Madison Deck Builder's - Guide to Planning your Deck
April 4, 2019

April 4, 2019

Wooden deck with stairs, Madison Deck Builders guide cover. Text on black rectangle, logo in corner.

Some would argue that more thought and planning will go into designing an outdoor deck than a kitchen or bathroom remodel. There are a lot of options available to you and you will need to take some time to consider on the best options for YOU. First, you must establish your need for a deck and what its primary function will be, next, establish a budget, then, select your installer, and finally, decide on which material to use. Additionally, you may need to plan for further options regarding your deck. This will include but is not limited to, railings, built-in lighting, and landscaping. Establish your need and use – what is the reason that you want a deck? This is important because it will eventually guide you in choosing the best material and layout for your deck. Is it going to be used for a pool surround? If so, you may want the material used to be more slip-resistant and less sun-absorbent. Is it going to used for entertaining? In this case, you may want to build your deck larger to accommodate more people. Will it be used as a second dining area? There are material options available that have an indoor look to them. This would give your deck a comfortable feel and establish a great flow from indoor to outdoor. There are a lot of different options that will depend on your future use of your deck. Visualize yourself using the deck and express these uses during your estimate so the best design can be created for your future deck. Establish a budget – This is a tough one if you have never had an estimate for a deck before (or if it’s been many years). You don’t want to establish a budget just to find out that your budget isn’t going to come close to what you need to build an attractive, functional, and lasting deck for your home. You certainly will want to consider your personal finances. However, you may want to get an estimate or two in order to give yourself a good idea of what to expect and then narrow down your budget to a number you are comfortable with. This will help you when deciding how large to build your deck, what manufacturer to go with, or when you are thinking about additional options. To give you a general idea, according to the 2019 cost vs value report, the AVERAGE deck price in the Madison area is $13,109 for a wood deck and $19,221 for a composite (maintenance-free) deck. Understand that this price includes decks of all sizes and decks built with materials from many different manufacturers. For a large deck built with premium materials that include a long and inclusive warranty, you may be looking at a much higher cost. However, it is good to note the average price for an average deck in order to establish a general budget idea. Select your installer – You should receive estimates to establish costs, but more importantly, to establish WHO you trust to build your deck. You should judge your choice based upon their product knowledge – do they have a well-rounded knowledge of the materials used, installation method, and manufacturer/workmanship warranties? Their responsiveness - Do they respond to you in a timely manner and are they listening to your needs? And finally, their previous customer testimonies – look at reviews on Google, Facebook, or another platform. What do previous customers have to say? This is important because it will give you insight into the experiences of others who have used the professional. What potential problems are highlighted in the reviews? Is this issue important to you? The last thing you want is to have a deck built and need to fix or rebuild it later, on your own dime. Select your material – Do you prefer a deck with little to no maintenance or a classic wood look? It is possible for you to have both! There are so many manufacturers out there of maintenance-free decks and each one has several different options within options. Genuine wood decks are also a great option. This is where it is very important to express your desires to your installer. What features are most important to you within a product? Additional Options – Once you design the basics of your deck, you will need to decide on any other options that you might need. Obviously, you will likely want railings. Do you prefer cable railings, wood, PVC, or something else? Will you be adding any built-in lighting? If you plan to use your deck late at night, you may want to consider this. According to the 2019 cost vs. value report for the Madison area, wood and composite decks are a great investment for your property with 63% and 61% of the costs being recouped respectively upon the sale of your property. This is similar to the cost recouped for a bathroom or kitchen remodel (65% and 63% respectively). We hope this short guide will help point you in the right direction for building your brand-new deck and as always, reach out to us for your free estimate in Madison and surrounding areas.

< Older Post

 Newer Post >
Two-story house with gray siding, white trim, and a black railing deck.

Take Advantage of 2024 Prices on Your Dream Deck with Madison Deck Builders

January 6, 2025
As we move into the new year, now is the perfect time to plan your dream outdoor space. Madison Deck Builders, the premier deck building company in Madison and Dane County, is offering a limited-time opportunity to lock in 2024 prices on all decks booked through the end of January. Whether you’re envisioning a cozy space for family gatherings or a stylish deck to entertain guests, booking your project early will save you money and ensure your spot for the upcoming busy season.
Deck with brown composite boards, black railing, and hummingbird feeder, next to a blue house.

