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 underneath appeared serviceable at first glance, and the homeowners’ primary goal was simple: replace the failing deck boards and address concerns about potential leaking into the supposed-to-be dry space below.
From the beginning, we were clear about one thing: With a 20-year-old sleeper system sitting on a rubber roof, there was a real possibility deeper structural issues would surface once demo began.
We discussed that upfront. We outlined what a resurface would look like, what a rebuild would look like, and even broke pricing into phases — deck and staircase separately — so if rebuilding became necessary, it wouldn’t feel like a surprise or a financial shock.
Once demo started, the reality confirmed those early conversations.
When a “Resurface” Turns Into a Full Rebuild
The existing wood decking had reached the end of its life. Boards were installed with no space for expansion, which led to cracking, rot, and heavy debris buildup. The deck sat on sleepers over a rubber roof system, and while the underside initially looked intact, removing the surface revealed active leaks and significant rot in the finished wood ceiling below.
The staircase to the lake had similar problems. Several landings had no proper footings — just framing buried directly into the hillside. Over time, that kind of installation shifts, rots, and becomes unsafe. The final run down to the lake was long and steep with no landing to break it up.
For a lake property that sees constant traffic — coolers, tubes, kids, guests — that’s not a small issue.
Because we had prepared for this possibility from day one, the shift to a full rebuild wasn’t dramatic. It was simply the right decision based on what we uncovered.
What the Homeowners Had to Say
“Aaron and his team were fantastic to work with. From a PM perspective, Aaron was upfront and worked with us on any changes that needed to be made throughout the project. The team did awesome work and we are thrilled with our new deck and stairs to the lake. Great experience!”
Transparent communication matters — especially when a project evolves. We believe homeowners should understand their options before demo starts, not after.
Rather than layering new materials over aging structure, we rebuilt properly:
- New framing
- Properly installed footings on the staircase
- A safer stair layout with additional landings
- A long-term drainage solution instead of another short-term fix
Doing it once and doing it correctly made more sense than revisiting the same problems five years from now.
TimberTech Landmark Collection: Boardwalk & Castle Gate
With the structure addressed, it was time for material selection to shine.
This deck is south-facing and fully exposed near the water. That combination is tough on traditional wood. It fades faster, holds moisture longer, and requires constant maintenance — not something you want to spend your days at the lake dealing with.
Because we discuss budget early in our process, we already knew PVC decking was realistic for them. For a lake home with this level of sun exposure and use, it’s often the smartest long-term investment.
They selected TimberTech’s Landmark Collection in Boardwalk with Castle Gate accents (like shown below).
Both colors share the same crosscut grain pattern, giving them a weathered wood look without leaning overly warm or cool. Boardwalk pairs well with their gray siding, while Castle Gate adds subtle contrast and visual interest without competing with the home.
The crosscut texture also serves practical purposes:
- It helps disguise minor scratches and dings.
- It hides fastener plugs more effectively because the grain runs in multiple directions.
- It provides better traction when coming up from the lake with wet feet.
We picture-framed the deck in Castle Gate, added accent boards at necessary break points to create a finished layout, and carried the accent color into fascia and post wraps.
The finished footprint — roughly 15×30 with two 4×11 wings — now feels like a true outdoor living space instead of a narrow transition platform. Which brings us to one of the biggest improvements…
Widening the Space So It’s Actually Usable
The previous “catwalks” connecting doors were built to minimum code width (about 30 inches). Technically compliant. Practically frustrating.
Those narrow walkways made the space feel like a hallway rather than an extension of the home. They were one of the initial frustrations the homeowner mentioned to us.
By rebuilding, we were able to widen those areas so stepping outside no longer feels like squeezing through a corridor. It’s subtle on paper, but in daily use, it changes everything.
Deck Cable Railing for Unobstructed Lake Views
When you’re building on the lake, railing choice is more than aesthetic — it affects the entire experience.
Visibility was a priority on the main deck. Horizontal deck cable railing is one of the cleanest ways to preserve your view without introducing the maintenance issues that come with glass panels (which look dirty very quickly).
It’s worth noting: cable railing systems can cost significantly more than standard aluminum railing — sometimes up to twice as much depending on configuration. (Read more about this in our Maintenance Free Decking Guide.) Because of that, we’re intentional about where it actually adds value.
On the main deck, the unobstructed view made it worth the investment. On the staircase, however, visibility wasn’t as critical. The view is experienced from the deck, not mid-stair. To balance budget and function, we used a high-quality aluminum railing system that coordinates visually with the cable posts.
Same durability. Same safety. Clean aesthetic. Lower cost where the upgrade wouldn’t meaningfully change the experience. That kind of decision-making keeps projects aligned with both priorities and budget.
Rebuilding the Staircase to the Lake (Correctly)
The staircase rebuild was just as important as the deck itself.
There are roughly five flights of stairs, each adjusted to follow the terrain naturally. Instead of burying framing directly into the hillside again, we installed proper footings to prevent long-term shifting.
We also added a landing to break up what used to be one long, steep run.
That matters for two reasons:
- Safety — Landings limit fall distance.
- Practical use — When you’re carrying coolers, chairs, or lake gear, having a place to pause is critical.
A gate at the top of the staircase adds protection for kids and pets while maintaining easy access for the homeowners.
It’s a system designed for how lake homes are actually used.
Video Walkthrough of the Deck and Stairs
If it’s helpful to see the layout as if you were actually there, here’s a quick walkthrough of the finished deck and stair run to the lake.
Under Deck Drainage System: Replacing the Rubber Roof with RainEscape
Originally, this deck relied on a rubber roof membrane beneath a floating sleeper system. As demo revealed, that system was failing.
Instead of reinstalling another surface-level waterproof layer, we installed an under deck drainage system (Trex RainEscape) integrated into the framing. At a high level, the system channels water away to a gutter and downspout before it reaches the area below, protecting the structure and keeping the lower-level space dry.
Because this deck sits over a walkout lower level that the homeowners actively use — both for relaxing and for storing lake gear — maintaining a dry, usable space underneath was important.
If the underside of a raised deck isn’t accessible or usable due to slope or clearance, waterproofing may not make financial sense. But in cases like this, it effectively doubles usable square footage.
To finish the space properly, we installed a tongue-and-groove ceiling with a Castle Gate trim detail in the break (mimicking the design choice on the top of the deck), along with an updated fan / lighting.
What Lake Homeowners Often Underestimate
Building on or near water requires more — or at least different — thought than a typical neighborhood deck.
A few things we see overlooked:
- Choosing wood instead of PVC in high-moisture, high-sun environments
- Improper board spacing that accelerates cracking and rot
- Skipping proper stair footings on slopes
- Underestimating setback regulations near lakes (which can be costly to fix)
- Treating a lake deck like a low-traffic patio
Add to that the fact that the further north you go, the less code seems to be enforced and you can find some real safety issues. Lake house decks are often the most used space of the entire property. In our opinion, they need to be built accordingly.
Final Thoughts
What started as a frustrating, high-maintenance space is now:
- Structurally sound
- Safer
- More functional
- Built for long-term lake use
- And significantly easier to maintain
If you’re investing in a lake property in Wisconsin, details matter.
Build it once. Build it correctly. And make sure the decisions behind it are intentional — not just convenient.
If you’re considering a lake house deck upgrade, request a free estimate and we’ll walk through options the same way we did here — clearly, transparently, and with long-term performance in mind.
