Most decks don't fail because of the surface boards — they fail because of what's underneath. Rotting ledger boards, deteriorating posts, and soft stair stringers are the hidden killers that cause deck collapses, safety hazards, and costly emergency repairs. At Weatherguard Construction, we build every White Bear Lake deck on a foundation of Owens Corning structural lumber for ledger boards, posts, and stair stringers as our standard — not an upgrade, not an add-on. OC Lumber is rotproof, rustproof, and rated for underwater contact in both fresh and salt water — engineered to protect against what wood and steel simply cannot. This is how we build. Period.
On top of that engineered foundation, we install premium composite and PVC decking from Wolf, TimberTech AZEK, and Trex — materials designed to handle Minnesota's sub-zero temperatures, heavy snowfall, and persistent ice accumulation without the constant staining, sealing, and sanding that wood decks demand. Minnesota's freeze-thaw cycles — where temperatures can swing 60 degrees in a single week — put extraordinary stress on outdoor structures. That's exactly why Weatherguard refuses to cut corners on structural framing — and why we partner with the industry's most advanced decking manufacturers. For homeowners who want the ultimate structural package, we offer a full OC Lumber frame upgrade — every joist, beam, rim board, and blocking piece in Owens Corning structural lumber.
Every Weatherguard deck project in White Bear Lake begins with a complimentary on-site consultation where we assess your property, inspect your existing structure (if applicable), discuss your vision, and provide a transparent, all-inclusive estimate. No high-pressure sales tactics, no bait-and-switch pricing — just honest guidance from experienced professionals.
Composite Decking: The Smart Choice for White Bear Lake Homeowners
Composite decking blends recycled wood fibers with high-density polyethylene plastic, creating a board that mimics the warmth of natural hardwood while resisting the rot, insects, and weather damage that destroy traditional lumber. For White Bear Lake homes facing sub-zero temperatures, heavy snowfall, and persistent ice accumulation, composite decking delivers decades of reliable performance without the annual chore of sanding, staining, or sealing.
Trex — America's Most Trusted Composite Brand
As a certified Trex installer, Weatherguard offers the full Trex lineup to White Bear Lake homeowners:
- Trex Signature: The pinnacle of Trex luxury — photorealistic woodgrain with engineered hardwood aesthetics. The most durable Trex decking available in 2 exclusive colors: Whidbey and Ocracoke. 50-year limited residential warranty.
- Trex Transcend Lineage: Elevated aesthetics with SunComfortable™ heat-mitigating technology that keeps your deck noticeably cooler. 7 luxurious colors including Biscayne, Jasper, Rainier, Carmel, Island Mist, Hatteras, and Salt Flat. 50-year limited residential warranty.
- Trex Transcend: Deep wood-grain texture and multi-tonal colors inspired by exotic hardwoods. 6 colors: Havana Gold, Island Mist, Tiki Torch, Spiced Rum, Lava Rock, and Rope Swing. Curveable and scratch-resistant. 50-year warranty.
- Trex Select: Curated colors with refined grain patterns and SunComfortable™ technology in the new collection. 5 colors: Whiskey Barrel, Malted Barley, Millstone, Pebble Grey, and Saddle. 35-year warranty.
- Trex Enhance: Authentic wood-grain at an accessible price. 10 colors across Naturals (Foggy Wharf, Rocky Harbor, Toasted Sand, Honey Grove, Cinnamon Cove, Golden Hour) and Basics (Saddle, Clam Shell, Tide Pool, Pebble Beach) sub-lines. SunComfortable™ technology in select colors. 25-year warranty.
- Trex Refuge: Fire-resistant PVC decking with Class A Flame Spread Rating and IWUIC compliance. West Coast-inspired colors: Martis Valley and Point Reyes. 50-year limited residential warranty.
Every Trex board is manufactured from 95% recycled materials — including reclaimed wood and polyethylene film — making it one of the most environmentally responsible decking choices available. Trex boards will never need sanding, staining, or painting, and they resist fading, staining, scratching, and mold better than any wood species on the market.
Fiberon — Performance Meets Sustainability
Fiberon composite decking combines sustainability with striking aesthetics. Their capped composite technology wraps each board in a protective polymer shell that locks out moisture and resists fading, staining, and scratches. Popular collections include:
- Fiberon Concordia: Premium multiblend coloring with dramatic grain patterns and a matte finish.
- Fiberon Good Life: A value-oriented line with solid performance ratings and a clean contemporary look.
Fiberon boards are manufactured in the USA using up to 94% recycled content and carry a 25-year structural warranty along with comprehensive fade and stain coverage.
