Tag Archive for: Barefoot Construction

Building a Low-Maintenance Deck: Material Options and Installation Tips
An outdoor deck is the ultimate backdrop for Minnesota summers—from backyard barbecues in July to crisp autumn evenings. However, traditional wood decks require relentless upkeep, including annual staining, sealing, and sanding. If you would…

Can I Build an Accessory Dwelling Unit on My Property?
Adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)—often called a granny flat, backyard cottage, or guest suite—is one of the smartest ways to maximize your property’s potential. Whether you want to keep aging parents close, provide private space…

Lighting Up the Lake: Strategic Deck Lighting Ideas for Minnesota Summer Nights
There is nothing quite like summer in Minnesota, especially when you live on the water. When the sun dips below the horizon, lake life doesn't stop—it just transitions to the deck. Whether you are unwinding after an afternoon of boating, listening…

Building Luxury Covered Decks in Blaine and Rogers: Overcoming Small Backyard Setbacks
In the rapidly growing Twin Cities suburbs of Blaine and Rogers, Minnesota, newer residential developments offer incredible benefits—beautiful open-concept floor plans, modern energy efficiencies, and wonderful, family-oriented neighborhoods.…

Is Your Old Wood Deck Safe? 5 Hidden Structural Warnings to Check This June
June has arrived in Minnesota, bringing the peak of outdoor graduation parties, Father’s Day barbecues, and warm summer nights. Before you load up your outdoor space with heavy patio furniture, grills, and groups of friends, there is a critical…

Splinter-Free Summers: The Best Barefoot-Friendly Decking Materials for Kids and Pets
Summertime in Minnesota is precious. When the warm weather finally arrives, life moves outdoors. Your backyard deck becomes the center of everything: morning coffees, weekend barbecues, kids playing tag, and dogs napping in the sun.
But if…

Choosing the Right Composite Color: 2026 Palette Guide
In 2026, Minnesota outdoor design has moved away from stark, high-contrast colors and toward "Grounded Living"—a palette that emphasizes warmth, organic textures, and seamless transitions from the kitchen to the backyard.
At Barefoot Construction,…

Can You Build Your Deck This Year and Add the Screened Porch Next Year?
Many homeowners in Minnesota dream of a full-scale screened porch to escape the summer mosquitoes, but the budget doesn't always align with the vision all at once. A common question we get at Barefoot Construction is: "Can we build the deck…

Small Backyard, Big Vision: Smart Deck Designs for Compact Lots in Blaine and Rogers
In the growing communities of Blaine and Rogers, Minnesota, newer developments often come with a common challenge: limited backyard square footage. But at Barefoot Construction, we believe a small footprint shouldn’t limit your outdoor lifestyle.
With…

How long does a composite deck installation actually take?
For many Minnesota homeowners, a deck isn’t just an outdoor space—it’s a sanctuary for the fleeting, beautiful summer months. If you’re considering an upgrade to a high-performance composite deck, the most common question is: “When…


