Building a custom deck is more than picking a material and setting a start date. At 24×7 Deck Builders, every project begins with a conversation and ends with a final walkthrough, with a clear, step-by-step process in between. We handle design, permitting, and construction so you always know what comes next and why.
The Key Stages of Your Custom Deck Design Project
Our process is built around one goal: delivering the exact outdoor space you have in mind, without the stress. Here are the stages and what to expect:
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Vision
We start with a conversation, by phone, email, or through our website form. Within 24 hours, we follow up to gather basic project details and schedule an in-home consultation. At that visit, we come to your property, listen to your vision, and talk through how you plan to use the space, whether that is hosting dinners, relaxing on weekends, or creating a multi-level outdoor kitchen setup. We ask the right questions so the design that follows actually fits your life.
Step 2: Site Evaluation and Assessment
During the in-home consultation, we measure your space and evaluate site conditions that affect where and how your deck is built. We look at the ground slope, where the deck will connect to your home, how sunlight moves across the yard throughout the day, and any trees, grade changes, or structures that could affect the layout. This on-site assessment drives every decision in the design phase, from the footprint size to stair placement to how we frame the structure.
Step 3: Detailed Estimate and Project Commitment
Once we have a clear picture of the project, we put together a detailed estimate that covers materials, labor, and a realistic timeline. We walk you through every line so there are no surprises. When you are ready to move forward, we sign the contract and officially begin the design phase. We do not rush this step, because getting the scope and expectations right from the start makes everything easier for both sides.
Step 4: Custom 3D Design and Material Selection
This is where your project starts to take real shape. We develop a complimentary 3D rendering of your deck so you can see exactly what the finished space will look like before a single board is cut. We set aside up to 8 hours for design creation and welcome your feedback throughout the process. Once the design is approved, we schedule a consultation to walk through color and material options, providing samples and guidance to help you make confident choices. We work with Deckorators and TimberTech/AZEK, offering the full range of wood and composite options to match your aesthetic and budget. Custom features such as built-in benches, planter boxes, pergolas, lighting, and railing systems are incorporated into the design at this stage.
Step 5: Permitting and HOA Coordination
We handle the full permitting process on your behalf. This includes preparing the construction drawings needed to meet Dane County building codes, covering footing depth, joist spacing, ledger connections, and setback requirements. Permit fees are passed through to the homeowner, and we keep you informed at each step. If your neighborhood has an HOA, we share the design plans with you directly so you can submit them for approval with confidence. We do not move past this stage until everything has been properly reviewed and cleared.
Step 6: Build and Ongoing Communication
With permits in hand and materials ordered, we set a start date and walk you through the construction timeline before work begins. Throughout the build, we stay in close contact and remain flexible if adjustments are needed along the way. Our crews work with the same attention to detail in the field as we bring to the design phase, because quality craftsmanship is the foundation of everything we do. We use superior framing techniques and materials, including dry space and waterproofing systems for covered structures, to ensure your deck performs as well as it looks.
Step 7: Final Inspection and Customer Approval
When construction wraps, we conduct a final walkthrough with you to inspect every detail of the completed project. We check for any needed touch-ups, confirm the work meets your expectations, and ensure you are completely satisfied before we consider the job done. Our commitment to the project does not end when the tools are put away. As a Deckorators Elite Contractor, we back every build with a 25-year labor warranty, so you can invest in your outdoor space with confidence.
What We Think About When Planning Your Deck
A well-designed deck does more than look good on paper. These are the practical decisions that shape how your finished space functions and feels.
Layout and Proportions
We size your deck to work with standard decking lengths, which avoids awkward, narrow pieces at the edges and reduces unnecessary waste. The layout also accounts for how you will move through the space, from the door to the seating area to the stairs, so the flow feels natural from day one.
Aesthetics and Home Integration
Your deck should look like it belongs to your house, not like it was added as an afterthought. We consider your home’s architecture, exterior colors, and existing sightlines, including ensuring that railings are positioned so they do not block views from interior windows, as the design takes shape.
Custom Features and Functionality
We build custom features directly into the design rather than treating them as add-ons. Built-in benches, planter boxes, pergola structures, multi-level layouts, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and in-lite deck lighting are all options we incorporate based on how you actually plan to use your outdoor space.
Safety and Code Compliance
For elevated decks in particular, stair layout, railing height, lighting placement, and structural support are not just aesthetic choices; they are safety requirements. We build to meet or exceed all applicable Dane County and municipal regulations, and our construction drawings reflect those standards before we ever pull a permit.
Wood and Composite Decking Options
Choosing the right material is one of the most important decisions in the design process. We offer both wood and composite options and help you weigh the trade-offs honestly based on your priorities.
Wood Decking
Natural wood delivers warmth, character, and a classic look that many homeowners prefer. The right species makes a significant difference in how the deck performs over time and how much maintenance it requires.
- Cedar: naturally rot-resistant, lighter in weight, and a strong value for the Midwest climate
- IPE Hardwood: one of the densest and most durable wood species available, with a rich, deep grain
- Both options require periodic sealing or staining to maintain appearance and longevity
Composite Decking
Composite decking is built for low maintenance and long-term performance. We are a TimberTech Gold Partner and Deckorators Elite Contractor, which means we work with two of the top composite brands in the industry and back every installation with manufacturer warranties plus our own 25-year labor guarantee.
- TimberTech/AZEK: premium composite with industry-leading fade and stain resistance
- Deckorators: wide range of styles and textures, including options designed for high-traffic areas
- No annual staining required; holds up well through Wisconsin winters
Railing and Accessories
Railing and lighting choices shape how your deck looks and functions after the sun goes down. We offer railing as a standalone service and incorporate lighting into the design phase so it is wired and positioned correctly from the start.
- Railing systems available to complement any decking material and style
- in-lite low-voltage deck lighting integrated into stairs, posts, and deck boards
- Dry space and waterproofing systems for covered and under-deck areas
Why Homeowners in Dane County Choose 24×7 Deck Builders
- 25-year labor warranty backed by our Deckorators Elite Contractor status
- Complimentary 3D design so you can see the finished project before construction begins
- TimberTech Gold Partner with access to premium composite decking lines
- NADRA member and BBB accredited with a track record built on referrals and reviews
- 7+ years of experience specializing exclusively in custom decks and outdoor living
- Full-service process from first call through final walkthrough, including permitting
Get a Free Estimate
Contact 24×7 Deck Builders today to get a free estimate for your outdoor living project. We serve Fitchburg, Madison, Middleton, Verona, and the surrounding Dane County area.