Before we get into the details, here’s a quick reference chart. These are real prices we’ve seen on jobs across Toronto, Vaughan, Markham, and the rest of the GTA this year:
| Deck Size | Pressure Treated | Composite | PVC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (100 sq ft) | $4,000 – $6,000 | $6,500 – $9,000 | $8,000 – $11,000 |
| Medium (200 sq ft) | $7,000 – $12,000 | $12,000 – $18,000 | $15,000 – $22,000 |
| Large (300 sq ft) | $12,000 – $18,000 | $20,000 – $30,000 | $25,000 – $38,000 |
| Extra Large (400+ sq ft) | $18,000 – $28,000 | $30,000 – $50,000 | $40,000 – $65,000 |
These prices include materials, labor, basic railings, and standard stairs. They don’t include permits, demo of old decks, or fancy add-ons.
Here’s what deck installation actually costs per square foot in Toronto right now:
| Material Type | Cost Per Sq Ft (Installed) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure Treated Wood | $30 – $50 | Budget-friendly projects, traditional wood look |
| Cedar | $45 – $65 | Natural beauty, good durability |
| Composite (Trex, Fiberon) | $55 – $80 | Low maintenance, 25-year warranty |
| PVC (Azek, TimberTech) | $65 – $95 | Zero maintenance, best for wet areas |
| IPE (Brazilian Hardwood) | $80 – $120 | Luxury look, 40+ year lifespan |
A few things to know about these numbers. Labor costs in Toronto run higher than in smaller Ontario towns. We pay more for skilled carpenters here because, well, everything costs more in the city. That’s just reality.
Railing Choices
Railings can add $3,000 to $15,000 to your deck project. Most folks don’t realize how much this affects the total price.
| Railing Type | Cost Per Linear Foot (Installed) |
|---|---|
| Pressure Treated Wood | $55 – $65 |
| Aluminum (basic) | $80 – $120 |
| Aluminum (premium) | $120 – $180 |
| Composite | $150 – $250 |
| Glass panels | $180 – $300 |
| Cable railing | $200 – $350 |
A typical 200 square foot deck has about 45-50 linear feet of railing. Do the math and you’ll see why glass railings can add $10,000+ to your project.
If you priced a deck a few years back, you might be shocked at today’s numbers. A deck that cost $15,000 in 2021 might run $22,000 now. Here’s what happened:
- Lumber prices: Pressure treated wood costs about 30% more than it did in 2020
- Composite materials: Trex and Fiberon raised prices 15-20% over the past two years
- Labor costs: Good carpenters are hard to find in Toronto, so wages went up
- Fuel and delivery: Getting materials to your house in Scarborough or Ajax costs more
We’re not saying this to scare you. Just want you to have real expectations when you start getting quotes.
Pressure Treated Deck Cost in Toronto
Pressure treated wood is still the most popular choice for Toronto homeowners who want a deck but don’t want to spend a fortune. About 10% of the decks we build use pressure treated lumber. Read more about Pressure treated wood decking
What You’ll Pay for a Pressure Treated Deck
- Materials only: $17- $25 per square foot
- Installed (total project): $30 – $50 per square foot
- Typical 12×16 deck: $7,500 – $11,000 installed
Pros of Pressure Treated Decks
- Lowest upfront cost
- Natural wood look and feel
- Can be stained any color
- Easy to repair if boards get damaged
- Available everywhere in the GTA
Cons of Pressure Treated Decks
- Needs staining or sealing every 2-3 years
- Can crack, warp, or splinter over time
- Shorter lifespan (10-15 years with proper care)
- More maintenance than composite or PVC
If you’re in Leslieville or the Junction and you want a deck this summer but you’re watching your budget, pressure treated is a solid pick. Just plan on spending a weekend every couple years doing maintenance.
Composite Deck Cost in Toronto
Composite decking has really taken off in Toronto over the past five years. Brands like Trex, Fiberon, and TimberTech make boards that look like real wood but don’t need staining or sealing. Ever. Read more about composite decking
What You’ll Pay for a Composite Deck
- Materials only: $27 – $45 per square foot
- Installed (total project): $55 – $80 per square foot
- Typical 12×16 deck: $12,000 – $18,000 installed
Popular Composite Brands We Install
| Brand | Price Range | Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| Trex Select | $$$ | 30 years |
| Trex Enhance | $$ | 25 years |
| Trex Transcend | $$$$ | 50 years |
| Fiberon Good Life | $$ | 25 years |
| Fiberon Sanctuary | $$$ | 40 years |
| TimberTech Edge | $$ | 25 years |
| TimberTech Pro | $$$$ | 30 years |
Homeowners in High Park and Lawrence Park love composite because they don’t have to think about their deck once it’s built. No staining. No power washing (well, maybe once a year). Just enjoy it.
PVC Deck Cost in Toronto
PVC decking costs more upfront than composite but gives you the lowest-maintenance deck you can build. It’s 100% plastic, so it won’t rot, mold, or fade. Read more about PVC decking
What You’ll Pay for a PVC Deck
- Materials only: $40 – $60 per square foot
- Installed (total project): $65 – $95 per square foot
- Typical 12×16 deck: $15,000 – $22,000 installed
We often recommend PVC for pool decks or decks that get hit with lots of rain and snow. If you’ve got a south-facing backyard in Aurora or Newmarket that collects water, PVC handles moisture better than anything else.
