Deck Builders in Green Bay, WI

Why Choose 3rd Gen Deck Builders in Green Bay, WI

Composite Deck Design & Installation Service Process

We could go on and on about our entire deck installation process, but wouldn’t that defeat the purpose of hiring professional deck builders? We want to take things off of your plate, not add to them. Let’s talk about the fun part of our experience where we do need you to partner with us…

Consultation and Design Planning

The first step is to request a free estimate with one of our Green Bay deck experts. While the goal is just as it sounds (to provide a free quote for your project), this is very much a consultation process for us.

We’ll start by looking at the build site. If you have a current deck, we can inspect it and discuss your options; however, you should know that most of the time (especially when switching from wood decking to composite), we’re going to recommend a complete rebuild. This allows us to ensure your deck is up to current code / we’re building legally, but also that your deck is safe. The last thing we want to do is have you invest in something that won’t last.

As we look at the space, we’ll start doing a little design planning. Here are a few factors we take into consideration when thinking through your deck size and layout:

• LIFESTYLE: How do you plan to use the deck? Will you have specific furniture or grilling / smoking equipment we need to account for spatially?
• CURRENT SPACE: Where are the deck entry and exit points? How can we lay it out in a way that is efficient and flows to make it more usable?
• OBSTACLES: Is anything in the way? This could be landscaping, windows we need to start or stop the deck railing around, or even utility boxes around the space. We need to know our limitations so we can get creative.
• BUDGET: If we know your budget, we can better help you build as close to your dream deck as possible within it. For example, if composite decking is important to you, but size is flexible, we may suggest a shape or size that requires only one row of footings to save you money.

Once we settle on your custom layout, we can start to talk a bit more about materials. Again, there are multiple factors here to look at:

• DECK LOCATION: Is it in direct sun or shaded? Is it a pool deck that will need to stand up to above average moisture exposure?
• LIFESTYLE: Do you have little ones that might crawl on the boards? How about pets that will be digging in their claws to chase after the squirrels that taunt them through the windows? Or maybe you have a Traeger, Big Green Egg, Weber, and Blackstone Griddle we need to create space for (yes, we’ve seen this and no judgments – maybe just a little envy)…
• BUDGET: The biggest cost difference between each tier of composite or each tier of PVC decking is aesthetic. We’ll go through colors and grain patterns to find one that complements your house, but also your wallet.

All of the options can be really overwhelming. But, we’ve got an arsenal of decking knowledge and go into each and every estimate with the intent of finding the right solution for you. Before we leave, we’ll quickly recap everything we’ve discussed and make our final recommendation.

By the time you receive your custom estimate (typically within just a couple of days) you’ll feel confident enough in what we’ve covered to make a decision. Though, to be clear, we’re always happy to chat / help further.

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

Once you officially become a client, we’ll get started with scheduling and finalizing materials. Many of our clients find it helpful to see full samples next to their home before signing off, so we often schedule a time to stop by with those.

Once we’re done with the designing planning phase, we’ll begin our prep process for your project. And before our Green Bay deck building crews officially start, we’ll touch base once more to go over small details to help your project run smoothly.

Our average project takes about 1-2 weeks to complete (depending on the weather). So once our deck building crews show up for demo, all you’ll need to worry about is picking out what furniture to get for your new space!

Wood vs Composite Decks

Composite vs Wood Deck Cost

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

• 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

• 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.

Advantages of Composite Decks for Low Maintenance and Longevity

On top of all the benefits we already mentioned, one of the biggest reasons clients love their PVC and composite decks is because they don’t have to waste any more beautiful summer days staining or painting their outdoor living spaces! (Because even though we all naively hope our re-stain will last a couple of seasons, we know that after a rough winter, there will be peeling.)

With a low maintenance composite deck, you can have it summer ready with a quick hose down to wash away dirt and debris. So much easier and honestly, way more desirable from a buyer’s perspective too if you ever plan on selling.

Here’s the thing, though… a lot of potential clients assume that composite decks are going to be considerably more expensive than wood decks. First of all, budget is something we will absolutely discuss with you to make the best recommendations. But, it’s also important to know that unless you plan to sell your house within a year of building your deck, it almost always makes more sense to build with composite.

When you consider the cost of maintenance (stain, paint, and labor to keep up with it each year), composite decks actually cost a homeowner less money by year ten. The materials we use come with a 25-50 year warranty, which is proof of their longevity. Pair that with the high quality work done by our 3rd Gen deck builders and you’ve got a dream deck that we can design, build, and you can simply enjoy.