PVC Decking: Ultimate Durability for Minnesota Weather
PVC (polyvinyl chloride) decking represents the pinnacle of low-maintenance outdoor living technology. Unlike composite — which contains wood fibers — PVC boards are made entirely from engineered polymer, making them completely impervious to moisture absorption. For White Bear Lake homes subjected to sub-zero temperatures, heavy snowfall, and persistent ice accumulation, PVC decking eliminates any risk of swelling, warping, or rot caused by trapped moisture freezing inside the board.
TimberTech AZEK — The Industry's Gold Standard in PVC
Weatherguard is a certified TimberTech installer, giving White Bear Lake homeowners access to the complete AZEK Advanced PVC lineup with enhanced warranty coverage:
- Vintage Collection: The ultra-premium tier featuring sought-after hardwood aesthetics with a refined wire-brushed finish and multitonal color blending. Colors include Weathered Teak, Mahogany, Coastline, English Walnut, Cypress, and Dark Hickory. Backed by a Limited Lifetime product warranty and 50-year fade and stain warranty.
- Landmark Collection: Crosscut cathedral grain styling that replicates the look of white oak and walnut with a sophisticated matte finish. Available in American Walnut, French White Oak, Boardwalk, and Castle Gate.
- Harvest+ Collection: Subtle highlights, lowlights, and tonal variations create the character of gently worn hardwoods with a beautifully aged patina. Available in Timber Gray and Toasted Wheat.
- Harvest Collection: Clean cathedral grain patterns in versatile solid colors — Kona, Slate Gray, and Brownstone. The most accessible entry point into AZEK PVC performance.
All TimberTech AZEK boards are manufactured from recycled materials in the USA, carry a Limited Lifetime structural warranty, and feature Alloy Armour Technology that resists scratching, staining, and UV fading far beyond what composite materials can achieve.
Wolf Decking — Engineered for Extreme Conditions
Wolf Home Products offers PVC and composite decking lines specifically engineered for harsh climates like Minnesota's:
- Wolf Serenity (PVC): High-Density Cellular PVC with COLORWATCH100 technology for industry-leading color retention and a 50-Year Stain & Fade warranty. 12 colors including Ashland, Amberwood, Weathered Ipe, Onyx, Golden Cypress, and Black Walnut.
- Wolf Haven (Composite): Rustic charm with real-wood texture, scalloped profile with grooved edges for hidden fastener installation. Available in Wheatfield, Storm, and Honeywood with a 35-Year Stain & Fade warranty.
- Wolf Perspective (Composite): Made from 94% recycled content with Fiber Sequencing Technology for industry-leading strength. Available in Dune, Potomac Grey, and Acacia with a 25-Year warranty.
Understanding Deck Warranties: What White Bear Lake Homeowners Should Know
Not all deck warranties are created equal, and understanding the differences can save you thousands of dollars and decades of frustration. Here is a breakdown of the warranty coverage available through Weatherguard's manufacturer partnerships:
Structural Warranties
These cover the core integrity of the decking board — resistance to splitting, cracking, rotting, and structural failure under normal use. Premium products like TimberTech AZEK and Trex Transcend carry Limited Lifetime structural warranties, meaning the boards are warranted against structural defects for as long as you own your home.
Fade and Stain Warranties
This is where cheap decking gets exposed. Budget products may carry a 10-year fade warranty, but premium lines from TimberTech AZEK provide a 50-year fade and stain warranty — guaranteeing your deck's color and finish will remain vibrant for half a century. Trex Transcend products also carry a 50-year warranty against fading and food stains.
Labor and Workmanship Warranties
Materials are only part of the equation. A poorly installed deck will fail regardless of board quality. Weatherguard's craftsmanship warranty covers our installation work — including joist connections, fastener patterns, railing attachments, and structural connections — giving you complete peace of mind.
Our White Bear Lake design consultants walk you through every warranty detail during your estimate appointment so you understand exactly what protection your investment carries before you commit.
Why White Bear Lake Homeowners Choose Weatherguard for Deck Construction
Building a deck is a significant investment — one that should enhance your daily life for decades. Here is why White Bear Lake families consistently choose Weatherguard Construction over the competition:
- Manufacturer Certifications: We hold installer certifications from Trex, TimberTech AZEK, Wolf, Fiberon, and Deckorators. These are not participation trophies — they are earned through demonstrated expertise, ongoing training, and verified craftsmanship. Our certifications unlock enhanced warranty coverage that standard installers cannot offer.
