Composite & Wood Deck Construction in the GTA

Deck construction in the GTA is one of the most permit-heavy and code-regulated landscape projects, and the rules apply to everyone — even small homeowner-built decks. Under Ontario Building Code, a deck permit is required for any deck where the walking surface is more than 24 inches (610mm) above grade at any point. For decks at or below that height, a permit isn't usually required but the structural requirements still apply. The deck-permit process involves stamped structural drawings, footing inspection, framing inspection, and final inspection — and your inspector will pay attention to footing depth (must be 1.2 metres / 48 inches below grade in the GTA), guard height (42 inches above deck surface when deck is more than 6 feet above grade), guard opening (cannot allow passage of a 4-inch sphere), handrail height (34-38 inches on stairs with more than 3 risers), and joist sizing. Material choice drives the long-term cost. Pressure-treated wood is cheapest upfront ($25-$40 per square foot installed) but requires sealing every 2-3 years and typically needs board replacement at year 15-20. Cedar ($40-$60) is more attractive but similar lifespan. Composite (Trex, TimberTech, Fiberon) at $55-$95 per square foot is the highest upfront cost but is essentially maintenance-free with 25-30 year warranties, which makes it the most economical choice over a 30-year hold period for most GTA homeowners. Buildoreno builds decks across Toronto, Mississauga, Vaughan, Oakville, and Markham, handling permit applications, engineering coordination, footings to code, and all framing to Ontario Building Code requirements. Whether you want a simple ground-level cedar platform off the back door or a multi-level Trex Transcend deck with built-in lighting and pergola, the build process is the same: permit-first, footings-to-code, and engineered framing that's signed off by the inspector before any decking goes down.