Deck Building in Ottawa: Spring Planning for Summer Enjoyment

# Deck Building in Ottawa: Spring Planning for Summer Enjoyment

There's nothing quite like sitting on your deck during an Ottawa summer evening. The weather finally cooperates, the mosquitoes haven't found you yet, and you've got a cold drink in hand. But getting that deck built requires planning months before summer arrives.

If you want a deck ready for this summer, here's what you need to know.

## When to Start Planning

**January-February:** Start thinking about what you want. Research materials, collect inspiration photos, think about how you'll use the space.

**March-April:** Contact contractors for quotes. This is prime booking season - good contractors fill up fast. Waiting until May often means waiting until fall for construction.

**April-May:** Finalize design, apply for permits (Ottawa requires permits for most decks), order materials.

**May-June:** Construction. Ideally your deck is ready when consistently warm weather arrives.

Starting the conversation in January for a June deck isn't too early - it's strategic.

## Material Options for Ottawa's Climate

Ottawa's climate punishes deck materials: deep freezes, freeze-thaw cycles, humid summers, and significant UV exposure during long summer days. Here's how common materials perform:

### Pressure-Treated Wood

**Pros:**

- Most affordable option ($3-6 per sq ft material)

- Widely available

- Can be stained or painted any color

- Sustainable (wood is renewable, treatment extends lifespan)

**Cons:**

- Requires regular maintenance (stain/seal every 2-3 years)

- Warps, cracks, and splinters over time

- Contains chemicals (safe when dry but some homeowners avoid)

- Doesn't look premium

**Ottawa performance:** Good if maintained. Expect 15-20 year lifespan with regular sealing. Most common budget choice.

### Cedar

**Pros:**

- Natural beauty - warm tones and visible grain

- Naturally rot and insect resistant

- More stable than pressure treated (less warping)

- Can be left natural or stained

**Cons:**

- More expensive ($6-12 per sq ft material)

- Still requires maintenance

- Softer wood - scratches and dents more easily

- Weathers to gray if left untreated

**Ottawa performance:** Excellent in our climate. The natural resistance handles our humidity and temperature swings well. 20-30 year lifespan with good maintenance.

### Composite Decking

**Pros:**

- Very low maintenance (no staining, no sealing)

- Won't splinter, warp, or rot

- Consistent color and texture

- Long manufacturer warranties (25-50 years)

**Cons:**

- Higher upfront cost ($8-15 per sq ft material)

- Can get hot in direct sun

- Doesn't have the look of real wood (some brands better than others)

- Harder to repair if damaged

- Heavier than wood (may need stronger frame)

**Ottawa performance:** Excellent. Handles our weather without the maintenance headaches. Has become the most popular choice for new Ottawa decks.

### Aluminum Decking

**Pros:**

- Virtually indestructible

- Won't burn, rot, warp, or fade

- Stays cooler than composite

- Longest lifespan (40+ years)

**Cons:**

- Most expensive option ($15-25 per sq ft material)

- Limited aesthetic options

- Louder underfoot (hollow sound)

- Specialized installation

**Ottawa performance:** Excellent - handles everything our climate throws at it. Best for homeowners who want "install it and forget it" performance.

## Design Considerations

### Size

Minimum useful deck sizes:

- **Small dining:** 10x12 (fits table for 4)

- **Comfortable entertaining:** 14x16 (seating area plus dining)

- **Multi-zone:** 16x20+ (distinct areas for different uses)

Bigger isn't always better - consider what you'll actually use and maintain.

### Shape and Levels

Multi-level decks create visual interest and can work with sloped yards, but they:

- Cost more (additional framing, stairs, railings)

- Create more edges to maintain

- Can be harder to furnish effectively

Simple rectangles are often the smartest choice.

### Stairs and Access

Consider how you'll get on and off:

- Where does it make sense to step down to the yard?

- Do you need stairs in multiple locations?

- Wide stairs (4'+) are more gracious than narrow ones

### Railings

Ottawa building code requires railings on decks 24" or more above grade. Options include:

- Wood (matches deck, requires maintenance)

- Composite (low maintenance, matches many decks)

- Metal (modern look, very durable)

- Glass panels (maximizes views, premium cost)

- Cable (industrial aesthetic, doesn't block sight lines)

### Lighting

Plan for lighting during construction:

- Post cap lights

- Under-cap rail lighting

- Step lights for safety

- String light anchors

Running wire after the deck is built is much harder.

### Shade

Ottawa summers have intense sun. Consider:

- Pergola (filtered shade, architectural interest)

- Retractable awning (shade when you want it)

- Umbrella mount location

- Position relative to house shadow

## The Permit Process

Ottawa requires building permits for decks:

- Over 24" above grade (requires railings too)

- Attached to the house (affects structure)

- Over certain size thresholds

Permit applications need:

- Site plan showing deck location

- Deck drawings with dimensions and details

- Distance from property lines (minimum setbacks apply)

Typical permit cost: $150-400

Typical approval time: 2-4 weeks

## Budgeting

All-in costs for installed decks in Ottawa:

**Pressure-treated deck:** $25-45 per sq ft installed

**Cedar deck:** $40-65 per sq ft installed

**Composite deck:** $50-80 per sq ft installed

For a typical 14x16 (224 sq ft) deck:

- Pressure-treated: $5,600-$10,000

- Cedar: $9,000-$14,500

- Composite: $11,200-$18,000

Add 10-20% for:

- Multi-level designs

- Custom railings

- Built-in features (benches, planters)

- Challenging site conditions

## Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. **Skimping on the frame** - A composite deck on cheap framing still fails. Spend money on proper joists and beams.

2. **Ignoring drainage** - Water should shed away from the house. Decks that trap water against foundations cause problems.

3. **DIY electrical** - Running wiring for outlets and lighting requires permits and inspection. Don't bury sketchy electrical under deck boards.

4. **Forgetting about snow** - Ottawa decks need to handle snow loads. Railings get pushed by shoveling. Plan accordingly.

5. **Building right to property lines** - Ottawa has setback requirements. Verify before building.

6. **No maintenance access** - How will you get under the deck? How will you clean between boards? Trap doors or removable sections are worth considering.

Start your deck planning now, and you'll be enjoying it by Canada Day. Wait until May, and you'll be watching your neighbors enjoy theirs while yours gets built in September.