IPE Deck Cost in Toronto
IPE (pronounced ee-pay) is Brazilian hardwood. It’s the luxury option. This stuff is so dense it sinks in water. A well-built IPE deck can last 50+ years. Read more about IPE decking
What You’ll Pay for an IPE Deck
- Materials only: $45 – $70 per square foot
- Installed (total project): $80 – $120 per square foot
- Typical 12×16 deck: $18,000 – $28,000 installed
IPE costs more because the wood is imported and it’s harder to work with. Our crew needs special drill bits that can handle the density. But when you see that rich brown color? You’ll understand why people pay the premium.
Extra Features That Add to Your Deck Cost
The basic deck price covers boards, framing, railings, and stairs. Here’s what common add-ons cost:
| Add-On | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Privacy screen (per 8ft section) | $600 – $1000 |
| Pergola (12×12) | $5,000 – $12,000 |
| Built-in bench seating | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| Deck lighting package | $800 – $2,500 |
| Trex RainEscape (under-deck drainage) | $15 – $25 per sq ft |
| Hot tub platform reinforcement | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Outdoor kitchen rough-in | $2,000 – $7,000 |
| Old deck removal | $500 – $2,500 |
1. Keep the Shape Simple
A basic rectangle uses materials more efficiently than L-shapes or angled designs. Fewer cuts means less waste and lower labor costs.
2. Size Your Deck to Standard Lumber Lengths
Deck boards come in 12, 16, and 20 foot lengths. If you design your deck to match these sizes, we waste less material. A 12×16 deck is cheaper than a 13×17 deck because of how boards fit.
3. Choose Aluminum Railings Over Glass
Glass railings look amazing but cost $150-$200 more per linear foot than basic aluminum. On a medium deck, that’s a $6,000+ difference.
4. Consider Hybrid Materials
Pressure treated framing with composite decking gives you the low-maintenance surface you want at a lower cost than going full composite on everything.
5. Build in the Off-Season
We’re slammed from April to August. Book your deck for October or November and you might save 5-10%. The weather in Toronto is usually fine for building until late November most years.
6. Get Multiple Quotes
We always tell people to get at least three quotes. Make sure you’re comparing the same materials and scope of work. The cheapest quote isn’t always the best deal if they’re cutting corners.
Here’s what’s usually going on:
- Materials: One contractor is quoting pressure treated, another is quoting premium composite
- Substructure: Cheap quotes sometimes use smaller framing lumber spaced further apart
- Joists protection tape: Some contractors don’t include this option in quote. We always make this as option, or including tape for most composite and PVC decks
- Railings: Some quotes include basic wood railings, others include aluminum or glass
- Warranty: Companies that offer longer warranties build in that cost
- Insurance: Insured contractors cost more than handymen working cash
The lowest price isn’t always the best value. Ask what’s included. Ask to see their insurance certificate. Check their Google reviews. A contractor who cuts corners on your deck might disappear when problems show up later.
Get Your Deck Quote from Decksforlife
We’ve been building decks across Toronto and the GTA since 2019. Every project starts with a free consultation where we measure your space, talk about your ideas, and give you a detailed quote.
Here’s what you get when you work with us:
- Free 3D design so you can see your deck before we build it
- 2-year warranty on all labor
- Full insurance including liability and WSIB
- Clear pricing with no hidden costs
Ready to find out what your deck will cost? Call us at (647) 701-3206 or fill out our contact form. We usually respond the same day.
Questions Toronto Homeowners Ask Us About Deck Costs
How much does a 12x12 deck cost in Toronto?
A 12×12 deck (144 square feet) typically costs $5,500 – $9,000 in pressure treated, $9,000 – $14,000 in composite, or $11,000 – $17,000 in PVC. These prices include standard aluminum railings and a small set of stairs.
How much does a 12x16 deck cost in Toronto?
A 12×16 deck (192 square feet) runs about $7,000 – $12,000 for pressure treated, $12,000 – $18,000 for composite, or $15,000 – $22,000 for PVC with basic railings and stairs.
How much does a 16x20 deck cost in Toronto?
A larger 16×20 deck (320 square feet) typically costs $12,000 – $19,000 in pressure treated, $20,000 – $32,000 in composite, or $26,000 – $42,000 in PVC. Bigger decks need more railing and usually stairs, which adds up.
Is it cheaper to build a deck yourself?
DIY can save you 40-50% on labor if you know what you’re doing. But here’s the thing: a bad DIY deck can cost you more in the long run. Structural problems and injuries add up. Plus, most material warranties are void if a pro didn’t install it.
Do I need a permit for a small deck in Toronto?
Maybe not. If your deck is under 108 square feet, not attached to the house, and sits less than 24 inches off the ground, you might not need one. But call 311 or check Toronto’s building permit website to be sure. Rules vary by neighborhood.
How long does it take to build a deck in Toronto?
Most residential decks take 3-7 working days once we start. Bigger projects (300+ square feet or multi-level) can take 2-3 weeks. Permits add 2-4 weeks of waiting time before construction starts.
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