Decks and fences built to code, and built to last.
Decks and fences are the two outdoor projects most likely to run into a by-law. Deck height triggers a building permit, fence height is capped by municipal by-law, and both need to respect property lines and utility locates.
Tell IzDon what you want built and we connect you with local deck and fence builders who handle the permit as part of the job.
DIY or pro? A ground-level floating deck or a short garden fence is a genuine DIY weekend. Anything attached to the house, anything over 60 cm above grade, and any post hole near a utility should involve a builder.
What this covers
Pick the closest match and we'll start your request with it filled in.
What usually goes wrong
The decks & fences issues GTA homeowners ask about most — and what they typically mean.
Deck boards that are soft, cupped or splintering
Pressure-treated lumber needs cleaning and sealing every 2–3 years in Ontario. Soft boards mean rot underneath too.
Wobbly railings or loose stairs
A code and safety issue. Ontario requires guards on decks above roughly 60 cm and specific spacing on balusters.
Ledger board pulling away from the house
The most dangerous deck failure there is. Improper flashing and lag bolting causes collapses.
Posts heaving every spring
Footings not below the frost line — about 1.2 m in most of the GTA. Frost heave lifts anything shallower.
Fence leaning or rotting at the base
Posts set without drainage. Concrete without gravel below traps water at the post.
Disagreement with a neighbour about a shared fence
Ontario's Line Fences Act provides a process for cost sharing on boundary fences when neighbours can't agree.
What decks & fences costs in the GTA
Typical Greater Toronto Area price bands for 2026. Deck material choice is the single biggest cost driver.
| Job | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated deck | $40 – $70 / sq ft | Most common GTA build |
| Cedar deck | $55 – $95 / sq ft | Better appearance, more maintenance |
| Composite deck | $70 – $130 / sq ft | Low maintenance, higher upfront |
| Deck stairs | $120 – $300 / step | Depends on width and railing |
| Railing | $60 – $200 / linear ft | Glass and aluminum at the top |
| Deck staining / sealing | $2 – $5 / sq ft | Every 2–3 years on wood |
| Pressure-treated fence | $40 – $75 / linear ft | 6 ft privacy fence |
| Cedar fence | $60 – $110 / linear ft | Board style dependent |
| Chain link fence | $25 – $50 / linear ft | Cheapest option |
| Fence post replacement | $150 – $400 / post | More if concrete removal is needed |
| Old deck removal and disposal | $800 – $2,500 | Size and access dependent |
Estimate ranges for the Greater Toronto Area, not quotes. Actual pricing depends on your home, access and scope — always get it in writing.
What moves the price
- Material — composite roughly doubles the material cost of pressure-treated but eliminates staining.
- Height off grade — taller decks need more structure, guards and often engineered footings.
- Footings — helical piles cost more than concrete sonotubes but avoid excavation and cure time.
- Access — backyards reachable only through a narrow gate mean everything is carried by hand.
- Permit and inspection fees, plus drawings if the municipality requires them.
Want a real number for your decks & fences job? Tell us what you need and local pros will quote it.
Get It DonePermits, licences & Ontario rules
Deck permits are triggered by height, and fence height is capped by municipal by-law. Both need utility locates before any post hole.
Deck building permit
In Ontario, a building permit is generally required for a deck more than 60 cm (24 in) above grade, or any deck attached to the house. Ground-level floating decks below that height often don't need one — confirm with your municipality.
Fence height by-laws
Most GTA municipalities cap rear and side yard fences at about 2 m (6.5 ft) and front yard fences much lower — often 1 m — for sightlines. Pool enclosures have their own stricter rules.
Pool enclosure requirements
A fence around a pool is separately regulated: minimum height, self-closing and self-latching gates, and no climbable features. These are inspected.
Property lines and locates
Get a survey before building on a boundary, and file a free Ontario One Call locate before digging post holes. The Line Fences Act sets out how boundary fence costs can be shared.
Before you hire: a quick checklist
- Ask for the business name, address and a phone number that isn't just a cell.
- Confirm general liability insurance and a valid WSIB clearance certificate before work starts.
- Get the scope, materials, timeline and total price in writing — not a number over the phone.
- Be cautious with large upfront deposits. In Ontario a deposit of roughly 10–30% is normal; full payment up front is not.
- Ask who is actually doing the work — the person quoting, an employee, or a subcontractor.
- Hold back final payment until the work passes any required inspection and you've seen it finished.
- Confirm footing depth — below the frost line, roughly 1.2 m in the GTA — is specified in the quote.
- Confirm who pulls the deck permit and books the framing inspection before boards go on.
- Check the fence height allowed in your municipality before agreeing to a design.
This is the same bar we use when we look at who to send your request to — read The IzDon Standard.
Decks & Fences near you
Decks & Fences guides & how-tos
Want to try it yourself first? Start here — and hand it over when the job gets bigger.
Decks & Fences FAQs
How much does a deck cost in the GTA?
Roughly $40–$70 per square foot for pressure-treated, $55–$95 for cedar and $70–$130 for composite in 2026, including framing and footings. Stairs and railings are typically priced separately.
Do I need a permit to build a deck in Ontario?
Generally yes if the deck is more than 60 cm above grade or attached to the house. Low, freestanding ground-level decks often don't require one, but rules vary by municipality — confirm before building.
How high can a fence be in Toronto?
Most GTA municipalities allow about 2 m in rear and side yards and roughly 1 m in the front yard for visibility. Pool enclosures follow separate, stricter requirements.
How deep do deck footings need to be?
Below the frost line — about 1.2 m in most of the Greater Toronto Area. Shallower footings heave every spring and eventually rack the whole structure.
Is composite decking worth the extra cost?
If you don't want to stain a deck every two to three years, usually yes. It costs more upfront but avoids a recurring maintenance job and lasts longer in Ontario freeze-thaw cycles.
Who pays for a fence between two properties?
If it sits on the boundary, Ontario's Line Fences Act sets out a cost-sharing process through the municipality when neighbours can't agree. A fence built entirely on your own land is entirely your cost and your decision.
One Request. IzDon.
Submit once instead of calling contractor after contractor. We aim to connect you with up to 3–5 relevant local service providers.
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