Cost guides › Deck building
Canada
Cost to build a deck
Building a 25 m² composite deck off the back door, with a wood railing and a flight of stairs, typically costs $27,000 before GST/HST, with most quotes between $21,000 and $35,100. The same size in pressure-treated lumber with a few steps comes in around $17,000; PVC boards with an aluminum picket railing run about $36,700. Pick pressure-treated, cedar, PVC or ipe in the calculator to compare the boards.
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mid-range, typicalCost by region
| Location | Basic | Mid-range | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quebec | $18,300 | $28,900 | $39,200 |
| Alberta | $17,500 | $27,700 | $37,700 |
| British Columbia | $17,000 | $26,900 | $36,700 |
| Ontario | $17,000 | $26,900 | $36,700 |
| Saskatchewan | $16,400 | $26,100 | $35,600 |
| Manitoba | $15,600 | $24,900 | $34,100 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $15,600 | $24,900 | $34,100 |
| Nova Scotia | $15,000 | $24,100 | $33,000 |
| New Brunswick | $14,800 | $23,700 | $32,500 |
What's included
Mid-range
- Layout, digging and concrete footings (sonotubes) below the frost line
- Pressure-treated posts, beams and joists, with a flashed ledger bolted to the house
- Mid-range composite deck boards with hidden fasteners
- Deck raised off the back door, up to about 2 m above grade
- Pressure-treated wood railing on the three open sides
- A flight of stairs on stringers with a handrail
- Cleanup and removal of offcuts
What affects the cost
Decking material
Pressure-treated lumber is the budget choice. Composite costs more to build but only needs washing, which is why it is now the usual pick; cedar sits in a similar range, PVC is a step up, and tropical hardwood is the most expensive.
Frost and footings
Across most of Canada, footings have to go below the frost line so the deck does not heave in winter. Deep frost, poor soil or a site where the crew cannot get equipment in can push builders to helical piles, which cost more per post but go in fast.
Height
A low deck close to grade is the cheapest to frame. A raised deck needs taller posts, bracing, railings and a longer stair, and a second-storey deck usually needs engineered drawings and heavier beams and footings.
Railing
Railing is priced by the linear foot. Wood railing is the cheapest, aluminum picket costs several times as much but never needs painting, and glass is the most expensive.
Stairs and landings
A short set of steps off a low deck is inexpensive. Longer runs, landings, L-shaped stairs and extra width on raised decks add both materials and carpentry time.
Removing the old deck
Tearing out a tired deck, pulling the old footings and disposing of the lumber is a separate line on most quotes. Size, height and access decide the price.
How to save
- Keep the deck low and rectangular; every metre of height and every angle adds framing and railing.
- Use composite boards on a pressure-treated frame rather than a premium board line or aluminum framing.
- Choose wood or basic aluminum railing and save glass for the side with the view.
- Book outside the spring rush; many builders have more room in late summer and fall.
Grants, tax and rules
Permits
Ask your municipality whether your deck needs a building permit before you sign; the answer depends on its height, size and whether it is attached to the house. The builder usually applies and books the inspections.
GST/HST
GST/HST applies to renovation work. Our figures are before GST/HST (13% HST in Ontario, 5% GST in Alberta).
Frequently asked questions
How much does a deck cost in Canada?
A 25 m² composite deck raised off the back door, with railing and stairs, typically costs $27,000 before GST/HST. Pressure-treated lumber with a few steps brings it to about $17,000, and PVC with aluminum railing takes it to around $36,700.
Composite or pressure-treated: which is better?
Pressure-treated wood is much cheaper to build but needs cleaning and staining every few years to keep it from greying and checking. Composite costs more up front, needs only washing, and suits people who plan to stay put.
When is the best time to build a deck?
Footings can be poured once the ground thaws, so spring is the busiest season. Booking early, or building in late summer and fall, usually gives you more choice of builder.
Do I need helical piles?
Not always. Poured concrete footings below the frost line work well on firm soil. Piles make sense on soft or wet ground, in tight backyards where digging is hard, or when you want to build right after the thaw.
How long will a deck last?
A well-built pressure-treated deck lasts roughly 15 to 20 years with regular staining. Composite and PVC boards last longer, but the frame underneath is still treated wood, so the ledger flashing and footings matter just as much.
How this estimate is calculated
Work hours: 152.8 · Labour: $12,987 · Materials: $13,977
Sources: Job Bank wages (Employment and Social Development Canada); Regione Toscana, Prezzario dei Lavori 2026 (CC BY 4.0); ECB exchange rates; market check: Mid = 25 m2 composite deck, raised, wood railing, flight of stairs, before GST/HST. HomeStars Deck Construction Costs in Canada 2026 (updated 21 Aug 2026): composite is the most common material; composite 200 sq ft $14k-22k, 300 sq ft $22k-36k with standard railings; stairs $1,000-3,000; PT $35-60/sq ft, composite $65-95, PVC $80-130. RenoQuotes (8 Apr 2026) consistent..
Last reviewed September 26, 2026 · How we calculate costs · Editorial policy