New deck building in Appleton
A deck sized for how you'll use it, set on footings deep enough for a Wisconsin winter.
Building a new deck in Appleton means planning for a 48-inch footing depth, months of snow and a wet spring thaw. Fox Cities homeowners who want a new attached or freestanding deck can get connected with a local builder who designs it, pulls the permit and builds it to Wisconsin's dwelling code.
The parts that matter most
- Footings below frost. Wisconsin's Uniform Dwelling Code, SPS 321.16, requires footings below the frost penetration level or at least 48 inches below adjacent grade, whichever is deeper, and never on frozen soil.
- A structural support system. SPS 321.15 says attached decks, and detached decks that serve an exit, must sit on a structural system with footings sized for the soil.
- The ledger. Where the deck attaches to the house, the ledger must be bolted into the house framing and flashed. Siding, brick veneer and a chimney aren't places to hang a deck.
- Joists, beams and hardware. Sized for the span and at least a 40 psf live load, with galvanized or stainless connectors suited to treated lumber.
- Inspections. Most Fox Cities building departments inspect the footing holes before concrete and again at final.
Signs it's time for a new deck
- A patio door that opens onto a drop or a crumbling concrete step
- An old deck that needs more repair than it's worth
- A yard you'd use more with a level space for a grill and table
- Plans for a hot tub, which needs a deck designed for it from the start
Designing for a Fox Valley lot
Many Appleton lots are flat or gently sloped, so a low deck a step or two off the back door is common. Low decks still need below-frost footings if they're attached, and air underneath matters more the closer the joists are to the ground. On lots near the Fox River or a creek, check floodplain maps before you design. In newer subdivisions in Grand Chute, Greenville and Kaukauna, check HOA covenants and utility easements along the back lot line.
Choosing a layout
- Off the kitchen. Keeps the grill close and the path short in winter.
- Two levels. A dining level near the door and a lower lounge level toward the yard.
- Wraparound. Catches morning and evening sun on corner lots.
- Room for a roof later. Ask for footings and beams sized for a future cover or screen room.
What sets the price?
- Square footage, height and number of levels
- How many 48-inch-plus footings the layout needs
- Decking and railing choices
- Stairs, landings and lighting
- Removing an old deck or patio
The builder prices the deck after visiting and measuring. We don't quote prices, and any number before a site visit is only a rough guess.
Fox Cities communities we cover
Common questions
How deep do deck footings go in Appleton?
Wisconsin's dwelling code requires footings below the frost penetration level or at least 48 inches below adjacent grade, whichever is deeper.
Does a freestanding deck need deep footings?
Under SPS 321.15, detached decks that serve an exit still need a structural support system. Ask your building department how it applies to a freestanding deck that doesn't serve a door.
Can I put a hot tub on a new deck?
Only if the deck is designed for that much weight. The standard deck tables assume a 40 psf live load, so a hot tub needs its own design.
Related services
Footings, permits and Wisconsin code: Appleton deck guide.
Want a new deck, or worried about the one out back?
Call and we'll put you in touch with a deck builder who works in the Fox Cities.