Published price ranges
These are published estimates from cost guides, not quotes. They are not our prices; this referral site does not set prices. Fox Valley proposals can come in above or below these ranges depending on the site and scope.
| Item | Published range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| New deck, overall (national) | Average $8,323; most homeowners pay $4,339–$12,652; about $30–$60 per square foot | Angi 2026 |
| Pressure-treated wood deck (Wisconsin) | $25–$45 per square foot installed | Wisconsin Homeowners Guide 2026 |
| Mid-grade composite deck (Wisconsin) | $45–$65 per square foot installed | Wisconsin Homeowners Guide 2026 |
| Premium composite deck (Wisconsin) | $60–$90 per square foot installed | Wisconsin Homeowners Guide 2026 |
| Aluminum or PVC decking (Wisconsin) | $55–$85 per square foot installed | Wisconsin Homeowners Guide 2026 |
| Composite deck, installed (national) | $25–$54 per square foot | Angi 2026 |
| Stairs | $600–$1,800 depending on run and style | Wisconsin Homeowners Guide 2026 |
| Pergola or overhead structure | Adds $3,000–$8,000 | Wisconsin Homeowners Guide 2026 |
| Deck permit | $230–$500 in most areas (national) | Angi 2026 |
| Deck repair | $800–$3,500 (national) | Angi 2026 |
| Staining / sealing an existing deck | Staining $550–$1,250; sealing $550–$1,330 (national) | Angi 2026 |
Sources: Angi, “How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck? [2026 Data]” (updated Sep 24, 2026) · Wisconsin Homeowners Guide, “New Deck Cost in Wisconsin: 2026 Price Guide” (July 7, 2026).
Examples by deck size
| Deck size | Angi 2026 (national, by size) | Wisconsin Homeowners Guide 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 10×12 (120 sq ft) | $3,600–$7,200 | — |
| 12×12 (144 sq ft) | $5,760–$8,640 | — |
| 12×16 (192 sq ft) | $5,400–$10,800 | Treated wood $4,800–$8,600; mid composite $8,600–$12,500; premium composite $11,500–$17,000 |
| 16×20 (320 sq ft) | $12,800–$19,200 | — |
| 20×20 (400 sq ft) | $16,000–$24,000 | — |
Angi’s size figures are national averages; the Wisconsin guide prices a 12×16 deck by material. Stairs, railings, height and add-ons are extra.
What moves the price in Wisconsin
- Size and material. Price is mostly square footage times the material tier (Angi; Wisconsin Homeowners Guide).
- Height. Angi notes second-story decks cost considerably more than ground-level ones because the work is more complex.
- Footings below frost. Wisconsin’s deck appendix requires footings below frost penetration or at least 48 inches below grade.
- Stairs, railings and levels. Multi-level decks and stairs add framing, and the state appendix flags some concentrated loads for engineering review.
- Roofs and heavy loads. Adding a roof, hot tub or heavy features changes the structure; the state appendix’s standard design is not approved for concentrated loads over 40 psf.
- Tear-out and site. Removing an old deck, sloped yards and tight access add labor (Angi).
- Permits. Fees and inspections vary by municipality.
Sources: Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code — SPS 325 Appendix B · City of Green Bay — Do I Need a Permit? · City of Appleton — Permits and Applications. Checked November 8, 2026. Confirm current requirements with your building inspector.
How to compare proposals
- Ask for an itemized written proposal: size, board product and color, framing lumber, footing count and depth, railings, stairs and tear-out.
- Confirm who applies for the permit and schedules inspections.
- Get warranty terms in writing for both labor and the board manufacturer.
- Check insurance and recent references yourself.
Value at resale
Zonda’s 2025 Cost vs. Value Report (national averages): wood deck addition $18,263, 94.9% recouped; composite deck addition $25,096, 88.5% recouped. Source: Zonda, “2025 Cost vs. Value Report” (Sep 18, 2025).
Deck cost FAQ
Are these quotes?
No. They are published estimates from cost guides, not quotes and not our prices. This site does not set or quote construction prices. Ask the contractor for an itemized written proposal after they see the site.
Why is composite more expensive than wood?
The boards cost more. The Wisconsin Homeowners Guide lists treated wood at $25–$45 per square foot installed versus $45–$65 for mid-grade composite. Composite needs less upkeep; wood typically needs cleaning and periodic sealing or staining.
Do I need a permit, and does it add cost?
Usually yes for an attached deck. Green Bay lists decks as permit-required (non-structural decking-board replacement is listed separately as not requiring one), and Appleton includes decks in its building permit. Angi puts typical permit fees at $230–$500 nationally; check your municipality for its actual fee.
Does a deck add value?
Zonda’s 2025 Cost vs. Value Report puts the national average wood deck addition at $18,263 with 94.9% of the cost recouped at sale, and a composite deck addition at $25,096 with 88.5% recouped. Local results vary.
Is there a cheaper time to build?
Angi suggests building in fall or winter, when demand drops, may get a better price. In Wisconsin, footings must reach below frost, so ask contractors how they schedule footing work in cold weather.
Why do Wisconsin decks need deep footings?
Wisconsin’s prescriptive deck appendix requires footings to bear below frost penetration or at least 48 inches below finished grade. Deeper footings mean more digging and concrete than in warmer states.