Deck builder
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What is the Cost to build a deck?
The main factors affecting the deck cost are its size and materials used for the surface cladding. Decks that are smaller in size, higher in elevation, with more complex shapes will cost more money. Other factors that contribute to the cost include job site access, railings and screens, benches and planters and deck permits. Deck cost starts at $30 per square foot and can go up to as much as $100 per sq. ft. depending on all these factors. Best way to get a budget price on your deck project is to submit a quick sketch and a description of your project by email or call in to describe the project over the phone. Budgeting is one of the first steps in designing a deck and before you get deck builders to come out to your property, it is good to get a general idea of what the deck is going to cost.
When does a deck need a building permit?
Deck permits in Toronto and other parts of Ontario are needed for decks that are over 24" in height, over 100 sq. ft. in size or when they are attached to the house. To apply for a deck permit you need a survey of your lot and a professionally made drawing, by a certified BCIN designer, showing all the construction details of your deck. A deck builder such as Delta Decks will submit the permit on behalf of our clients and will handle the entire permit process from application, drawings to all the inspections and the closing of the permit.
How to design a deck?
When designing a deck one of the first things you need to determine is the size of the deck that you need. You need to plan how it will fit within your existing landscaping as well as the activities you plan to do on your deck - such as dining, entertaining or playing with the kids. Next important decision is going to be the materials that you use. You can go with a basic wood deck, it will save you costs initially, but long term it will require a lot of maintenance. You have the option of going with a composite deck or a low maintenance hardwood Ipe deck. After you have determined roughly the size and the material for your project, you can start getting some quotes from deck builders and contractors. If the rough budget fits within your allowed amount - go ahead and meet with deck builders on your property and fine tune the details. If the designed deck is way too expensive - go back on your earlier decisions about the size and the materials for the deck. It is also good to look at many pictures online - Google, Houzz, Pinterest and have pictures ready to show to prospective contractors when they visit for a design consultation.
What criteria should be used to select the right deck builder?
You want to work with someone who is honest with you and someone you feel comfortable working with. Before contacting a company to come out and give you a quote, look at their portfolio to get a good understanding of the kinds of jobs they done. Nowadays many companies in our industry engage in the business of getting fake reviews and using pictures of decks they did not build as well as making false claims about their experience. Being an insider in the deck building industry since 2004, we know of many companies that perform really well on Google rankings, but they misrepresent themselves in real life. Homestars is one website where the reviews go back over 10 years. You will find Delta Decks has reviews going back to 2006, many new companies that are misrepresenting themselves have reviews going back only a few years. When you are sure that you are dealing with a reputable company, get a quote from them and compare it to the others. Make sure the company you select is comfortable working with a deck permit and experienced with materials that you want to install. If a company has a good reputation online and its warranty is longer than its reputation history, you know that they will work to protect their reputation when they work on your project.
What is the best material for decks?
There is no single best material for decks. Generally speaking, composite decking is the best material for decks overall. Composite decking such as Trex and Fiberon is of high quality now and it does not cost as much as it used to. Composite decking does not require much maintenance and the decks will not warp, crack and discolor. The main objection that some people have to composite decking is that they do not like the plastic look and feel. For those clients a premium wood like Ipe would be the best option. Ipe is a low maintenance wood that is extremely durable. Typical pressure treated or cedar decks do not last very long and they require a lot of maintenance.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
Burlington. Needed my front and rear decks replaced. Nicky Crone of Delta Decks West was my sole contact and builder. She was very professional and responsive. She clearly knew her stuff and added some great ideas rather than pushing expensive alternatives like some other companies i engaged. Very responsive to both email and phone, delivered on dates and quality. Certainly took pride in providing solutions to a few issues discovered while demo'ing. Workmanship was top notch, happily fixed one item that was not ideal in the build. Slightly higher quote than others but you can buy with confidence. Very happy.
310 sq. ft. cedar deck, stairs, fascia, skirt, cedar and aluminum balusters, bench. 45 sq. ft. cedar front porch, stairs, fascia, skirt, all cedar balusters.
We tried to work with a couple other deck builders and ran into issues when it came to permits, permit drawings and reliability. Alex at Delta decks was recommended by a neighbour of ours and once we had him come in for a consultation on the project we knew that Delta Decks was the right company to work with. Alex suggested all new materials and a complete rework of the original design. His team handled all permit drawings, as well as the whole permit process, including inspectors and sign off. Elgi our project manager was a true artist and professional. After a year of searching for the right company we are so happy we found Delta Decks. We LOVE our deck It's better than we could have expected and the cost was on par or better than the competition. Highly recommended!
Outstanding work. These guys are artists. Great price. Open to ideas and changes. We are delighted with the results of our balcony and new deck and front porch. Love the Brazilian hardwood. It's beautiful.