Have you decided to renovate or build a new deck near your home? Then you’re in the right place! In this guide, we’ll cover all the main factors that affect the cost of a deck in Ottawa, and you’ll also learn the features of different materials and decorative elements. We hope this will help you decide what to choose and contact us to build the perfect deck on your property.
Factors that Affect the Cost of a Deck
There is now a wide variety of deck materials to choose from. You can find everything from composite decks to treated wood in our products. But what should you choose and how will it affect the cost of building a deck? Let’s take a look at the main factors that make up the final price:
#1 Size of the Deck Platform
This factor affects the cost the most, but we won’t dwell on it for long. It’s simple here – the bigger the new deck, the more labor and materials it takes to build it. And as a consequence, the price will go up. So the first thing you need to do is to determine roughly the size of the ideal deck for your property.
#2 Type of Material for the Deck Platform
The frame of each platform is made of pressure-treated wood, this cannot be changed. However, the deck surface can be made of different materials. Currently, Ottawa residents often opt for composite decking, which costs $45 per square foot. Composite decks such as Trex and Fiberon, as mentioned above, are inexpensive and practical options in terms of performance-to-cost ratio.
However, there is a cheaper and simpler option. We can make the surface out of pressure-treated wood. This is the same material used for the deck platform. These platforms can cost as little as $30 per square foot. Lunawood is another great option for a low cost deck platform.
The most expensive and luxurious materials include hardwood decks. Their cost reaches $60-65 per square foot. In this price range, we can offer Brazilian IPE hardwood. In addition, 100% PVC decking is available for selection. These include TimberTech, Azek, and Wolf decking.
#3 Elevation Above Ground and Shape of the Platform
The height of the platform plays an important role in the cost of building a deck. The lower you need the deck, the cheaper it will cost as it simplifies the building process and reduces the amount of materials needed. You can also reduce the cost of the deck if you choose a rectangular or square platform of 12, 14, 16, or 20 feet.
More complex shapes will cost more due to the complexity of the work. To decide on this point, think about what you would like to place on the deck (it could be a seating area or plants) and how the size and height of the deck will fit in with your property.
#4 Type of Stairs on the Deck
The deck should have a staircase one way or another, lined with the same material as the deck surface. Depending on the material, they cost around $100 per square foot and can be made of composite materials. A larger staircase with an extraordinary design will cost you more.
However, we offer another option that will be in between the more expensive and cheaper options. And that is LunaWood thermally treated wood, which has excellent durability and resistance to damage and will also wow you with its appearance. This option is equally popular in Ottawa because of its easy maintenance and low price.
#5 Railings and Privacy Screens
The most popular, durable, and inexpensive option is aluminum railings. They provide safety and perfectly perform a decorative function, and the cost of such products starts at $100 per linear meter. In addition, modern versions of glass aluminum railing are available for $180 to $250 per linear meter. This is the most optimal, stylish, and reliable solution for enclosing the deck.
If, however, you want complete privacy and seclusion on your deck, we suggest installing privacy screens. Depending on the size and materials, the price will vary and starts at $200 per linear meter.
#6 Type of Deck Skirting
Skirting is required to enclose the deck and conceal the framing. It is made of the same material as the decking to maximize the stylish appearance. The cost of skirting is influenced by the factors mentioned above, such as deck height, size, and material of the platform.
#7 Access to Property and Type of Foundation
The cost of building a deck is also affected by the complexity of construction, which is directly related to the availability of easy access to the site. A narrow driveway of less than four feet will increase the cost due to the difficulty of creating a foundation and hauling materials in such a limited space.
The last factor affecting cost is the type of foundation. We offer these options:
- Concrete foundation. This is the most common method previously, which is famous for its affordability and ease of execution. However, over time, such a foundation is prone to deformation due to changes in the soil.
- Metal foundation. This option is a little more expensive than the previous one, but this is justified by its qualities. Metal foundations are metal helical piles such as techno metal posts that are lowered a minimum of seven feet below the grade level. This ensures the longevity and strength of the deck foundation and ensures that it will not warp over time.
Conclusion
So, now you know all the nuances that you should consider while planning to build a deck to fit your budget. It’s mostly about size, type and materials used. Keep it simple to simple in terms of design, keep it small and use best value materials. However, if you have any difficulties or questions, contact us for a free consultation. We will be happy to help you find the perfect materials for your deck in Ottawa, and build it for you by local building codes.
