Softwood Decks in Wisconsin | Excel Custom Decks

Softwood Decking

Wisconsin homeowners choosing softwood decks get the warm look of natural wood with built-in resistance to rot and insects, without the cost of exotic hardwoods. Excel Custom Decks is a family-owned residential decking contractor serving Wisconsin from offices in Franksville, Madison, and Appleton/Oshkosh. With 25+ years in business and 5,000+ projects completed, the company sits on the NARI board, holds BBB A+ accreditation, and belongs to NADRA, the Metropolitan Builders Association, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB®), the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI®), and the Wisconsin Builders Association. Every softwood deck carries a lifetime labor warranty and material warranties up to manufacturer maximums. Work starts with a free consultation covering species selection, design, soft wood decking layout, and permitting.

What Softwood Decks Offer Wisconsin Homeowners

Softwood decks built from cedar or redwood land in a sweet spot of cost, beauty, and natural durability that fits Wisconsin homes well.

Natural Resistance Without Chemical Treatment

Cedar and redwood produce natural oils and tannins that resist rot, decay, and insects without pressure treatment. Homeowners who want real wood without treated lumber chemistry choose softwood decking for that reason.

Warm Color and Fine Grain

Cedar runs from honey-amber to reddish-brown with tight straight grain. Redwood lands deeper, in red-brown and cinnamon tones. Both species weather to silver gray if left unfinished or hold their color with regular sealing. Softwood decking boards take stain beautifully, which gives homeowners control over the final look.

Lighter and Easier to Work With Than Hardwood

Softwood decks are lighter and more workable than exotic hardwoods, which means fewer structural surprises on raised installations and shorter build timelines. The same property makes softwoods easier to refinish over the deck’s life.

Softwood Decks in Wisconsin: Permits, Climate, and Material Decisions

Building softwood decks in Wisconsin runs through the same permit and climate factors as any residential deck, with species-specific decisions layered on top.

Permit Authority

Softwood deck permits get issued through the local building department. Wisconsin municipalities require permit-ready drawings with dimensions, framing details, and footing specifications at submission. Excel Custom Decks prepares the drawings and submits the permit directly.

HOA Communities

Wisconsin HOA communities sometimes restrict deck materials, stain colors, or board profiles. Excel Custom Decks confirms HOA standards before finalizing softwood decking boards and finish choices.

Climate Factors

Wisconsin sits in USDA Hardiness Zones 3b through 5b with deep frost penetration and long freeze-thaw cycles. Softwood decks installed with proper drainage, correct fasteners, and frost-depth footings perform well for 20 to 30 years. Soft wood decking does need annual cleaning and sealing or staining every two to three years to hold its color and resist moisture penetration through Wisconsin winters.

What a Softwood Deck Build Includes

Excel Custom Decks handles softwood decks from design through construction. Each piece of the build is spelled out in writing before any contract is signed.

Softwood Deck Installation

Installation covers full construction from footing to finish, including foundation, framing, softwood decking boards, railing, and skirting where specified. Every softwood deck is built to Wisconsin building code and permitted through the local municipality.

Design Consultation and 3D Models

Design consultation walks through layout, elevation, species selection, board orientation, railing style, and skirting options. 3D deck models give the homeowner a visual of the finished softwood deck before permit submission so species and color choices get reviewed early.

Foundation and Framing

Foundations get set below the Wisconsin frost line using helical piers or traditional concrete footings depending on soil and load conditions. Framing for softwood decks uses ProWood pressure-treated lumber rated for ground contact because cedar and redwood are not typically rated for structural framing. Fortress steel framing is available where load, span, or longevity targets call for it.

Cedar and Redwood Softwood Decking

Available softwood species include western red cedar and redwood. Cedar offers tight grain, dimensional stability, and lower cost than redwood. Redwood brings deeper color and slightly higher rot resistance, with availability and pricing tied to West Coast supply. Softwood decking boards come in standard 5/4 and 2-by profiles depending on span and load.

Deck Styles Built with Softwood Decking

Soft wood decking works across platform, raised, multi-level, freestanding, rooftop, pool, curved, cantilevered, screened, and covered configurations, with privacy screens where wanted.

Deck Skirting

Skirting options include lattice, solid wood panels, horizontal or vertical boards, stone or brick, faux stone panels, vinyl, and composite. Selection depends on deck height, drainage needs, and the home's exterior.

Underdeck Options

Underdeck additions include drainage systems, ceilings, waterproofing, lighting, enclosed storage, ventilation, insulation, and railings. These additions convert the space below a raised softwood deck into a usable second outdoor area.

Permit Acquisition

Excel Custom Decks prepares permit-ready drawings and submits them directly to the homeowner's Wisconsin municipality. Permit timelines factor into the project schedule before construction starts.

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Why Hire a Specialist for Softwood Decks

Softwood decks reward careful installation and punish shortcuts faster than most homeowners realize. The same softness that makes cedar and redwood easy to work with also makes them sensitive to fastener choice, board spacing, and drainage details.

Stainless or Coated Fasteners Only

The tannins in cedar and redwood react with standard steel fasteners and produce black stains that bleed through stain and sealer. Soft wood decking needs stainless or polymer-coated fasteners rated for tannin-rich woods. Wrong fasteners stain the board surface within months.