- Structural Engineering Expertise: Every Weatherguard deck is designed to meet or exceed Minnesota's residential building codes. We calculate proper beam spans, joist spacing, footing depths, and snow load requirements for your specific property — not generic cookbook formulas.
- Transparent, Fixed-Price Quotes: Our written estimates include every cost — materials, labor, permits, footings, demolition of your old deck, and final cleanup. The price you approve is the price you pay. Period.
- Clean, Professional Jobsites: Our crews clean up daily, protect your landscaping, and treat your property with the same respect they would show their own homes. We know how disruptive construction can be, and we work hard to minimize the impact on your daily routine.
- Full Permit Management: We handle all permitting, inspections, and code compliance requirements in White Bear Lake and throughout Minnesota. You never have to visit a building department or coordinate with an inspector — we manage all of it.
- Comprehensive Warranty Coverage: Beyond manufacturer warranties on materials, Weatherguard provides our own craftsmanship warranty covering structural integrity, fastener performance, and installation quality.
Composite vs. PVC Decking: Choosing the Right Material for Your White Bear Lake Deck
Both composite and PVC deliver far superior performance to wood, but they have distinct characteristics that make each better suited to different situations. Here is an honest comparison to help you decide:
| Feature | Composite Decking | PVC Decking |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Wood fibers + recycled plastic | 100% engineered polymer |
| Moisture Resistance | Excellent (capped shell protection) | Superior (zero moisture absorption) |
| Weight | Heavier (similar to wood) | Lighter (easier to handle) |
| Heat Retention | Moderate (can get warm in direct sun) | Lower (stays cooler underfoot) |
| Scratch Resistance | Very good | Excellent |
| Price Range | $$ to $$$ | $$$ to $$$$ |
| Best Warranty | 25-year to Limited Lifetime | Limited Lifetime + 50-year fade/stain |
| Ideal For | Budget-conscious upgrades, ground-level decks | High-traffic areas, pool decks, maximum longevity |
Our recommendation? If your budget allows, PVC decking provides the ultimate in low-maintenance performance and longevity. If you want an exceptional deck at a lower investment, composite delivers outstanding value and will dramatically outperform any wood deck. Either way, you are making a smart upgrade over traditional lumber.
The Weatherguard Deck Building Process in White Bear Lake
We have refined our deck building process over hundreds of successful projects to deliver a stress-free experience from first call to final walkthrough:
- Complimentary Design Consultation: We visit your White Bear Lake property, take measurements, discuss your goals and budget, review material options, and identify any site-specific considerations like drainage, grading, utilities, or setback requirements.
- Custom Design and Proposal: Within days, you receive a detailed proposal that includes a material specification sheet, dimensional drawings, color and railing selections, permit requirements, project timeline, and a fixed-price quote.
- Permitting and Engineering: We submit all required permit applications to your local White Bear Lake building authority, coordinate any necessary engineering reviews, and schedule inspections — so you never have to deal with the paperwork.
- Demo and Site Preparation: If you have an existing deck, our crew carefully removes it, salvages any reusable hardware, and disposes of all debris responsibly. We then prepare the site for new footings and structural work.
- Foundation and Framing: Using helical piers, diamond piers, or poured concrete footings — depending on your soil conditions and local code requirements — we build a rock-solid structural foundation designed to last a lifetime.
- Decking, Railing, and Finish Work: Your selected composite or PVC boards are installed with hidden fasteners for a clean, screw-free surface. Railings, lighting, skirting, and other enhancements are completed to manufacturer specifications.
- Final Inspection and Walkthrough: We schedule the required building inspection, walk you through your completed deck, explain care and maintenance (hint: there is barely any), and make sure every detail meets your expectations before we consider the project complete.
Structural Integrity: Why Most White Bear Lake Decks Fail — And How We Prevent It
The most expensive part of your deck isn't the surface boards — it's the structural framing underneath. And it's the part that most contractors cut corners on. Standard pressure-treated lumber starts absorbing moisture and deteriorating the moment it's installed. In Minnesota, where sub-zero temperatures, heavy snowfall, and persistent ice accumulation create relentless freeze-thaw cycles, that process accelerates dramatically. Within 10–15 years, the ledger board, posts, and stair stringers on a typical White Bear Lake deck are soft, splitting, and structurally compromised.
The Three Points of Failure — And How OC Lumber Solves Them
- Ledger Board: The ledger board connects your deck to your house. When it rots, the entire deck pulls away from the structure — a catastrophic and dangerous failure. Weatherguard uses Owens Corning structural lumber for every ledger board — rotproof, rustproof, and rated for underwater contact. OC Lumber installs with the same tools and fastener patterns as traditional lumber, combined with self-adhering flashing tape for complete moisture protection.