Creating the Perfect Deck for Entertaining In Dane County

June 13, 2024
Summer is the ideal time to transform your deck into the ultimate space for entertaining. At Madison Deck Builders , we understand the importance of creating a welcoming, functional, and stylish outdoor area that can host anything from intimate family gatherings to lively summer parties. Here are some ideas and inspiration to help you design the perfect deck for entertaining. 1. Incorporate Comfortable Seating Comfortable seating is essential for any entertaining space. Consider a mix of seating options, such as cushioned chairs, benches, and even hammocks. Built-in seating along the perimeter of your deck can maximize space and provide plenty of room for guests to relax. 2. Add a Dining Area A dedicated dining area is a must for outdoor gatherings. Opt for a large dining table that can accommodate your typical guest count. For a more casual vibe, consider high-top tables or a picnic table setup. Ensure there's enough space for everyone to dine comfortably. 3. Outdoor Kitchen and Grill Station An outdoor kitchen or grill station makes hosting barbecues a breeze. Equip your deck with a quality grill, a prep counter, and storage for cooking utensils and supplies. A built-in bar area can also be a fantastic addition for serving drinks and snacks. 4. Incorporate Shade and Weather Protection To keep your guests comfortable during sunny days, incorporate shade elements like pergolas, umbrellas, or retractable awnings. These additions can also provide some protection from unexpected summer showers, ensuring your party isn't interrupted. 5. Lighting for Ambiance Proper lighting extends the usability of your deck into the evening hours. String lights, lanterns, and solar-powered deck lights can create a warm and inviting ambiance. For added safety, make sure stairs and pathways are well-lit. 6. Entertainment Features Enhance your deck with features that keep guests entertained. A built-in sound system can provide background music, while a mounted outdoor TV is perfect for watching sports or movies. Consider a fire pit or a fireplace for cooler evenings. 7. Greenery and Décor Plants and decorative elements add a personal touch to your deck. Potted plants, hanging baskets, and vertical gardens can bring color and life to the space. Use outdoor rugs, cushions, and throw pillows to add texture and comfort. Creating the perfect deck for entertaining is all about balancing functionality with style. At Madison Deck Builders , we specialize in custom deck designs that cater to your unique needs and preferences. Contact us today to start planning your dream outdoor living space.
Easter basket ideas banner with colorful eggs and grass on a blue wooden background.

Easter Basket Ideas

March 3, 2020
Easter Sunday occurs this year on April 12th. If you are one of many families that celebrate by giving Easter Baskets to children, you may be working on them now. Smaller kids are easy, as they tend to get excited about any little snack or trinket that is offered to them. However, if you have an older child or teen that you give an Easter basket to, you may be struggling with ideas. Older children typically don’t have much use for stuffed animals, bubbles, or Play-Doh. So, what can you get them without going overboard? 1. Hat Basket – One popular idea is a hat basket. Find a baseball style hat that they would like (a favorite sports team, a funny saying, or something else they like), turn it upside-down and fill it with their favorite treats. The hat won’t hold a lot, so no need to get much. Just a couple favorite snacks, maybe a small gift card and call it good. Simple and useful. Some hats will work better than others so double check that you will be able to put what you need into it before purchasing. 2. Shower/Pamper Basket - If your teen or older child isn’t into baseball hats, try a bag of shower goodies. Use a make-up or shower bag as your “basket” and fill it with items they will use. Bath bombs, lotions, shower shoes, and nail files are a few ideas. 3. Starbucks Basket/Cup - Another fun idea for a teen who likes Starbucks is to get them a Starbucks thermos for their “basket” and fill it with a Starbucks gift card and perhaps a small traditional Easter treat. 4. Artist Basket – If you have an artsy teen or child you can make them an art basket. Use a crate lined with fabric or felt (to hold the supplies in it) and fill it with a few art items. Try blank canvases, paints, brushes, molding clay, felt, decorative cutting scissors, or whatever their art preferences are. 5. College basket – For a teen leaving for college you can create a basket with college essentials. For a few ideas you can use headphones/ear buds, a daily planner, USB flash drives, a reusable water bottle, and don’t forget a gift that displays the logo for the college of their choice (a keychain, hat, or coffee mug would work). 6. Fishing Basket – If you have a child who likes to fish, you can use a tackle box or fishing net for your basket and fill it with Easter treats and fishing gear. Swedish fish gummies, gummy worms, bug spray, sun block, lures, and other fishing gear are a few ideas to get you started. These are just a few ideas for a teen or older child. There are many other ideas to help you out. Pinterest is a good place to check if none of these seem to work for your child. You can always keep it simple and do a traditional basket with Easter treats and throw in a small gift card to their favorite store. Happy Easter!
Show More →