Blog

Learn From The Pros

Stay informed with expert advice, design inspiration, and practical tips to help you create the perfect outdoor space for your home.

best decking materials for Wisconsin: light brown low‑maintenance composite deck with black metal posts and horizontal cable railing, gas grill by white house siding and blue covered pool in a tree‑lined backyard

Best Decking Materials for Wisconsin’s Climate: Trex vs TimberTech/AZEK vs Deckorators vs Wood (2026 Guide)
Covered deck showcasing under deck drainage, wood-paneled ceiling and wall, gray composite flooring, white metal railing, exterior stairs and ceiling fan

Under Deck Drainage in Wisconsin: How to Create a Dry Space Below Your Deck
Two-level composite deck with black metal railing, screened porch, covered under-deck patio and stone fire pit with Adirondack chairs in autumn, illustrating deck repair vs replacement considerations.

Deck Repair vs. Replacement: When Is It Time for a New Deck?
outdoor living ideas in Madison: elevated backyard deck with white vertical railings, wood-toned fascia and covered patio below

Outdoor Living Ideas for Your Madison Backyard: Decks, Porches, and Pergolas
Covered screened deck with wood-plank ceiling, ceiling fan, outdoor wicker seating and railing overlooking a green lawn — screened porch cost example

Screened Porch Cost: Wisconsin 2026 Guide To Designs, Materials & Pricing
Pergolas in Wisconsin 2026: white louvered patio pergola over concrete backyard with dining set, lounge chairs and string lights in front of brick house

Pergolas in Wisconsin: Why They Are Booming in 2026
Deck Pricing in Madison, WI: elevated composite deck with black metal cable railing, Adirondack chairs and glass doors on a gray-sided home overlooking a yard

Deck Pricing in Madison, WI: What to Expect
Composite deck sealing on an elevated light-gray wood-look deck with black metal railing overlooking suburban backyards and a red autumn tree.

Composite Deck Sealing: Do You Need It and What Works Best
Brown composite decking colors on a lakeside deck with black metal cable railing overlooking a sandy beach.

Composite Decking Colors: How to Choose Best Shade for Outdoor Space
Photo of an elevated deck with patio below and composite deck stairs.

Everything You Need to Know About Composite Deck Stairs
Photo of a composite deck in a light gray color, with two woven wicker chairs and a small white side table looking out over a rural landscape with vineyards and hills. The deck features a white railing system with thin horizontal cables.

Composite Decking Cleaning the Right Way (Without Wrecking It)
Photo of a raised composite deck with deck railing by Deck Dogs, a deck builder in Madison, WI, that helps homeowners understand their composite decking lifespan.

How Long Does Composite Decking Last?
Composite Decking for Different Climates

Composite Decking for Different Climates: How It Holds Up in Extreme Conditions
How to Choose the Right Deck Size for Your Home and Budget

How to Choose the Right Deck Size for Your Home and Budget: A Homeowner’s Guide
deck safety features in madison wisconsin

Deck Safety: Essential Features Every Deck Should Have for Maximum Safety
Ultimate Guide to Deck Railing Regulations in the Greater Madison Area, Wisconsin

Ultimate Guide to Deck Railing Regulations in the Greater Madison Area, Wisconsin
Deck-Building Process - Expert deck contractors in madison wisconsin

What to Expect During the Deck-Building Process: A Step-by-Step Guide for Homeowners
Deck Building Regulations and Permits in the Greater Madison Area Wisconsin

Deck Building Regulations and Permits in the Greater Madison Area, Wisconsin
Front Porch Addition in Madison, Wisconsin

Top Benefits of a Front Porch Addition in Madison, Wisconsin
Composite Decking vs Wood Decks in the Madison Area

Composite vs. Wood Decks in the Madison Area: A 2025 Cost & Maintenance Guide
Deck inlays design contractors in madison wisconsin

Deck Inlays in Madison, WI: Add Custom Details for Your Deck
Deck Contractor near me in middleton wisconsin

What to Look for in a Middleton Deck Contractor
Photo of a custom deck with an octagon-shaped viewing area.

5 Reasons to Hire Custom Deck Builders Near Me like Deck Dogs
Photo of an elevated deck with cable railing and composite decking to support an article about deck remodeling and resurfacing.

Deck Remodeling and Resurfacing: What’s Right for Your Wisconsin Home?
Photo from an elevated deck looking out over the neighborhood on a deck built by Deck Dogs, deck builders in Madison, WI.

2026 Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Deck Builders in Madison, WI
Photo of an elevated deck with cable railing to support a story about how long does it take to build a deck.

How Long Does It Take to Build a Deck?
Photo of curved decking and curved railing

Curved Decking: Upgrade Your Outdoor Living with Flowing, Custom Designs
TimberTech vs Trex in Madison, WI

TimberTech vs Trex in Madison, WI: Choosing the Best Decking for Your Home

Don’t Get Burned by a Bad Builder

Before you sign anything, make sure your contractor checks all the boxes.

Download our Checklist to Vet a Deck Builder. It’s fast, free, and packed with the exact questions you should be asking before hiring anyone. Protect your investment and your peace of mind.

Created by Deck Dogs, your local experts in outdoor living in Greater Madison, WI.

👉 Yes, Send Me the Checklist