Decks and outdoor living in Ontario
The right deck can double how you use your yard. Here is what decks cost in Ontario, how the materials compare, and what our winters demand from the build.
Quick answer
A new deck in Ontario typically costs $30 to $75 per square foot, depending on the material and design. Pressure-treated wood is the most affordable, cedar sits in the middle, and composite costs the most up front but lasts the longest. In Ontario you usually need a permit once a deck is more than 24 inches above grade or attached to the house.
$30 to $75
Per sq ft
24 in
Permit height trigger
Frost
Footings below frost line
20 to 30 yrs
Composite lifespan
Which decking material is right for you?
The material you choose drives both the price and the maintenance for decades, so it is the first decision to make. Here is how the common options compare in Ontario.
| Material | Cost per sq ft | Lifespan | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated wood | $30 to $45 | 10 to 15 years | Annual sealing and staining |
| Cedar | $40 to $60 | 15 to 20 years | Regular sealing |
| Composite | $55 to $75+ | 25 to 30 years | Low, occasional cleaning |
| PVC / capped | $60 to $85+ | 30+ years | Very low |
Pressure-treated wood wins on up-front cost. Composite and PVC cost more to build but save years of staining and last far longer, which often makes them the better long-term value if you plan to stay.
How much does a deck cost in Ontario?
Beyond material, deck cost depends on size, height, railings, stairs, and any built-in features. A simple ground-level pressure-treated deck is the most affordable, while a raised composite deck with glass or aluminum railings, lighting, and stairs sits at the top of the range. Features that add cost include:
- Height off the ground, which adds framing and stairs
- Railing type, from wood to aluminum and glass
- Built-in benches, planters, pergolas, and lighting
- Complex shapes and multiple levels
- Difficult site access or grading
Dreaming about the backyard?
We design and build decks and outdoor living spaces that hold up to Ontario winters. Get a quote for yours.
Talk to ZeybekDo you need a permit to build a deck in Ontario?
In most Ontario municipalities you need a building permit once a deck is more than 24 inches (about 600 mm) above grade, or when it is attached to the house. Ground-level and small platform decks below that height often do not need a permit, but rules vary locally, so it is always worth confirming. A permit means the deck is inspected for safe footings, framing, and railings. We handle deck permits and inspections as part of the build. For the wider picture, see our building permit guide.
What the Ontario climate means for your deck
Our freeze-thaw winters are hard on outdoor structures, so how a deck is built matters as much as the material. The most important detail is the footings. In Ontario, deck footings must extend below the frost line, which is typically around four feet deep, so the ground does not heave and shift the deck each winter. Other climate-smart choices include:
- Proper flashing where the deck meets the house to keep water out
- Corrosion-resistant fasteners and hardware
- Good drainage and spacing so boards shed water and snow
- Materials rated for our temperature swings
Footings are everything. A deck built on shallow footings will heave and twist after a couple of Ontario winters. Doing the below-grade work correctly is what separates a deck that lasts from one that fails.
When is the best time to build a deck?
Decks can be built through most of the year in Ontario, but spring and early summer are the busiest, so builders book up. Planning your deck in the winter or early spring means you can start as soon as the ground is workable and enjoy it for the full season. Booking early also gives time for the permit and any material lead times. Browse finished projects in our outdoor living portfolio.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a deck cost in Ontario?
A new deck in Ontario typically costs $30 to $75 per square foot. Pressure-treated wood is the most affordable at $30 to $45, cedar runs $40 to $60, and composite costs $55 to $75 or more but lasts far longer with less maintenance.
Do I need a permit to build a deck in Ontario?
In most Ontario municipalities you need a building permit once a deck is more than 24 inches above grade or attached to the house. Small, low ground-level decks often do not, but rules vary, so confirm with your municipality.
Is composite decking worth it?
Composite costs more up front but lasts 25 to 30 years with very little maintenance and no staining. If you plan to stay in the home, the long-term savings and lower upkeep often make it the better value than wood.
How deep do deck footings need to be in Ontario?
Deck footings in Ontario must extend below the frost line, typically around four feet deep, so winter freeze-thaw cycles do not heave and shift the deck. Proper footings are the key to a deck that lasts.
How long does it take to build a deck?
A standard deck takes about one to three weeks to build once the permit is issued, depending on size, height, and features. Complex multi-level or composite decks with railings take longer.
Zeybek Construction
General contractors, Ontario
Written by the Zeybek team from more than two decades of renovation and construction work across Ontario, from Toronto and the GTA to Kitchener, Waterloo, and beyond. We build kitchens, bathrooms, whole homes, additions, and commercial spaces, and we handle permits and inspections as part of the job.
Related guides
Last updated June 30, 2026. This guide is general information for Ontario homeowners and is not a substitute for a site-specific quote or municipal advice. Costs and rules vary by municipality and project.
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