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 cookie-cutter and because of that, the costs to build them aren’t either. We’ve built decks ranging from $10,000-$150,000, so any ballpark we give you without knowing your situation could be wildly inaccurate.
But the good news is, if you know what actually impacts the cost of a deck, you can make smarter decisions, prioritize the things that matter to you, and typically do a pretty good job of staying within budget.
Deck Cost Factors
Because our team has built nearly 1,000 maintenance-free, custom decks across the Madison and Appleton/Green Bay areas, we’ve seen firsthand how prices can swing based on just a few decisions. So let’s walk through some of the biggest factors that can impact the final cost to build your deck.
1. Deck Size and Layout (Even 2 Feet Can Make a Difference)
The most obvious factor in deck pricing is size, but it’s not always as simple as straight square footage.
A deck that stretches just two extra feet away from the house might trigger the need for an additional row of support posts and footings. We use Diamond Pier footings, which don’t require excavation, heave less, and eliminate the delays that come with poured concrete. They’re more expensive as a material, but that’s often balanced out by the time we save in labor, inspections, and weather delays. Still, more footings = more cost, so we’ll often recommend strategic sizing to keep things efficient without losing usable space.
Also, the more complex your layout (think wraparound shapes, multiple levels, or oversized staircases) the more labor is required to build it right.
2. Materials Impact Upfront Costs, But Balance Out Over Time
We primarily build with low-maintenance composite and PVC decking, especially TimberTech, which holds up well in Wisconsin’s freeze-thaw cycle, snow, and UV exposure. While upfront cost varies by product line and color, the long-term savings on maintenance, staining, and repairs are worth it for most clients.
In your estimate, we’ll talk through:
- PVC vs. composite decking options
- Railing types (aluminum, composite, cable, etc.)
- Fascia boards, post wrapping, and other finish details
There are multiple factors that can help us decide which material upgrades are worth it for you such as how much direct sunlight your deck gets (PVC stays cooler), what your budget is overall, and whether or not you have pets. Balancing how you’ll use your deck with your budget is our superpower.
3. Site Conditions and Prep Work
Every yard has a few surprises and some affect cost more than others.
If we’re tearing out an old deck, dealing with buried concrete, dramatic elevation change, water frontage, or large amounts of underground rock during footing installation, that can all increase labor time and complexity. We pride ourselves in providing the most accurate quote up front, so unlike other contractors, we almost never charge for extra time to address rocks specifically. That said, even with Diamond Piers, a rocky subgrade can be time-consuming, so it’s not uncommon for contractors to charge more if they run into it unexpectedly.
Another factor? Deck height. A second-story deck adds a little complexity to the build process. Our team has to lift heavy beams on ladders, which often requires extra hands. It also requires longer posts and more stairs, which can quickly add cost. But it’s not just more material; it’s a more involved build from start to finish.
We’ll assess all of this during your site visit so we can avoid as many surprises as possible down the road (and we’ll talk honestly about what it means for your budget).
4. Add-Ons and Features
This is where a lot of clients get excited, which is completely fair. When you’re designing a new outdoor space, it’s natural to want all the extras. Just like house hunting, though, it helps to figure out what you can’t live without vs. what you’re just tagging on because it sounds nice.
Here are a few of the most common features that can increase overall cost:
- Stairs (especially if they’re wide, plentiful, or complicated)
- Skirting (clean PVC lattice or vertical/board-style options)
- Privacy walls or pergolas
- Lighting
- Under-deck storage or waterproofing
- Post wrapping for a finished look
- Gates
We’re not here to push add-ons you won’t use. We’ll help you sort through what actually fits your lifestyle and what you can skip to keep costs in check.
Common Deck Pricing FAQs
The price of your deck depends on size, materials, site conditions (like buried rock or second-story access), features (like stairs or skirting), and layout complexity. Even small changes can affect the number of footings needed, which impacts labor and materials. Getting a free estimate from a reputable contractor is a great first step.
Yes, stairs are one of the quickest ways to increase cost. Longer runs, multiple landings, and additional railing all add to both materials and labor.
Absolutely. It holds up better than wood in harsh weather and requires far less maintenance over time, making it a smart long-term investment. We all know what happens to deck stain after a winter of rough shoveling.
Not all deck contractors use the same materials, building methods, or footings. Some cut corners with cheaper products or skip code compliance. We build to last, using high-quality materials and structural methods that hold up in Wisconsin’s climate, which may cost more upfront but saves you stress and repairs down the road.
Custom Deck Pricing: We Help You Prioritize What’s Important to You
So, how much does it cost to build a deck in Wisconsin? As you can see, there’s not just one, flat price we can give you. It’s a huge part of why we offer free estimates. We understand that a lot of homeowners have no idea what their unique deck will cost and it’s not uncommon for our estimate to be a starting point in their planning process.
Our team doesn’t believe in one-size-fits-all decks, and we definitely don’t believe in overspending. One of the biggest benefits of working with us? We take a consultative approach from day one.
We’ll walk your space, ask questions about how you actually use it, and then help you weigh what’s worth the investment and what’s not. Sometimes it’s trimming a few feet to avoid an extra row of footings. Sometimes it’s upgrading materials because you’ll use the space daily and want something that lasts. Whatever the case, we’ll help you make smart calls, not just expensive ones.
Ready for a custom quote that reflects your priorities? Request your free estimate here!
