Deck Builders Appleton WI

Top-Rated Decking Contractor Serving the Fox Valley

Let’s Build Your Dream Deck

Whether you have a specific vision for a screen porch or are just starting to explore options for your custom composite deck, we’re happy to help!

The 3rd Gen Decks Difference

Of course we’re passionate about building beautiful, long lasting decks, sunrooms, and screen porches. (If we weren’t, we’d be in the wrong business.) But we also know that regardless of how well we build your deck, it’s nothing without an incredible experience to match. Home improvement contractors have gotten a bad rap over the years, but we do a few things differently to make sure we’re not one of them…

Respect is our top priority. That starts with excellent communication. Getting back to you quickly and being clear about expectations goes a long way. Whether it’s giving you a heads up on when we’ll start your deck build or keeping you in the loop if we run into hiccups, you’ll never be left in the dark. It’s your home and we want to respect that space.

We’ll also respect your vision. While we’re happy to educate you on our favorite maintenance free decking materials or give an opinion when you ask, we’re here to serve you. Which leads us to our last, but most important value. Our deck building crews are committed to always doing the right thing — regardless of whether or not it’s convenient. We treat our clients the way we’d want to be treated. It’s that simple.

Give us a call today at (920)-944-8454 to schedule your free deck or screen porch estimate!

Green Bay Decking Reviews

Custom Deck Build Client

Fitchburg Deck Building Testimonial

“We are very pleased with the quality and pricing of our new deck. Brian and Cassidy did a superior job with the installation. And Matt was super helpful in coordinating the project. This is a reliable company with great customer service.” – Lyn K.

Deck Building Review from Our Appleton, WI Google Profile

Composite Deck Review Madison WI

“They did a fabulous job taking down an old wood deck and replacing it from the ground up with a brand new deck that will last for decades. The new composite decking looks wonderful as well as the steel, aluminum and vinyl railing that was installed to match our French colonial house.” – Phil D.

Composite Deck Client Feedback

Madison Deck Rebuild Monona, WI

“Really liked working with the guys at 3rd Gen Deck Builders. They were the only ones in the area who returned our call and quickly came out and looked at our project. The quality of the work was great. They cleaned up after themselves and left us with a great new deck.” – Steve M.

Composite Deck Design & Installation Service Process

STEP 1: Send Us Details About Your Deck Build

Do you live in the Appleton? Send us a quick message breaking down what you’re hoping for in your deck building project. Whether you know exactly what you’re looking for or are still deciding between a wood or composite deck, we’re happy to help! Aaron will get back to you quickly.

Too excited to type? We get ya. Feel free to call 3rd Gen’s deck team now!

STEP 2: Schedule Your Free Quote

As I mentioned, Aaron, our local deck expert, will find a time that works for both of you to go over your project details. If you have an existing deck, he’ll inspect it thoroughly to determine the best recommendations for you. If you’re building new for the first time, he’ll walk you through all the options and possibilities.

Our main goal is to help you feel informed so we can design your custom deck with confidence. We’ll walk you through our favorite long-lasting composite decking materials, potential deck layout options that honor local codes, and give you a ballpark on pricing! Your budget is important to us, so each of these factors can be tweaked to build a deck that works for you.

Finally, we’ll answer any remaining questions you may have before we take off to write up your official bid with all the details!

STEP 3: Finalize Your Deck Design & Material Choice

Before we can officially start building, we’ll meet once more to finalize material selection, color schemes, and any additions to your deck. We’ll also cover what you can expect as we work on your deck build as well as potential project scheduling dates.

On the back end, we’ll make sure we’re set to go with everything required to make your project go smoothly. This includes ordering your decking materials, pulling permits, arranging for dumpsters (if demolishing old decks), and getting underground utilities marked before we dig!

One quick note… unlike some of our competitors, we don’t dig huge holes for footings. Instead, we use Diamond Piers, which are actually less likely to heave during our cold Wisconsin winters. Diamond Piers are installed by drilling long rods through the main base. Because we don’t have to pour concrete footings, your project can get done quicker, with less disruption to your yard, and even during the dead of winter!

STEP 4: We’ll Build You the Best Deck in Appleton

Okay… at least that’s the way we hope you’ll feel when we’re done! Once the deck build process begins, we’ll start with those Diamond Piers we just mentioned. Then, we will install the beams, posts, and joists to build a deck frame that not only meets code, but will last you for years to come.

Once that’s completed and we pass our inspection, we’ll secure the decking boards. If you opted for AZEK or TimberTech composite decking, we’ll also go back through and add plugs to our hidden fasters, giving your deck a smooth, finished look.

Last but not least, we’ll add railings and any of the bells and whistles you may have chosen (lattice, pergolas, stair or rail lighting).
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Remember how we commit to always doing the right thing? That includes picking up after ourselves. The only thing we’ll leave in your backyard is your new deck… and if that happens to be dirty from our boots, we’ll give that a quick wash too! Your only concern will be figuring out how you want to arrange your new chairs.

Every job ends with a final walk-through with you to make sure you’re completely happy with your new deck before we leave!

PVC & Composite Deck Builder

We feel very strongly about using the best material for our clients. After years of experience working with various options, we’ve landed on one brand we trust to bring the perfect blend of aesthetics, longevity, and a warranty to back it up…
AZEK / TimberTech is our top recommended brand for maintenance free decking. Want to take a peek at the various products we offer and a few more reasons for why we love them? Our deck-obsessed team members helped put together an entire guide just for you.

