Deck construction, Toronto and the GTA

Decks built to outlast the winter.

From simple ground level platforms to raised walkouts with stairs and glass rail. Framed on proper footings, fastened with the right hardware, and priced line by line before we start.

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Typical build: 1 to 2 weeks on site
Wide finished wood deck across a Toronto backyard under a blue sky

Materials and pricing

What decks cost in Toronto right now

These are honest installed ranges for the current Toronto market, including framing, decking, standard rail, and stairs. Your exact number depends on height, shape, access, and finish choices.

Pressure Treated

$30–50

per sq ft installed

The workhorse. Best value, takes stain well, 15 to 20 year lifespan with regular sealing.

Cedar

$50–75

per sq ft installed

Naturally rot resistant with a premium look. Needs periodic re-staining, rewards you for it.

Composite

$65–90

per sq ft installed

Trex, TimberTech and similar. Low maintenance, 25 year warranties, no staining ever.

PVC

$80–110

per sq ft installed

Fully synthetic, top tier warranties, the most weather-proof board money can buy.

Height changes the math.

A ground level deck is the base price. A raised deck with stairs typically adds $2,000 to $5,000. A second storey walkout adds $5,000 to $15,000 for bigger posts, more hardware, and safe working at height.

Quick reference

Typical project ranges by size

Deck sizePressure treatedCedarComposite
10 x 12 (120 sq ft)$3,600–6,000$6,000–9,000$7,800–10,800
12 x 16 (192 sq ft)$5,800–9,600$9,600–14,400$12,500–17,300
14 x 20 (280 sq ft)$8,400–14,000$14,000–21,000$18,200–25,200
16 x 24 (384 sq ft)$11,500–19,200$19,200–28,800$25,000–34,600

Ranges are ground level, standard rail, simple rectangle. Permits, old deck removal, and premium add-ons like glass rail or lighting are extra and always itemized in your quote.

Permits and code

When your deck needs a permit

Over 24 inches

The City of Toronto requires a building permit for any deck more than 24 inches above grade.

Attached to the house

Decks attached to the dwelling need a permit regardless of height, with drawings and a site plan.

Setbacks and zoning

Low decks generally sit at least 0.6 m from property lines. Zoning can affect size and placement, and we flag it at the site visit.

Gallery

Recent deck builds

Composite deck detail with decorative black privacy panel Deck with built-in planter cutout filled with lavender Completed pressure treated deck with railing after spring rain

Questions we hear a lot

Deck FAQ

Why did I get two wildly different quotes for the same deck?
Same footprint does not mean same deck. Height, footing count, rail choice, stair runs, access to the yard, and material grade all move the price. Our quotes itemize every one of those so you can compare apples to apples.
Is composite worth the extra cost?
Usually, if you plan to stay in the home. It costs roughly 40 to 50 percent more upfront but needs no staining or sealing over a 25+ year life. If you re-stain a wood deck professionally every 2 to 3 years, composite often wins on total cost.
What survives Toronto winters best?
The frame matters more than the board. Proper footings below the frost line, correct joist spacing, and flashing at the ledger are what stop heave and rot. On the surface, capped composite and PVC handle freeze-thaw with the least maintenance.
How long does a deck build take?
Most residential decks take 1 to 2 weeks on site once materials land. Permit approval, where required, adds lead time before we start, so plan early for a summer deadline.

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