Wood decks built for Sioux Falls winters
Treated pine and cedar decks for Sioux Falls-area homes, set on footings that stay put when the ground freezes.
A new wood deck in Sioux Falls is a frame of treated lumber sitting on concrete footings, with boards, guards and stairs on top. If you own a home in Sioux Falls or a nearby town and want a first deck or a bigger one, we connect you with an independent builder who can design it, handle the city permit and build it.
What goes into a wood deck that lasts here?
- Footings past the frost line. A South Dakota code summary lists 42 inches as the Sioux Falls frost depth. Footings that stop short of that can be lifted by frost and leave the deck out of level by spring.
- A real connection to the house. An attached deck hangs from a ledger bolted to the house's rim board, with flashing above it so rain and snowmelt can't soak the wood behind it.
- Framing sized for snow and people. Joist size and spacing depend on the span, the boards you choose and the load. The same summary lists a 35 psf ground snow load for the city, which matters most if a roof goes over the deck later.
- Surface, guards and stairs. Boards go on last, along with railings and steps that meet the residential code.
- Permit and inspections. The City of Sioux Falls requires a permit for a deck of any size or material.
Treated pine or cedar?
| Board | Good points | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Treated pine | Lowest material cost, strong, easy to replace a board | Shrinks, checks and twists if it isn't sealed; needs regular finish |
| Cedar | Lighter, stable, pleasant color and smell | Softer, dents under chair legs, still needs finish to hold color |
| Composite or PVC | Little maintenance | Higher price; see composite and PVC decks |
Why does wood wear the way it does in Sioux Falls?
Sioux Falls gets close to 28 inches of precipitation a year, most of it in the warm months, plus about 45 inches of snow. That means boards spend a lot of time wet, then bake on hot July afternoons, then freeze. Water that sits in end grain, under planters or where boards butt together is where rot starts. A good layout gives water a way off the deck, keeps a gap between boards, and seals cut ends.
Planning around the yard you have
Newer subdivisions in the southern and western parts of the metro often have lots that slope toward the back, which can leave a back door well above the yard. That's where a two-level deck, or an upper deck with a patio under it, can work better than one tall platform. Flat lots in older neighborhoods usually suit a low deck a step or two off the kitchen. Tell the builder how you'll use the space: a table for eight, a grill that needs clearance, a hot tub, or a spot the dog can get to the yard from.
What affects the price?
- Square footage, height above the yard and the number of levels
- The number and depth of footings, which grows with size and height
- Board and railing choices, and whether there are stairs, landings or built-in benches
- Removing an old deck, and how easy it is to get equipment into the backyard
The builder you're connected with prices the job after seeing the house and yard. We don't set prices or give estimates.
Towns we cover
Common questions
How deep do deck footings go in Sioux Falls?
A South Dakota code summary lists a 42-inch frost depth for Sioux Falls. Ask the builder to confirm the depth on the permit plans before any holes are dug.
Do I need a permit for a small deck in Sioux Falls?
Yes. The City of Sioux Falls says a permit is required for decks of any size or material.
How soon can I stain a new treated pine deck?
Treated lumber is often wet when it is installed. Many builders suggest waiting until the boards have dried out, which can take weeks or months, before staining. Ask your builder what they recommend for the lumber they used.
Related services
- Composite and PVC decks
- Deck repair and replacement
- Deck railings and stairs
- Screened porches and covered decks
More background: Sioux Falls deck permit and footing guide.
Planning a deck, or worried about the one out back?
Call and we will connect you with an independent builder who works in the Sioux Falls area.