How Much Does Decking Installation Cost

The average cost to install a deck ranges from $30 to $60 per square foot, including materials and labor. However, this can vary significantly based on several factors, including the size and complexity of the deck, the type of materials used, and the location. For a 20x20 deck, you can expect to pay between $12,000 and $24,000 for professional installation. 

In Canada, homeowners are turning to decking to maximize outdoor living spaces and utility whenever they can, especially when the weather permits. A well-constructed deck expands your livable area, allowing an outdoor space for families to meet, gather, BBQ, or to simply take a moment at one with nature. A deck, with design input of your taste and installation, could enhance saleability, market value, and curb appeal for your home to future potential buyers. 

Decks can be designed and built to fit numerous styles, budgets, and landscapes. Whether it provides a retreat from the noise, an outdoor social hangout, or a way to find joy in being outdoors and backyard living, to all these uses, decks are an appropriate solution to enhance and enjoy to the fullest in every season. Let us get into details on How Much Does Decking Installation Cost?

Factors Affecting Decking Installation Cost

Components that affect your decking cost in Canada: 

• Size and Shape of the Deck

The biggest single factor is the overall size. The larger the deck, the more material you are going to need and the more time it will take to build. Irregular shapes, curves or multi-level increases not only increase the material costs, but also the waste and labour time to install, making these projects more expensive than a traditional rectangular layout.

• Deck Height and Design Complexity

Elevated decks will require additional support posts, deeper footings, and sometimes professional engineering or plans to meet building code. All of these items will compound material and labour costs. Complex layouts such as multi-tiered decks, built-in seating, and pergolas require skilled workmanship, will take longer to install and will drive up material costs.

• Material Choice

The selection of material has a major impact on several parts of the budget, especially the materials costs. A softwood like pressure-treated lumber is the cheapest choice, with hardwoods, like cedar or redwood, being more expensive but favorable for their durability and appearance. Composite and PVC materials can be more expensive, but are cheaper in terms of maintenance schedule and ongoing costs, like staining or painting.

• Labour costs and expertise level

Labour costs vary by region in Canada. Hiring an experienced, licensed contractor may not be the cheapest choice, but it is the better choice overall. Intricate designs and custom features require advanced skills and knowledge, and therefore, they will extend the duration of the project. Saving money in the labour costs is not possible with those features.

• Site preparation and conditions

Loose or sloped ground may require some excavation, grading, and retention systems, which will increase the costs. Furthermore, if the soil conditions are poor, it may require special footings or drainage options, which may be additional expenses.

• Additional features and amenities

Any extras that may be requested, such as stairs, custom railing, built-in planters, benches, deck lighting, will inflexibly increase the value of the proposal. Additionally, adding features like privacy screens or a hot tub platform will increase the costs and budget as well.

Understanding how the above requirements impact the treatment options for the budget to the project will help homeowners plan realistic budgets for their decking project and avoid unpleasant surprises along the way. The cost of the material and employing an expert to install it will be well worth it when considering the durability of the materials and long-term value.

Average Cost Of Decking Installation In Canada

In Canada, the average cost for decking installation is about $30 to $60 per square foot, depending on the choice of materials and the complexity of the design. A typical-sized deck installation's cost per square foot will be in the middle range of costs active in that locality. 

Local variations can sway pricing dramatically, with urban centres such as Toronto or Vancouver typically displaying higher costs for labour and permits than rural areas. Terrain or custom features and contractor pricing also dictate variability. Always try to procure more than one quote to ascertain local rates and ensure that you are getting good value for your investment.

Material Cost Breakdown 

Pressure-Treated Wood: The least expensive option and easy to install. It can require yearly staining and has a service life of 10-15 years.

Cedar/Redwood: The mid exploration and naturally resistant to rot. This material looks nice and has moderate upkeep with a service life of 15-20 years.

Composite: Expensive material ($40-$60/sq ft). It looks like wood with little maintenance, rot and insect resistance, which will fade over time with a service life of 25-30 years.

PVC/Vinyl: The most expensive option ($50-$70/sq ft). Very durable with little maintenance, non-slip surface. It can look plastic and can last over 30 years.