- Posts: Deck posts transfer the full weight of the structure to the footings. Ground-contact moisture, insects, and freeze-thaw cycling destroy standard PT lumber posts from the inside out. OC Lumber posts are rated for ground and underwater contact, eliminating rot at the critical zone where standard lumber fails first.
- Stair Stringers: Stair stringers carry concentrated loads and are repeatedly stressed by foot traffic. They're also exposed to splashing water and ground-level moisture. OC Lumber stringers are rotproof and rated for ground contact, with proper standoff brackets and blocking between stringers for lateral bracing — eliminating the #1 stair failure point.
Why Owens Corning Structural Lumber?
OC Lumber is engineered to protect against what wood and steel simply cannot. Rotproof, rustproof, and rated for underwater contact in both fresh and salt water. Designed to install like the lumber you use every day — same tools, same trade, same practices. Made to last. We don't offer this as an upgrade or an add-on — it's our standard for every ledger board, post, and stair stringer we install in White Bear Lake and across Minnesota.
Optional Upgrade: Full OC Lumber Framing
For homeowners who want the ultimate structural package, Weatherguard offers a full OC Lumber frame upgrade — every joist, beam, rim board, and blocking piece in Owens Corning structural lumber. While our standard build uses OC Lumber for the three components that fail first, a full OC Lumber frame means every piece of structural wood in your deck is rotproof, rustproof, and rated for underwater contact. Combined with properly engineered frost-depth footings and code-compliant ledger connections, our structural approach gives you a deck that will perform for decades, not just years.
Deck Maintenance in Minnesota: What You Actually Need To Do
One of the biggest advantages of composite and PVC decking is the near-total elimination of maintenance headaches. Unlike wood decks that demand annual staining, sealing, sanding, and board replacement, your Weatherguard composite or PVC deck requires only minimal care:
- Periodic Sweeping: Remove leaves, pine needles, and debris to prevent staining from organic material sitting on the surface for extended periods.
- Occasional Washing: A garden hose or pressure washer on a gentle setting is all you need to keep your deck looking fresh. For stubborn spots, a mild soap solution and a soft-bristle brush will handle virtually any stain.
- Snow Removal: Use a plastic shovel or broom to clear heavy snow. Avoid metal shovels that could scratch the surface. Calcium chloride ice melt is safe for composite and PVC — but avoid rock salt, which can leave residue.
- Furniture Pads: Place protective pads under heavy furniture legs to prevent point-load compression marks. This is especially important for metal chairs on hot days when the deck surface is more pliable.
That is it. No sanding. No staining. No sealing. No replacing warped or rotted boards. Just enjoy your deck, season after season, while your neighbors spend their weekends maintaining theirs.
Browse 89 Deck Board Colors — Visual Color Swatch Gallery
Choosing the right deck color is one of the most exciting parts of your White Bear Lake deck project. Weatherguard offers 89 premium deck board colors across 20 collections from TimberTech AZEK Advanced PVC (Vintage, Landmark, Harvest+, Harvest), TimberTech Composite (Legacy, Reserve, Terrain+, Terrain, Prime+, Premier+, Premier), Trex (Signature, Transcend Lineage, Transcend, Select, Enhance, Refuge), and Wolf (Serenity, Haven, Perspective). Scroll through our interactive color swatch gallery above — with authentic product photos from all three manufacturers — to explore every option, from the luxury of Trex Signature Whidbey to the heat-mitigating Trex Transcend Lineage Biscayne, the ultra-premium warmth of TimberTech AZEK Vintage Dark Hickory, the hand-scraped artistry of Legacy Tigerwood, the bold Wolf Serenity Onyx, or the budget-friendly Trex Enhance Foggy Wharf. Every color is available for your custom White Bear Lake deck project, and we encourage you to request free physical samples to compare in your home's lighting and alongside your siding, trim, and landscape.
Our White Bear Lake design consultants will bring color samples to your property so you can see exactly how each board looks against your home's exterior. Popular color pairings include warm-toned boards (Mahogany, English Walnut, Wolf Serenity Amberwood, Reserve Antique Leather) with black aluminum railing for a classic contrast, or cool-toned boards (Coastline, Harbor Grey, Island Mist, Wolf Serenity Driftwood Grey) with white composite railing for a coastal aesthetic. Wolf's Perspective line — made from 94% recycled content — is an eco-conscious choice with industry-leading strength, while TimberTech's Terrain and Prime+ lines deliver authentic wood aesthetics with 25-year warranties at price points accessible to most budgets.