work with Lakeside

For most homeowners in Minnesota, composite or PVC decking is the best overall choice due to its durability, low maintenance, and ability to handle harsh weather.

Minnesota decks are exposed to snow, ice, moisture, and freeze-thaw cycles, which can be tough on traditional materials.

Why composite and PVC perform best:
• Moisture resistance: Helps prevent rot, cracking, and warping during seasonal changes.
• Durability in extreme weather: Handles temperature swings without breaking down like wood.
• Low maintenance: No regular staining or sealing required.

What about wood?
Wood can still be a good option for a natural look and lower upfront cost, but it requires ongoing maintenance and is more prone to weather-related wear.

Bottom line:
Composite and PVC offer the best combination of longevity, low maintenance, and performance in Minnesota.

We only build with industry-leading low-maintenance materials because they consistently deliver the best long-term results for our clients.

For homeowners looking for long-term durability, non-wood framing options like steel, aluminum, and composite framing are some of the best choices for Minnesota decks. These materials are designed to handle moisture, snow, and freeze-thaw cycles without the movement and deterioration that can come with traditional wood framing.

Steel framing: One of the most durable options available. It won’t warp, rot, crack, or shrink, and it stays extremely straight over time—making it ideal for high-end decks where long-term stability matters.

Aluminum framing: Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, and highly stable. It performs well in wet environments and is a great option for projects where moisture resistance and precision are priorities.

Composite framing: Offers a middle ground, with improved resistance to moisture and decay compared to wood, while still being easier to work with than metal systems.

Why these perform well in Minnesota:
• No rot or organic breakdown
• Minimal expansion and contraction
• Better long-term stability through seasonal changes

Bottom line:
While wood framing is still common, steel, aluminum, and composite framing offer superior long-term performance—especially for homeowners investing in a deck built to last decades in Minnesota’s climate.

We use these systems regularly on high-end builds where long-term stability and finish quality matter. 

A louvered pergola offers significantly more flexibility and functionality than a traditional pergola, making it a more versatile outdoor structure.

Full control over sun and shade
Adjustable louvers allow you to go from full sun to full shade in seconds, instead of being locked into a fixed amount of coverage.

Rain protection
When closed, louvered systems can block rain and channel water away, allowing the space to stay usable in wet conditions—something traditional pergolas can’t provide.

Longer seasonal use
With the ability to control sunlight, airflow, and weather exposure, louvered pergolas make the space usable across more months of the year.

Better integration with upgrades
Louvered systems are designed to work with features like:
• Lighting
• Heaters
• Screens

This allows the space to function more like an outdoor room.

Modern design and performance
They offer a clean, architectural look with materials built for long-term durability and low maintenance.

Bottom line:
While traditional pergolas provide basic shade, louvered pergolas offer full control, weather protection, and greater usability, making them a more functional long-term investment.

We typically recommend them for homeowners who want their outdoor space to adapt to how they actually use it throughout the day and across seasons.

Yes—we offer financing through Upgrade to help make your project more manageable.

We partner with Upgrade to provide a select range of competitive financing options, including:
• Monthly payment plans
• Plans with deferred interest for the promotional period
• Fixed rates and predictable payments
• Flexible terms based on your project and approval

When financing makes sense
• Spreading out the cost instead of paying everything upfront
• Moving forward with your project sooner
• Keeping flexibility in your budget for larger or more detailed builds

What to expect
• Simple application process
• Quick decisions in most cases
• Clear terms before you commit

Financing allows you to move forward with the design and materials you actually want—without needing to scale things back.

Bottom line:
Yes—we offer financing through Upgrade with a few strong, competitive options.

We make the process straightforward and transparent so you can focus on the project—not the payment logistics.