Deck Building Resources
How Big Should My Deck Be?
If you’re wondering, “How big should my deck be?”— your head is in the right place, but you’re asking the wrong question. Square footage alone doesn’t make a deck feel functional or comfortable. In Wisconsin, a well-laid-out 14’x14’ deck often works better than a...
Wisconsin Lake House Deck Transformation (with Photos)
Lake house decks get used differently... More foot traffic. More moisture. More sun. More gear getting hauled up and down the stairs. They need to function accordingly. This Green Lake project (handled by our Appleton team) started as a resurface. The framing...
What Is Composite Decking?
Composite decking is a low-maintenance decking material designed to last for decades without the regular staining, painting, or sealing that pressure-treated wood requires. If you’ve been researching decking, you’ve probably seen composite, PVC, and maintenance-free...
Can You Build a Deck During the Winter?
If you’ve ever wondered, “Can you build a deck during the winter in Wisconsin?” the short answer is yes. The more accurate answer is: it’s often the ideal time. Hear us out... Most homeowners assume deck construction shuts down once the temperatures drop. And with...
Seasonal Deck Maintenance Tips for Wisconsin Homeowners
Even if you have a maintenance-free deck, “maintenance-free” doesn’t mean “never lift a finger again.” Wisconsin weather throws a lot at your outdoor space (snow, ice, mud, pollen, humidity), so giving your deck a little seasonal attention helps it look great and last...
Customer Deck Stories: From Design Decisions to Finished Spaces
The best way to know what it’s like working with 3rd Gen Deck Builders? Hear it straight from our clients. Over the years, we’ve rebuilt unsafe decks, replaced outdated materials, added screen porches and 3-season rooms, and redesigned spaces so families can actually...
Step-By-Step Deck Building Process: From Design to Completion
If you’ve ever tried Googling “deck building process,” you’ve probably found plenty of vague, generic advice that’s about as useful as a screen door on a submarine. This is different. We’re pulling back the curtain on exactly how we take a deck from idea to finished...
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck in WI? 4 Factors That Swing the Price
If you’re Googling “how much does it cost to build a deck" and looking for one set number or a specific range, we want to warn you... You're not going to find that here. We're not trying to dodge you or hide our pricing. It's just that custom decks aren’t...
How to Choose the Right Deck Builder in Madison, WI
Hiring someone to build your deck isn’t a small thing. You’re trusting a stranger to permanently attach something to your house (and hopefully not mess it up). The problem? Every contractor says they’re great at communication and craftsmanship. But if you’ve been...
The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Deck Builder vs. DIY
(Alternatively Titled: Why You Shouldn’t Spend Your Summer Swearing at a Tape Measure) Thinking about building your own deck? Respect. But before you commit to a summer of sore knees, permit headaches, and YouTube rabbit holes, here’s what you should know about the...