That said, they have so much more to say about the products than what fits on one page, so if you’re not one for research, they’ll be happy to chat through it all in person during your free estimate. And don’t worry… if you’re set on a different decking brand, just let us know. We’re here to build the perfect deck for you, so we can build with that too.

Wood vs Composite Decks

As you can probably tell by just the few pictures you’ve seen so far, we’re pretty passionate about building PVC or composite decks. Keep scrolling if you’re already convinced and we’ll tell you which brand is our favorite. But, if you’re still wondering whether wood or composite decking is right for you, let’s do a little comparison. (Pssst… we can build either – we just want you to understand your investment.)

Composite vs Wood Deck Cost

A wood deck will absolutely be cheaper… in the short term! Even though the labor cost will be about the same, the material cost is lower if you’re using standard lumber rather than PVC or composite. That said, over time, wood decks actually end up being more expensive from a time and maintenance perspective. You’ll spend just about every other summer staining or resealing it just to keep it from rotting or looking like a mess.

Within ten years of installation, composite actually ends up being less expensive overall. If you don’t plan to be in your home for at least ten more years, it’s also worth noting that composite decks may be more desirable from a buyer’s perspective, so either way, composite usually makes more sense.

Wood Decking Pros & Cons

PROS:

  • Cheaper upfront because wood is less expensive.
  • Can change the color scheme on your deck as often as you’d like using stain or paint.
  • Looks the most like real wood because it is…
CONS:

  • Requires regular maintenance in the form of staining or painting, which gets expensive over time.
  • Boards rot, weather, and warp more easily over time, which may require replacement.

Composite Decking Pros & Cons

PROS:

  • Cheaper in the long run because it doesn’t require annual staining or maintenance.
  • Resists rotting, warping, and scratching.
  • Because it’s manufactured, it has a uniform aesthetic.
CONS:

  • Aerosol sprays can stain the boards, so don’t apply sunscreen or bug spray on your deck.
  • Could be tough to match later if you needed to replace a damaged board.
Obviously within wood decking materials, there are a variety of options for durability and weather resistance. But all in all, composite decking makes much more sense for the majority of our customers.

3rd Gen's Recent Deck Builds

Want to see what’s possible? Or just make sure we actually know what we’re doing? No judgment. We’re really proud of the work our deck building crews do and would love for you to see it.

Everyone at 3rd Gen was fantastic to work with. They met with me multiple times to plan out my project and offer suggestions on how to maximize my value per dollar spent. The finished product was wonderful. I’d recommend 3rd Gen to anyone who wants their project done with high quality and professionalism.

Kris R.

They helped us design our deck, making several recommendations that we hadn’t considered, showing their experience and professionalism. Once work began, they were detailed and perfectionist, readily answering questions and making adjustments as they went. The team lead was very detail oriented and overall, the 3rd Gen crew did an outstanding job. 

Kelsey B.

Trusted Deck Builders in Appleton WI

Searching for a local deck builder in Appleton that you can rely on to bring your dream deck to life?

We’ve been building a five-star reputation for the past seven years in Madison and are excited to do the same here in the Fox Valley. We run our business with integrity & talent, which we feel is what makes us one of the best deck building contractors in the area!

deck builder in madison wi

Our Appleton decking experts know exactly how to build long-lasting composite decks and screen porches while delivering an incredible experience. From helping you choose the right products for your project to the final walkthrough, our deck crews are excellent communicators.

We always want you to know what to expect next, when we’ll be around, or if we encounter an issue. You’ll be kept in the loop with quick response times because as the owner of the property, we feel that’s what you deserve.

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Without our clients and our team members, we don’t have a business. Making you happy is our top priority. While we may take the time to educate you on why we do things a certain way or use a specific type of product, the final call is up to you!

Bottom line… if you’re looking for a decking contractor that actually cares about their clients (and their craft), we’re ready to chat!

3rd Gen Deck Builders Madison WI logo

3rd Gen Deck Builders

787 Harvard Dr.
Neenah, WI 54956

(920) 944-8454

Monday: 8AM-6PM
Tuesday: 8AM-6PM
Wednesday: 8AM-6PM
Thursday: 8AM-6PM
Friday: 8AM-6PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Email Us

We’re Fully Licensed & Insured Decking Contractors

We carry a $2,000,000 liability insurance policy and full worker’s comp, so in the very unlikely event anything were to happen, you’re completely protected!

Our Services Include:
  • Wood Deck Builds
  • Composite Deck Builds
  • Deck Resurfacing & Refinishing
  • Custom Deck Builds
  • Deck Design Services
  • Screen Porches & Sunrooms
We Serve All of the Fox Valley Including:
  • Appleton
  • Green Bay
  • Neenah
  • Menasha
  • Kaukauna
  • Oshkosh
  • Little Chute
  • De Pere
  • Winneconne

Your Local Appleton Deck Builders

We aren’t some big, national company franchised here in Wisconsin… We operate strictly out of Madison and the Fox Valley area. While our owner lives just North of Madison with his wife, his right hand man, Alex, grew up in Neenah and our local deck expert, Aaron, grew up in Appleton.

We believe in working with good people and serving them well in communities we care about. We know the Fox Cities are full of wonderful people with great values and we’re excited to serve you.

Madison, Wisconsin Deck Building Company

One last note… Some of the cities we serve include Madison, Green Bay, Menasha, Kaukauna, Little Chute, Oshkosh, and Neenah. Next time you head to Google to search “deck builders Appleton WI,” we hope you consider calling 3rd Gen Deck Builders Appleton WI!

Ready to Build Your New Deck?

Take a minute to give us a bit more info on what you’re looking for. Our deck building team will get back to you within one business day to schedule your free estimate!