Board Spacing for Wisconsin Humidity

Softwood decking boards expand and contract with seasonal humidity. A specialist sets gap spacing to account for Wisconsin's wet springs and dry winters so boards don't cup, crown, or pinch over time.

End-Grain Sealing

Cedar and redwood absorb water through cut ends faster than through the board face. Every cut end on softwood decking boards needs to be sealed before installation to prevent moisture wicking and end-grain checking.

Finishing Schedule From Day One

Softwood decks need a finish applied within the first year and reapplied every two to three years to hold color and resist UV graying. A specialist sets that schedule with the homeowner up front, so the finish protects the wood before weathering sets in.

Permit and Inspection Failures

Unpermitted decks complicate resale and may force demolition or expensive retrofit. Wisconsin municipalities inspect framing and final construction, and work that doesn't pass requires correction before the project closes.

Manufacturers We Work With

Why Choose Excel Custom Decks for Softwood Decks in Wisconsin

Excel Custom Decks brings specific credentials and decades of Wisconsin experience to every softwood deck build.

On the Board at NARI

Member of NADRA

Lifetime Labor Warranty

Up to 50-Year Material Warranty

25+ Years in Business

Member of Wisconsin Builders Association

BBB Accredited Business with A+ Rating

Member of Metropolitan Builders Association

5,000+ Projects Completed

Family-Owned Business

Member of National Association of Home Builders (NAHB®)

Member of National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI®)

Serving Franksville, Madison, and Appleton/Oshkosh

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Our Softwood Deck Process in Wisconsin

Excel Custom Decks moves softwood deck projects from design to permitted construction through a structured sequence that keeps the build on schedule.

Step 1 — Site Audit and Consultation

Excel Custom Decks visits the property to assess layout, elevation, and site conditions. Measurements come together with a review of drainage, access, and soil while discussing how the homeowner plans to use the softwood deck.

Step 2 — Planning, Design, and Materials

Excel Custom Decks develops the deck layout, walks through cedar and redwood samples, and prepares structural plans built around Wisconsin frost depth and snow load. 3D deck models and permit-ready drawings come together for homeowner review.

Step 3 — Budget, Proposal, and Contract

Excel Custom Decks delivers a detailed proposal covering species, materials, timeline, and pricing. Once the homeowner approves, the contract is finalized and documentation gets prepared for HOA submission and municipal permitting.

Related Services in Wisconsin

Deck Railing Installation

Wooden, composite, glass, vinyl, aluminum, steel, cable, and wrought iron railings paired with softwood decks

Deck Lighting Installation

In-Lite, Trex, TimberTech, and Deckorators lighting integrated into softwood decking projects

Pergolas

Wood, composite, PVC, fiberglass, and metal pergolas to extend a softwood deck’s usable shade

Residential Decking

Full residential deck construction across all material categories

Outdoor Living

Firepits, outdoor kitchens, bars, hot tubs, swim spas, and privacy screens for a full backyard build

Hear Directly From Our Satisfied Customers

5 stars! Excel Custom Decks has remodeled my previously damaged deck and it has been vibrant and unfazed for over five years now, and I was impressed with their attention to detail. They truly go above and beyond! My deck continues to stay beautiful year after year.

Sarah Contino

Small Business Owner

We had our deck built on our new home through Excel and they have done such an incredible job communicating and doing immaculate work on it itself. They did everything as efficiently and quickly as possible. We are very happy! Thank you again to the Excel team!

Austin Further

CEO & Founder

Outstanding Custom Builders, They just finished our Pool House, they clearly understood our wants/needs and stayed within our budget. Quality work, Great communication. Unlike many builders that tell you what you want to hear, Excel was always honest and made us feel at ease.

Scott Kinowski

Entrepreneur/Influencer

Ordered the service of major repairs of the kitchen. After submitting the application, we were quickly contacted and clarified all questions. The experts arrived the next day, estimated the amount of work and the price, and then started working. We did everything as efficiently and quickly as possible. We are very happy!

John Contino

Home Owner

Robert McDonald

President, Excel Custom Decks

Frequently Asked Question

How Long Do Softwood Decks Last in Wisconsin?

A softwood deck built with cedar or redwood, correct fasteners, and frost-depth footings typically lasts 20 to 30 years in Wisconsin’s climate. Annual cleaning and sealing or staining every two to three years extend that range. Decks left unfinished weather to silver gray faster and lose service life sooner than decks kept on a finishing schedule.

Cedar or Redwood: Which Softwood Decking Is Better for Wisconsin?

Cedar is the more common choice in Wisconsin because of price and regional supply. Western red cedar holds up well through freeze-thaw cycles and takes stain evenly. Redwood offers slightly higher natural rot resistance and deeper color but costs more and ships from the West Coast. Excel Custom Decks walks through both options with samples during design consultation.

How Often Do Softwood Decking Boards Need to Be Sealed?

Softwood decking boards need an initial sealer or stain within the first year after installation, then reapplication every two to three years depending on sun exposure, traffic, and the finish used. Decks under heavy sun or in open exposure may need attention closer to the two-year mark, while shaded decks can stretch to three.

Schedule a Free Softwood Deck Consultation in Wisconsin

No obligation. Speak directly with a residential decking specialist at Excel Custom Decks. Whether the project starts from scratch or replaces an existing structure, the consultation covers cedar and redwood options, design, framing, and permit requirements specific to the property.

Call – (608) 712-8935
Or submit a request through our contact form for your free quote today.

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