New Cedar Floating Deck Build in Hopkins MN

We are wrapping up a new floating cedar deck for a client in Hopkins, and it's turning out exactly the way we hoped. The backyard already had a pool and an existing upper deck, but there was a big chunk of unused space that deserved better. This new floating deck fills that gap and connects everything together.

We love working with cedar for projects like this. It machines cleanly, takes stain beautifully, and honestly - it smells incredible on a warm day. The grain and natural color of fresh cedar boards is hard to beat. Once the stain goes on, it will lock in that character and protect the wood from Minnesota's freeze-thaw cycles for years.

The cedar decking and fascia are all in place, and the staircase ties the new floating deck up to the existing upper level. The whole layout flows well with the pool area and gives this client a ton of new usable space - exactly what a backyard like this deserves.

Floating decks are a great option when you want to add square footage without a complicated ledger attachment or permit-heavy footing system. They work especially well on sloped or uneven ground, which is exactly the kind of challenge this yard presented. We sized and positioned it to feel intentional, not like an afterthought.

Staining cedar is the step that really ties it all together. It deepens the color, brings out the grain, and - most importantly - keeps the wood from graying out or checking over time. This client is going to have a backyard setup that is genuinely hard to top.