Composite, PVC or cedar: the right deck boards for Minnesota.
Composite and cedar are the decks we build most. Here’s how they compare in Minnesota weather, what upkeep each needs and how Todd helps you choose.
Composite, PVC and cedar at a glance.
Every board has trade-offs. Todd walks you through them for your yard, your budget and how much upkeep you want.
- CompositeWood fibers and plastic, almost no upkeep
- PVC deckingAll plastic, light and moisture resistant
- CedarReal wood with a warm look
- Railings to matchComposite, cable or wood
- Framing built for the boardsJoist spacing matched to the decking
- ResurfacingNew boards on a sound old frame
Side by side.
| Composite | PVC | Cedar | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Made of | Wood fibers and plastic | All plastic | Real wood |
| Upkeep | Wash it; no staining | Wash it; no staining | Clean and seal every few years |
| Look | Wood-grain patterns, many colors | Wood-grain patterns, many colors | Natural grain that weathers to gray if left unsealed |
| Moisture | Resists rot | Best moisture resistance | Naturally rot resistant when maintained |
| Up-front cost | Higher than cedar | Usually the highest | Usually the lowest |
What matters in a Minnesota winter
All three handle cold. What hurts decks here is water: snow that melts and refreezes, and moisture trapped where boards meet framing. Composite and PVC don’t absorb water the way wood does, which is why most of our customers choose them. Cedar is still a great deck if you’re happy to seal it every few years.
The boards are only half the deck
Composite and PVC boards need joists spaced closer than many older wood decks were built. That’s why Todd checks the framing before putting new boards on an old deck. See deck repair and resurfacing or new decks and patios.
Built right, from the footings up.
Todd’s crew frames every deck the way they frame a house, so it stays solid and level year after year.
- 1Call or request an estimateTell Todd what you have in mind.
- 2DesignBoards, colors, railings and layout.
- 3Written estimateThe full scope in writing.
- 4BuildFootings and framing, decking or patio, and rails.
- 5Final walkthroughWalk the finished project together.
Framing a two-story deck on one of our builds.
Composite and cedar decks we’ve built.
Photographed on our own jobs around Minnesota.
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Straight answers.
Is composite worth it in Minnesota?
For most homeowners, yes. It doesn’t need staining or sealing and holds up to snow, ice and freeze-thaw cycles. Cedar costs less up front but needs regular sealing to look its best.
Do you build patios?
Yes. We build patios on their own or alongside a new deck, and a Luxury Pergola can go over either one.
What’s the difference between composite and PVC?
Composite blends wood fibers and plastic. PVC decking is all plastic, so it’s lighter and resists moisture even better, and it usually costs more.
Does composite get hot in the sun?
Darker boards can get warm on a hot afternoon. Lighter colors stay cooler, and a pergola overhead helps too. Todd can show you samples.
Can I shovel a composite deck?
Yes, with a plastic shovel. Metal blades can scratch the boards, so follow the board maker’s care guide.
Not sure which boards? Ask Todd.
Free estimates, on budget, and Todd answers his own phone.