A wooden deck with outdoor dining furniture and an umbrella overlooks a green lawn and a pond, surrounded by trees. Stone steps lead from the deck to the yard, and a patio is partially visible below.

Helpful Tips for Building a Dream Deck in Ontario (2025 Edition)

A practical guide to planning, permitting, and building a safe, low-maintenance deck that adds value to your home in Ontario

14 min

May. 06, 2025

By: Elgi HaxhimankaDirector of Delta Decks

Building a deck is a great way to enjoy your outdoor space and increase your home’s value.

Whether planning quiet mornings or lively summer gatherings, a well-designed deck creates a smooth flow between indoor and outdoor living.

To make the most of it, plan carefully, follow local building rules, and choose safe, durable, and low-maintenance materials.

A cozy wooden patio with a chair, a round table holding a steaming mug, and a cushioned sofa with a pillow, next to a house with large windows and surrounded by green bushes.

Planning & Design a Deck That Works for You

A great deck starts with thoughtful planning. Whether you envision a cozy corner for morning coffee or a large entertainment space, the design should reflect your lifestyle, property layout, and future needs. Planning also ensures that your deck complies with local regulations and integrates seamlessly with your landscape.

Purpose First	Relaxation, dining, gardening, or entertaining? Knowing how you’ll use your deck helps guide every design choice.
Accessibility Options	Consider the following accessibility options: Wider stairs with a gentle rise (max 180 mm per step) Handrails on both sides Ramps with a max slope of 1:20 for mobility access
Professional Drawings & Site Plans	For decks requiring a permit, most Ontario municipalities require a site plan, framing details, and footing specifications. Consider hiring a BCIN-certified designer to help with your plans.

Do You Need a Deck Permit in Ontario?

Permits are necessary to ensure your deck meets structural and safety standards under the Ontario Building Code. They help protect your investment, verify zoning compliance, and ensure your deck does not interfere with utility lines, property boundaries, or water drainage.

This is especially important for elevated decks or those supporting additional loads like hot tubs or covered roofs.

In Ontario, you need a building permit if:

Your deck is attached to your home (at any height)
Your deck is detached but over 10 m² (108 sq ft)
Your deck is more than 600 mm (24") above grade

” Regardless of whether a deck requires a permit,
it must comply with all applicable provisions of the Ontario Building Code and local zoning by-laws.”
— City of Oshawa, Deck Guide (PDF)

At Delta Decks, we simplify the process by assisting with every aspect of deck permits—from preparing professional plans to submitting your application and coordinating with local building departments.
Learn more about our Deck Permit Services.

Choose the Right Materials

Choosing the right decking material is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your project.

Your choice will impact how your deck looks, how much maintenance it requires, how long it lasts, and how safe it feels underfoot.

From modern low-maintenance composites to timeless natural wood, there’s a solution for every budget and lifestyle.

Illustration of a wooden deck with a table and chair, surrounded by a railing. Below, four plank samples in beige, brown, gray, and white, labeled PVC, represent different deck material options.

Choose decking materials smartly

Learn more about Decking Materials in our guide.

Low-Maintenance Options (Composite and PVC)	Composite & PVC decking: No painting, no rot, no mold. Popular brands in Ontario include: Fiberon Trex Clubhouse TruNorth (made in Ontario) Endeck Slip-resistant textures ideal for stairs and rainy days 25+ year lifespan and colour stability
Traditional Wood	Cedar: Beautiful but needs sealing Pressure-treated lumber: Budget-friendly but requires upkeep Ipe: Exotic hardwood, extremely durable but costly and harder to work with Lunawood: A premium thermally modified wood from Finland known for its dimensional stability, durability, and eco-friendly profile. Most of the time, we have Lunawood in stock and available in Ontario.

You are welcome to visit our showroom to see and select decking materials in person – we’re happy to help you compare colours, textures, and finishes that suit your project.

Safety & Accessibility for Peace of Mind

A beautiful deck should also be safe and welcoming for everyone in your household.

Whether you have small children, older adults, or guests with mobility concerns, building with accessibility and safety in mind is essential.

Thoughtful features like proper railings, handrails, lighting, and anti-slip surfaces can prevent accidents and provide confidence, comfort, and peace of mind.

Illustration of a wooden porch with railings, two chairs, stairs with built-in lights, a nearby green bush, and a wheelchair positioned at the base of the steps.

Railing Requirements (OBC)	Required if the deck is over 600 mm (24″) above ground Must be at least 900 mm (36″) high for decks up to 1.8m tall Use 1070 mm (42″) guards for decks over 1.8m Baluster spacing must be under 100 mm (4″)
Stair Safety	Handrails are required on stairs over 3 risers Comfortable grip shape, ideally 30-50 mm in diameter “Handrails shall be provided on at least one side of stairs with more than 3 risers and shall be graspable in shape.” — City of Peterborough Residential Deck Guide
Lighting & Visibility	Install LED lights on steps and railings Solar lights are a good energy-saving option
Deck Surface	Choose anti-slip coatings or add anti-slip strips on stairs Select textured or grooved composite boards for better traction

Timeline & Inspections

Knowing what to expect from start to finish can help you plan better and avoid delays.

While every project is unique, the steps from design through to final inspection generally follow a predictable path.

Here’s a typical timeline for building a deck in Ontario:

Illustration of a wooden deck attached to a house with stairs, railings, and bushes around it. Concrete blocks support the deck. A checklist with green checkmarks is shown in the foreground.

Design and planning: 1–3 weeks
Permit approval: 1–4 weeks (varies by municipality)
Construction: 2–3 weeks depending on size and complexity
Inspections: Plan for 2–3 site visits by your local building department

Financing & Home Value

Investing in a deck doesn’t just improve your lifestyle—it can also increase your home’s market value.

Whether you’re staying long-term or preparing to sell, a professionally built deck adds visual appeal and practical living space.

And with financing options available, building your dream deck might be more accessible than you think.

Illustration of a house with a wooden porch, a chair on the deck, a money bag symbol, and an upward arrow inside a house icon, suggesting home improvement or increased property value.

Boost Property Value

Well-designed decks can increase resale value and add up to 75% return on investment
Home buyers love low-maintenance outdoor living spaces
Customer Satisfaction

Financing Options

Ask us about contractor-partnered financing programs
Explore eligibility for Canada Greener Homes Loan for energy-efficient or accessibility-related additions

Helpful Municipal Deck Resources (Ontario)

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