What to sort out first
Wisconsin’s deck appendix is not approved for concentrated loads over 40 psf, and it names snow drift and sliding snow among them. A roofed deck needs its own engineering check. In Waukesha, any new wiring on the deck takes a separate electrical permit, and a deck reachable from the house needs an outlet within its perimeter.
- Open pergola or solid roof
- Snow sliding off the house roof
- New posts and footings
- Electrical for lights or fans
Sources: Wisconsin Uniform Dwelling Code, SPS 325 Appendix B. Checked November 9, 2026. Confirm current requirements with your building inspector.
By city
Budget first
Our Milwaukee deck cost guide lays out 2026 published prices by material and size, plus local permit fees from Wauwatosa and Brookfield.
Other deck projects
Covered Decks & Pergolas FAQ
Is this site the builder?
No. This site takes deck requests from Milwaukee-area homeowners and passes them to independent deck builders. You agree on price and scope with the builder directly, and a match is not guaranteed.
Can my existing deck hold a roof?
Do not assume so. The state appendix is not approved for concentrated loads over 40 psf and requires engineering for them.
Do I need an outlet on my deck?
In Waukesha, a deck reachable from inside the house needs an outlet within its perimeter and within 6.5 feet of the floor.
Do I need a permit?
It depends on the municipality. Milwaukee’s DNS checklist says a deck needs a permit. Waukesha, Wauwatosa and Brookfield also require one, and West Allis exempts only very small, low decks and like-for-like board, stair or railing replacement. Other suburbs set their own rules.