Plan the scope
Replacing the walking surface and replacing a whole deck are different scopes. Have the existing supports, connections and framing assessed before agreeing to reuse them. A different board product can require different joist spacing; do not assume the old structure suits the new finish.
- Condition of the existing frame
- Demolition and disposal scope
- Reusing footings only after assessment
Sources: Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code — SPS 325 Appendix B. Checked November 8, 2026. Confirm current requirements with your building inspector.
Built around Wisconsin conditions
Under Wisconsin’s prescriptive deck appendix, footings must bear on solid ground below frost penetration or at least 48 inches below finished grade, whichever is deeper. This is not a claim that every site has exactly 48 inches of frost. Soil, the house foundation and the proposed loads can require additional design.
Snow drift and sliding snow are explicitly identified as potential concentrated loads. Ask your contractor or designer to check the actual layout rather than treating a basic deck table as approval for a roof, hot tub or heavy planter.
Sources: Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code — SPS 325 Appendix B. Checked November 8, 2026. Confirm current requirements with your building inspector.