FAQs - Fencing, Deck, Landscaping

In most GTA municipalities, a building permit is required for decks that are more than 600mm (approximately 24 inches) above grade, that are attached to the house, or that exceed a certain square footage threshold. Permit requirements vary by municipality, Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, and other GTA cities each have their own thresholds. We assess permit requirements for every deck project during the consultation and manage all permit applications in-house where required. Building a deck without a required permit creates complications at resale, insurance claims, and any future permit application on the property.
For most GTA homeowners, premium composite decking is our recommendation, it handles Ontario's freeze-thaw cycles, summer UV exposure, and seasonal moisture swings better than any natural wood product, requires a fraction of the maintenance, and produces a consistently beautiful surface for 30+ years. Pressure-treated wood is the right choice for budget-conscious projects where the maintenance commitment will be followed through. Cedar is excellent for homeowners who love natural wood and are willing to invest in regular upkeep. PVC is ideal for pool surrounds and high-moisture applications. We help every client select the right material for their specific priorities and conditions rather than defaulting to a single recommendation.
An average-sized deck of 200 to 300 square feet takes 1 to 3 weeks from construction start to completion, depending on complexity, the presence of elevated framing, and the number of added features. Permit approval (where required) adds 2 to 6 weeks of lead time before construction can begin. Multi-level decks, pergola additions, and decks on challenging sites take longer. We provide a detailed project schedule before construction begins and communicate any adjustments throughout.
The decision comes down to priorities. If natural warmth, grain character, and the ability to stain in any colour matter to you, and you're willing to commit to restaining every two to three years, cedar is the more beautiful material. If you want a fence that will look essentially the same in 20 years with nothing more than an occasional rinse, and you're comfortable with vinyl's more uniform appearance, vinyl is the significantly lower-maintenance choice. We install both to the same quality standard and help every client think through the trade-offs honestly for their specific situation.
Spring through fall, April through October, is the primary construction season for outdoor projects in the GTA. Concrete footings can't be poured in frozen ground; interlocking base work requires above-freezing temperatures for compaction; sod can't establish in frozen soil. Some fence installation can occur through late fall and mild winter days. Booking outdoor projects in the winter for spring construction start is common and smart, spring and summer are peak season, and scheduling ahead ensures your project isn't delayed by contractor availability. Some contractors offer off-season discounts for fall booking.
Yes, and this is one of the most significant practical advantages of working with a full-service renovation company for outdoor projects. When deck construction, fencing, and landscaping are coordinated by a single team, the project is designed cohesively from the start, the fence line respects the deck placement, the interlocking patio coordinates with both, the grade of the finished lawn connects properly to the deck height, and the garden beds are positioned within the overall design rather than added around existing elements. The result is an outdoor space that looks designed as a whole rather than assembled from separate decisions made independently.