Relocating the staircase to the front wound up shortening the run on the sloping ground and protected the lower-level walkout access.
Project Summary
| Client Profile: | Residential Homeowner |
| Project Location: | Andover, MN |
| Primary Objective: | Rebuild and double the size of an elevated deck with a composite deck installation. |
| System Installed: | Trex cinnamon decking with Westberry black railings and front-facing stairs. |
| Key Outcome: | Completed structural construction in a single day with corrected wall flashing. |
Smart Design: Working Around Easements, Slopes, and Walkouts
Assessment of the Andover property revealed challenging sloped terrain leading toward the backyard, with the two major layout flaws being:
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The Size: The old platform was only half the width the homeowner wanted.
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The Stairs: The original staircase came down directly across a lower-level sliding glass door, blocking backyard access and taking up valuable ground space along the steep hill.
Expanding the frame required staying within local easement rules while avoiding front yard encroachment. Our demolition process also revealed hidden rot in the wall sheathing behind the door ledger that required immediate repair.
Relocating Stairs and Repairing Sheathing
Expanding the footprint meant navigating strict property line easements to ensure the new frame didn't encroach where it shouldn't. To solve the slope issue and keep the budget in check, our team came up with a clever layout adjustment:
"Moving the stairs to the front also allowed for us to have less stairs... which saved them a lot of money and allowed them to expand the deck." - (Avery Metzger, Rock Solid Services)
By relocating the staircase to the front corner, we significantly shortened the overall stair run over the sloped ground. This saved the homeowner substantial material costs, kept the lower-level walkout entrance wide open, and freed up space to double the deck's total width.
Tearing off the old ledger board revealed a classic hidden problem: water intrusion had rotted the wall sheathing behind the door. Because Rock Solid Services believes in building on a truly solid foundation, we paused to address the home's exterior envelope immediately:
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Sheathing Replacement: Removed all decayed wood sheathing and repaired the underlying framing.
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Insulation & Flashing: Added new insulation foam and installed self-adhering flashing around the door frame to guarantee water stays outside where it belongs.
Once the house wall was fully restored and protected, our crew poured new footings and installed warm Trex Cinnamon composite decking accented by low-profile Westberry black aluminum railings. Equipped with professional-grade tools and experienced foremen, our team completed the entire teardown, wall repair, and rebuild in a single, efficient day.
Elevated composite deck rebuild featuring front-corner stairs and low-maintenance aluminum railings in Andover.
The Result: Expanded Outdoor Living Without the DIY Headache
The final walkthrough showcased a low-maintenance, expanded elevated deck that blends with neighboring homes. Instead of spending weekends over several months fighting with framing and slope logistics, the homeowner returned to a fully finished, maintenance-free elevated deck built to last a lifetime. The rich Cinnamon decking and crisp black railing complement the home beautifully, offering a spacious area for weekend relaxation and entertaining.
Transform Your Andover Deck Space With Rock Solid Services!
Rock Solid Services provides expert deck building and exterior construction services all throughout Andover and the North Twin Cities Metro area.
Do you need help with a similar elevated deck build in Andover? Contact our office today for a project consultation!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do property easements affect deck design in Andover?
Easements set mandatory setbacks from property lines and front yards. Designing within these limits ensures local code compliance while maximizing outdoor living area.
Why move deck stairs to the front on sloped properties?
Moving stairs to a higher point on sloping ground shortens the stair run, reduces material costs, and avoids blocking lower-level doors or patio spaces.
What happens if rotted house sheathing is found behind a deck ledger?
Rotted sheathing must be removed and replaced with new material, sealed with expanding foam, and fitted with proper flashing before securing the new deck ledger.