New deck construction
A deck that fits your house, your lot and how you actually spend time outside, built on footings that stay put through South Dakota winters.
A well-built deck starts below ground. The footings, the beam and joist framing, and the connection to the house carry the load and decide how long the deck lasts. The decking and railings on top are the part you see, and they're the easiest to change later.
What goes into a deck that lasts here?
- Footings below the frost line. Local code summaries put Rapid City's frost depth at 42 inches, measured to the bottom of the footing. Shallow footings or posts on blocks can heave as the ground freezes.
- A properly attached ledger. On an attached deck, the ledger board is bolted to the house framing and flashed so water doesn't get behind it. This is where many old decks fail.
- Treated framing sized for the span. Joists, beams and posts sized for the deck's span and load, with rated hangers and fasteners made for treated lumber.
- Decking and railings. Wood or composite boards, and guards and stairs built to code.
- A permit and inspections. Most attached decks need a building permit, which brings inspections along the way.
Which wood is used?
| Decking | Good for | Things to know |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated pine | Budget-friendly decks, framing on almost every deck | Needs regular cleaning and stain; checks and grays in strong sun |
| Cedar | A natural look, lighter boards | Softer; still needs a finish to keep its color |
| Composite / PVC | Low upkeep | Higher cost; see composite decks |
Decks on sloped lots
Many homes on Rapid City's west side and in the hills toward Black Hawk and Piedmont sit on slopes, so a deck off the main floor can end up well above grade on the low side. Tall decks need careful post bracing, larger footings and well-built stairs, and a walkout deck may leave room for a patio underneath. Ask the builder how they'll handle the height and where the stairs will land.
Planning questions to think about
- How many people will use the deck, and will there be a grill, hot tub or table?
- Which way does it face? West-facing decks get hard afternoon sun.
- Will you want a roof or pergola later? Footings and framing can be sized for it now.
- Where should stairs come down, and do you need a gate for kids or dogs?
What affects the price?
- Size, height and shape of the deck
- Decking and railing material
- Number of footings, stairs and levels
- Removal of an old deck, permits and site access
The builder prices the job after seeing the site, measuring, and talking through materials and layout with you. We don't quote prices, and a number given over the phone is only a rough starting point.
Where we connect you with help
Common questions
How deep do deck footings need to be in Rapid City?
Local code summaries list a 42-inch frost depth for Rapid City and Pennington County. Confirm the requirement for your address with the building department or your builder before you dig.
Can a hot tub go on a deck?
Sometimes, but a filled hot tub is very heavy. The deck has to be designed for that load, often with extra footings and framing. Tell the builder up front.
Related services
More background: Rapid City deck guide.
Soft boards, a wobbly railing or a deck you've been planning for years?
Call now and a local deck builder will help you sort out the next step.