Building a deck in Ontario: composite vs. wood, and what it costs

Pressure-treated, cedar, or composite? A clear comparison of deck materials for Ontario weather, plus realistic cost bands and what needs a permit.

A deck is one of the best-value additions to an Ontario home — if you pick the right material for how you’ll use it and how much upkeep you want. Here’s the honest comparison.

The material trade-off

• Pressure-treated — lowest up front, but needs cleaning and re-staining every couple of years.
• Cedar — warmer look, naturally rot-resistant, still wants maintenance.
• Composite — highest up front, lowest upkeep, and it shrugs off Ontario freeze-thaw the best.

Typical cost

Pressure-treated

$25 – $45 / sq ft

Cedar

$35 – $60 / sq ft

Composite

$45 – $90 / sq ft

Installed ranges. Size, height, railings, stairs, footings, and grade all matter. A raised or multi-level deck costs more than a ground-level platform.

Do you need a permit?

In most Ontario municipalities a deck over a certain height or attached to the house needs a permit. Your contractor handles the application and inspections — we flag it during planning.

Describe your deck to the HomeCopilot planner for a scope, a range, and a prep checklist, then get matched with a verified builder.