Question 1

Do I need a building permit for a deck in Hamilton, Burlington or Oakville?

Accepted Answer

In Ontario you generally need a building permit for any deck more than 24 inches (about 60 cm) above grade, any deck attached to the house, and most decks over 108 square feet (10 square metres) regardless of height. Hamilton, Burlington and Oakville each enforce the Ontario Building Code with their own application process. We confirm the requirement for your property and handle the permit drawings when one is needed.

Question 2

How deep do deck footings need to be in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

Deck footings in Ontario must extend below the local frost line, which typically means concrete piers (Sonotubes) or helical piles at least 4 feet (1.2 metres) deep. Proper footing depth prevents the deck from heaving during freeze-thaw — the single most common cause of wavy decks and pulled ledger boards in older builds.

Question 3

What is the best decking material for Ontario weather?

Accepted Answer

All three common options work in Ontario if they are installed correctly. Pressure-treated wood is the most affordable and lasts 15–25 years with staining. Cedar is beautiful and naturally rot-resistant but needs annual maintenance. Composite decking (capped PVC or capped wood-plastic) costs more up front but resists rot, splinters, and fading, and is often the best long-term value for families who want less maintenance.

Question 4

What is the difference between an attached pergola and a freestanding pergola?

Accepted Answer

An attached pergola ties into the house with a ledger board and shares load with the home, which usually requires a permit and flashing detail. A freestanding pergola sits on its own footings and posts and is often simpler to permit. Freestanding pergolas can sit on a deck, a patio, or a dedicated slab and are easier to reposition or remove later.

Question 5

Do decks over 24 inches need railings in Ontario?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Under the Ontario Building Code, any deck surface more than 24 inches (60 cm) above grade requires a guard, and the guard must be at least 36 inches (900 mm) high — 42 inches (1070 mm) if the deck is more than 5 ft 11 in above grade. Guards must also resist specified lateral loads and have openings no larger than 4 inches to prevent a child from passing through.

Question 6

When can I stain or seal a new pressure-treated deck?

Accepted Answer

New pressure-treated decking usually needs 4–8 weeks of dry weather before a stain or sealer will penetrate properly — the wood arrives from the mill saturated with preservative. Cedar and composite decks have different timelines: cedar can be stained within a couple of weeks, and most capped composites never need staining at all. We pair new-deck builds with our fence and deck staining service so the finish gets applied at the right moment.

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