Hardwood (Ipe): Very expensive ($60-$100/sq ft.) with a beautiful finish, extremely durable, has to be oiled after install and every year. A minimum service life of 40 years.

DIY Vs. Professional Installation Cost 

Savings, and Risks of DIY:

• Lower upfront cost: Paying for job site labour alone when building a DIY deck is likely saving you 30–50%. You are paying only for materials.

• Custom pace of build: You can build your project at your speed without worrying about someone else's busy schedule delaying your project.

• Risks: Mistakes in design, structure, or permits probably will cost more to fix than just hiring a professional to build your deck for you.

• Tools and skills: You may need to buy or rent tools, and spend extra time learning.

• Safety concerns: Your poor installation could lead to accidents or failed inspections.

What's Included In Professional Services

• Complete planning: A professional will take care of design, measuring, and work to ensure code compliance.

• Permits and inspections: Most professional contractors will take care of permits and schedule required inspections.

• Quality build: Experienced builders will build a safe, durable deck that is level and ensure the structure is engineered to last.

• Warranties: Many professionals, or pros, perform permits and scheduled inspections.

• Cost: You should expect to pay anywhere from $30 - $60 per square foot, including materials and insurance, for labour and installation. Actual price depends on materials and complexity of the project.

• Added features: Stairs, railings, or custom lighting are features that a professional will construct when they integrate different elements easily, and at the right time.

• Time: Usually, a professional crew is going to get the job done a lot faster, with most mistakes corrected.

Overall, the decision to do-it-yourself or hire a professional comes down to your time, budget, skillset, and your comfort with construction risks.

Hidden Or Extra Cost With Decking Installation

• Licensing and Annex regulation: Even though some townships will not require licensing for new decks, most of them will; variation in fees will differ based on location and deck size. It's important to always make sure you ask about permits and what the fines are if you need to remove it. If you don't get a permit, it's possible to incur removal costs because of the fine.

• Disposal and debris fees: Old deck boards, dirt, and construction debris often have additional landfill or hauling fees that are not included in the quote from their contractor. 

• Maintenance costs moving forward: Wood requires consistent staining, sealing, and repairs from time to time. Composite decking has nothing to maintain, but regular cleanings may be necessary, and there may be instances where you need to replace parts. These ongoing costs do add up after the install, so make sure you add these in your total cost/overall budget.

Regional Price Difference For Decking Installation In Canada

Costs for installing decks can differ widely across Canada by geographic region. Labour and material costs are typically higher in urban centres (ex., Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary) due to higher demand and living costs. Coastal areas may require specialty materials due to moisture levels, which can drive up costs as well. 

While labour rates may be less in rural or smaller towns, some of the total cost will be impacted by transportation of more materials to the site. If you live or come from provinces with extreme climates (e.g. Alberta or Newfoundland), the decking surface could also affect the final price. 

Be sure to get a reasonable comparison through quotes by other contractors in your area. On that note, you can from your quotes expect prices can vary as much as $10-$30 per square foot, depending on your geographic location and site conditions.

Money-Saving Tips For Decking Installation

• Choose Best Time of Year: Schedule your deck build in late fall or early spring when contractors are less busy and suppliers may have materials on sale.

• Time Your Purchase: Try to get a number of quotes from contractors and schedule early to get a better price. 

• Choose Materials Carefully: Look for durable materials that are cost-effective, like pressure-treated wood instead of exotic hardwood.

• DIY Tasks: Save money by performing easy tasks yourself, such as clearing the site or applying stain.

• Don't Make it Complicated: Keep the shape of the deck as simple as possible to reduce complexity and to minimize waste.

Buy Off-Season: When purchasing materials, look for sales in the winter for the best deal.

Conclusion

If you have budgeted intelligently for the deck installation in Canada, it can save surprises and money. It is critical that you always get multiple estimates, so you can compare and find the sweet spot for quality and budgeting. Talk to reputable local contractors, discuss your ideas, and then think about how to plan your budget. Do it! You may be able to develop that dream deck with proper planning and reputable contractors that will become a beautiful addition to your home and probably have some value too!