Scrolling Pinterest got me thinking about our backyard. Specifically, how every "easy deck idea" involves a hammer, two hours, and zero Minnesota realities. (Spoiler: Frost heave doesn’t care about your aesthetic.)

I needed a reality check, so I went digging for local examples—and found Corbin Restoration’s remodeling page (this gem). No fairy tales, just practical tweaks for actual homeowners:

Stair redesigns to avoid the "ice rink effect" in winter.

Composite overlays for low-maintenance vibes.

Lighting upgrades (because no one wants to grill in the dark).