Madison deck cost at a glance
Published estimates, not quotes. This referral site does not set or quote prices. Dane County bids can come in higher or lower once a builder sees the lot.
Wisconsin installed prices (Wisconsin Homeowners Guide 2026):
| Material or item | Installed price |
|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood | between $25 and $45 per square foot |
| Mid-grade composite | between $45 and $65 per square foot |
| Premium composite | between $60 and $90 per square foot |
| Aluminum or PVC boards | between $55 and $85 per square foot |
| Stairs | between $600 and $1,800 |
| Pergola or overhead | adds between $3,000 and $8,000 |
| 12×16 deck by material | treated $4,800 to $8,600 · mid composite $8,600 to $12,500 · premium composite $11,500 to $17,000 |
National figures (Angi 2026):
| Item | Published figure |
|---|---|
| Average new deck | $8,323 (most pay between $4,339 and $12,652), or about $30 to $60 per square foot |
| Composite, installed | between $25 and $54 per square foot |
| Repairs | between $800 and $3,500 |
| Staining or sealing | staining $550 to $1,250 · sealing $550 to $1,330 |
| Sizes | 10×12 $3,600 to $7,200 · 12×12 $5,760 to $8,640 · 12×16 $5,400 to $10,800 · 16×20 $12,800 to $19,200 · 20×20 $16,000 to $24,000 |
| Permit fees | between $230 and $500 |
Sources: Wisconsin Homeowners Guide, “New Deck Cost in Wisconsin: 2026 Price Guide” (July 7, 2026) · Angi, “How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck? [2026 Data]” (updated Sep 24, 2026).
Local permit fees
| Municipality | Deck permit fee |
|---|---|
| City of Madison | $75 for most decks under 250 sq ft; staff set the exact fee after approving plans |
| City of Verona | $300 per unit plus $25 plan review (2026 schedule) |
Sources: City of Madison Development Services Center, Decks · City of Verona Building Inspection, 2026 Fee Schedule. Checked November 9, 2026. Confirm current requirements with your building inspector.
Cost drivers on a Madison-area deck
- Height. At three feet or more, Madison adds setbacks and a site plan; Angi says raised decks cost much more to build.
- Footings. 48 inches minimum in Madison, inspected before they are poured.
- Material tier. Treated wood, mid composite and premium composite are three separate price bands.
- Guards and stairs. Guards on decks over 2 feet; handrails on stairs past three risers.
- Roofs and heavy loads. Over 40 psf concentrated load needs engineering under the state appendix.
- Tear-out and access. Removing an old deck and tight yards add labor, per Angi.
Sources: City of Madison Development Services Center, Decks · Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code, SPS 325 Appendix B. Checked November 9, 2026. Confirm current requirements with your building inspector.
Comparing two bids
- Same size, same height, same board line? If not, the prices are not comparable.
- Footing count, depth and who books the hole inspection.
- Guard and stair details spelled out.
- Labor and manufacturer warranties in writing.
- Insurance and references you check yourself.
Resale value
Zonda’s 2025 Cost vs. Value Report, national averages: wood deck addition $18,263, 94.9% recouped; composite $25,096, 88.5% recouped. Source: Zonda, “2025 Cost vs. Value Report” (Sep 18, 2025).
Madison deck cost questions
Is this a price quote?
No. These are published figures from Angi and the Wisconsin Homeowners Guide plus fees from city pages. A builder prices your deck after seeing the yard.
What does a Madison deck permit cost?
The city says the fee for most decks under 250 square feet is $75, with the exact amount set once plans are approved. Verona lists $300 plus $25 plan review.
Is composite worth the extra cost?
It costs more at the start: $45 to $65 per square foot for mid-grade in Wisconsin, against $25 to $45 for treated wood. Wood needs more upkeep over time. Zonda’s 2025 national report shows wood decks recouping 94.9% at sale and composite 88.5%.
Do frost footings raise the price?
Yes. Madison requires footings at least 48 inches deep, and the city inspects the holes before footings go in, so digging and scheduling are part of the job.
Can I save by replacing only the boards?
Possibly. In Madison, boards can be replaced without a permit if the cost is under $500. That assumes the frame underneath is sound.
When do builders have openings?
Angi says fall and winter often bring lower demand and better pricing. Ask how the builder digs footings in cold months.