Structural Feature

# Deck Columns
& Support Posts

Install structural columns that carry your elevated deck safely and look great doing it. We build with pressure-treated lumber, steel posts, and decorative wraps—engineered for Minnesota's freeze-thaw cycles and designed to match your home's architecture.

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(612) 655-8664

## Deck Columns Built for Strength and Style

Every elevated deck depends on its columns. These vertical members carry the full weight of the deck structure, furniture, people, and Minnesota's snow loads down to the footings. Column failure means deck failure—there's no margin for error.

We size columns based on actual load calculations, not guesswork. Our installations include properly poured footings that extend below the 42-inch frost line, code-compliant post-to-beam connections, and bracing where required. The result: columns that hold firm through decades of Minnesota weather.

- Load-rated columns sized for your specific deck
- Footings poured below frost line (42" minimum)
- Approved post-to-beam hardware connections
- Decorative wrap options for finished appearance
- Lateral bracing for tall column installations

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Column Options

## Deck Column Types We Install

From basic structural posts to decorative architectural columns, we match the right column type to your deck's requirements and your home's style.

### Wrapped Structural Columns

Pressure-treated posts wrapped with PVC or composite sleeves. The structural post handles the load while the wrap provides a clean, paintable finish that won't rot, split, or require staining.

### Steel-Reinforced Columns

Steel posts or wood posts with steel brackets for maximum load capacity. Required for very tall decks, heavy loads, or long spans between columns. Often wrapped with decorative materials.

### Decorative Columns with Brackets

Architectural columns with arched brackets or corbels that add visual interest while providing structural support. Popular for traditional home styles and high-visibility deck areas.

### Square Box Columns

Clean, contemporary square columns built from composite boards or PVC over structural posts. Provides a modern look with crisp lines and uniform appearance across all columns.

## Column Materials and Construction

The structural core of every column must handle vertical loads and resist decay. We select materials based on load requirements, exposure conditions, and your finish preferences.

Pressure-Treated Posts: The workhorse of deck construction. Ground-contact rated lumber resists rot and insects. Typically 6x6 minimum for deck support, with 4x4 reserved for railings only.

Steel Posts: Square steel tubing or I-beams for maximum strength. Required when wood posts can't handle the calculated loads. Hidden inside wraps or left exposed for industrial aesthetics.

Column Wraps: PVC, composite, or fiber cement sleeves that cover structural posts. Available in smooth, fluted, or paneled styles. Install with trim caps and bases for a finished architectural appearance.

View Custom Deck Options
Building Standards

## Minnesota Deck Column Requirements

Every column we install meets Minnesota Residential Code requirements. Here are the key specifications we follow:

Frost Depth: 42" Minimum

All footings must extend at least 42 inches below grade to reach below Minnesota's frost line. This prevents frost heave from lifting columns and shifting your deck structure.

Post Size: 6x6 Minimum

Structural deck support posts must be 6x6 minimum. 4x4 posts are only permitted for railing posts, not for supporting deck loads. Larger posts required for tall decks or heavy loads.

Approved Hardware Connections

Posts must connect to beams using approved metal connectors or notched bearing. Through-bolting or approved post caps required. No toe-nailing allowed for structural connections.

Lateral Bracing Requirements

Columns over 8 feet tall or freestanding decks require lateral bracing to prevent racking. Diagonal braces or knee braces connect posts to beams for lateral stability.

Ground Contact Rating

Posts must be ground-contact rated (UC4A or higher) where they contact concrete or soil. Standard above-ground lumber will rot at footing connections within a few years.

Footing Size Calculations

Footing diameter depends on soil bearing capacity and deck loads. Typical residential footings are 12"-24" diameter. Larger footings required for poor soil or heavy loads.

Our Work

## Deck Column Projects

Recent column installations throughout the Elk River area. Each project engineered for the specific deck height, load requirements, and architectural style.

Service Areas

## Deck Column Installation Near You

We install deck columns throughout the northwest Twin Cities metro. Click your city for local service information.

Elk River, MN
Rogers, MN
Maple Grove, MN
Plymouth, MN
Ramsey, MN
Dayton, MN
Otsego, MN
All Service Areas
Related Services

## Complete Your Deck Project

Deck columns pair with these services. Bundle features during new construction or upgrades for best value.

### Deck Stairs

Elevated decks need stairs. We build straight runs, switchbacks, and spiral staircases that connect your deck to your yard safely.

View stair options

### Deck Railings

Elevated decks require perimeter railings. We install aluminum, composite, cable, and glass railing systems to match your columns.

View railing options

### Custom Deck Building

Build a new elevated deck with properly engineered columns from the start. We design the complete structure for your lot and home.

Learn more

## Ready for New
Deck Columns?

Schedule a free consultation to discuss column options for your deck. We'll assess your structure, review material choices, and provide a detailed estimate.

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