Originally published in October 2022; Updated in September 2025
Summer’s over, winter’s on its way, and you still haven’t gotten your deck built like you thought you would…is there still time?
The short answer is, yes! You can still have your deck built this fall.
It may seem counterintuitive to have a deck built in late fall, because you won’t get much use out of it right after it’s built. However, the fall season can actually be a great time for a deck build (yes, even in chilly Minnesota!).
Read on to learn why this is true, as well as a few things to consider for your fall deck project.
5 Benefits of Having a Deck Built in Fall
1. Potential Cost Savings
Because fall is a slower season for deck contractors, you can often negotiate a lower rate for your deck build. The amount and details of a price reduction will vary from contractor to contractor, but most offer some kind of discount if you schedule your build in the off-season.
2. More Contractor Availability
Since fewer people are having decks built during the late fall, contractors will have more availability than they do in the summer. This means you’ll have more flexibility when scheduling your build.
It also means your contractor may be able to give you more focused attention, as they have fewer projects on their docket. While a good deck contractor will always work to give you excellent service — no matter the season — it can be difficult to juggle the demands of the busier months. The slow season offers more space to focus on customer service.
3. Less Stress on Your Landscaping
As the ground thaws in the spring, it’s full of moisture, making it less stable. This leaves your landscaping more susceptible to damage during your deck build. The drier, more solid ground of late fall will help protect your yard from damage as your deck is being built.
Plus, if you have your project completed before it’s time to start gardening in the spring, you won’t have to worry as much about protecting your garden beds during construction.
4. No Need To Move or Reschedule Your Outdoor Activities
When you have your new deck built in the cooler months of fall, you won’t need to plan as many outdoor activities around the construction schedule because you’re not using your outdoor spaces as much anyway.
Once that late-fall chill sets in for good, we all spend less and less time outside — that means it’s the perfect time for a deck build!
5. Start Enjoying Your Deck as Soon as the Snow Melts!
When you build during the summer, you have less time to enjoy your deck once it’s finished. Plus, during the build, you’ll have less outdoor space to enjoy, with building materials, tools, and equipment taking up part of your yard.
Having your deck built during the cooler months (when you’re spending more time inside anyway) means you’ll have the entire spring and summer season to enjoy your outdoor space and your new deck!
Considerations for a Fall Deck Build
There are some considerations for a late fall deck project that you don’t have to think about during the warmer months. Building a deck during this time is still possible — these are just a few items you may need to factor into your build.
Footings
If your deck is built in late fall before the ground freezes, footings aren’t a concern. But if your build is scheduled for after the freeze, they could be a complicating factor.
Since footings need to be dug into the ground, they’ll need to be completed before the ground freezes. If you schedule a late fall deck project, your contractor may want to dig the footings and pour concrete as soon as possible, then finish the build at the scheduled time.
Impact of Cold Weather on Decking Materials
Depending on the materials you choose to build your deck (composite, wood, etc), you may need to make special accommodations during colder weather.
For example, if you choose composite decking, you may need to allow time for the boards to acclimatize before they’re placed, and their placement may need to be adjusted based on the temperature. However, when you work with a qualified builder, they’ll handle those details so you won’t have to worry about it.
Bonus: Composite decking is engineered to resist mold, moisture, warping, and cracking — making it ideal for cool-weather installation and long-term performance.
Weather Delays
Generally speaking, the fall season tends to be much drier than summer. But if we get snow or sleet in late fall (as we often do), weather can become an issue. Rain, sleet, snow, and high winds can all delay your deck build, so you’ll need to keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan accordingly.
Winter-Ready Deck Features
Don’t just have your deck built in late fall…plan for all-year use! While you likely won’t be sunbathing in December, there are features you can add to extend the use of your deck into the cooler months.
When designing your new deck, consider adding a built-in fire pit, exterior fireplace, or heater for warmth; integrated lighting for dark fall evenings; a covered pergola or louvered roof for weather protection; and built-in storage for some of your summer furnishings and decor. Adding some or all of these features will bring warmth, functionality, and ambiance to your deck, even during the “off-season.”
If you’re looking to have a deck built in late fall this year, it’s not too late to get started. Contact the team at Outdoor Solutions to schedule your deck project today!
P.S. Not Quite Ready for a Fall Deck Build? Do Some Winter Planning To Get Spring-Ready!
If you’re not quite prepared in time to get your deck built this fall, don’t fret: Winter is the perfect time to dream, plan, and get on our calendar for spring. Contact our team to start planning your deck and schedule your spring build.