Enchanted deck/patio revitalization on Lake Minnetonka

Enjoying the outdoors was a central goal in this family's decision to buy a home on Lake Minnetonka and invest in fixing a variety of deficiencies. At the top of that list was the second-story deck and access to the patio underneath surrounding the pool area.

"It was in pretty rough shape," recalls lead designer and long-time Murphy Bros. design/build consultant David Long. "There were some structural concerns with the support posts and the overall condition of the decking."

The deck was also a bit too narrow for comfort and far too short to accommodate everyone, so the decision was made to expand the footprint to a 45' x 12' deck.

Design/Build Consultant — David Long

Project Manager — Tim O'Neill

Photography — Alyssa Lee

AFTER: Finished project.

"The solution was to expand the square footage of the deck and expand the patio underneath to match," explains Long. "And that was the tough part because matching decorative stamped concrete is not easy by a long shot. I think it turned out pretty amazing."

We replaced the entire structure, including the failing support posts and the stairs. Added powder-coated extruded aluminum railings for durability and strength.

New underdeck drainage (Trek Rain Escape System) was finished off with corrugated roof panels under the deck and composite beaded ceiling (Azek/Royal) under the stairs for a more aesthetically pleasing look diverts water from the area.

BEFORE: View of existing conditions with narrow metal spiral staircase.

AFTER: View of 2nd story decking. Note LED light post caps.

AFTER: New wider 2-tiered stairs.

AFTER: Nothing is as ugly as the underside of, well, most anything, but in this case especially stairs. We've covered it with composite beaded ceiling (Azek/Royal) for a finished look.