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Decks · Composite · Hamilton
Composite Deck Builders in Hamilton & Burlington
Capped composite decking combines wood fibre and plastic beneath a protective cap, making it the default choice for many new low-maintenance decks. Typical Ontario installed ranges (2026) are $65–$95 per sq ft, with an approximate 25–30+ year lifespan when properly installed.
How a deck is built, from footings to railing
Shown: Raised deck — Step 1 of 5 — Footings
- Footings or helical piles reach below the frost line so the deck can't heave in winter.
- Posts carry the load up from the footings.
- Beams and joists frame the structure under the boards.
- Decking boards and a picture-frame border finish the walking surface.
- A black metal safety railing (guard) goes up last, where required.
Est. 2020Footings below frostPermit drawings handledDeck + landscape design
Quick answer
Capped composite decking combines wood fibre and plastic beneath a protective cap, making it the default choice for many new low-maintenance decks. Typical Ontario installed ranges (2026) are $65–$95 per sq ft, with an approximate 25–30+ year lifespan when properly installed. Your exact price comes from an on-site quote.
Fit before finish
Is this deck right for you?
May not suit
- The lowest upfront material budget
- Very dark boards in unshaded full sun without a heat discussion
- Existing frames that have not been checked for spacing and condition
Profiles & details
Styles and options
Picture-frame borders
A perimeter board conceals cut ends and gives the field a tailored edge.
Two-tone palettes
A darker border defines warm natural field boards.
Breaker boards
A centred board resolves long runs without rows of butt joints.
Diagonal layouts
Directional boards add movement but require tighter joist spacing and more material.
Balanced guidance
Honest pros & considerations
Advantages
- No staining or sealing
- Consistent wood-look colour and board profile
- Hidden fasteners create a clean surface
- Trex, TimberTech and Fiberon are among the options we can install
Considerations
- Higher upfront range than wood
- Darker colours get warmer in direct sun
- Capped and uncapped product quality differs
- Expansion gaps and joist spacing must follow the selected system
Typical Ontario installed range (2026)$65–$95 / sq ft
Approximate lifespan25–30+ years
MaintenanceLow; routine washing
Feel & heatUniform; dark colours warm in full sun
Material decision
Compare the closest alternatives
Composite
Lifespan 25–30+ yrs
Maintenance Occasional washing
Cost band $$$ · $65–$95/sq ft
Look: Uniform boards, wood-look colours
Heat & comfort: Darker colours get warmer in full sun
PVC
Lifespan 30+ yrs
Maintenance Occasional washing
Cost band $$$$ · $80–$110/sq ft
Look: Crisp, premium finish
Heat & comfort: Lighter colours stay cooler; darker ones warm up in sun
Lifespans are approximate, with proper installation and maintenance. Prices are typical Ontario installed ranges (2026); your exact price comes from an on-site quote.
Planning range
Estimate your deck
Estimated range for ~192 sq ft$17,180 – $27,240
- Deck surface: $12,480–$18,240
- Stairs: $1,500–$3,000
- Railing: $3,200–$6,000
Raised decks need guards above 600 mm, taller posts and bracing, which push the per-sq-ft rate up. Confirmed on site.
Per-sq-ft rates usually drop as decks get larger; height, stairs, railings and complex shapes push them up.
Typical Ontario installed ranges (2026), not a quote. Your exact price comes from a free on-site visit.
Below the surface
How we build composite decks
Composite boards expose shortcuts in the frame beneath them. We set joists for the selected pattern, protect joist and beam tops, follow expansion guidance and resolve borders before the first field board is fixed.
- 01
Confirm the deck layout, permit path and exact board system before framing
- 02
Set concrete piers or helical piles below frost depth
- 03
Use pressure-treated framing with joist and beam protection tape
- 04
Tighten joist spacing where diagonal patterns require it
- 05
Install hidden fasteners with correct end and side gapping
- 06
Plan picture-frame borders, stairs and lighting sleeves as part of the frame
What's inside a deck, from the ground up
Everything below the boards — footings, posts, beams and joists — is what keeps a deck safe and level for decades; click a layer to see why it matters.
- Native soil: Undisturbed native soil carries the load. Topsoil and fill are not used as bearing.
- Frost line (~1.2 m): Footings must bear below frost depth — about 1.2 m / 4 ft in this region — so freeze–thaw can't heave the deck.
- Pier or helical pile: Concrete piers are poured below frost; helical piles are screwed down to bearing depth with little excavation and can be loaded right away.
- Post + bracket: Posts sit in a bracket on the footing so they stay dry and positively connected.
- Beam: Beams gather joist loads and carry them to the posts.
- Joists + joist tape: Pressure-treated joists; on composite and PVC builds we add joist/beam protection tape to shed water from the tops.
- Ledger + flashing / freestanding: An attached deck needs a properly fastened and flashed ledger. A freestanding design uses its own beam instead of the house.
- Decking, fasteners, gapping: Hidden fasteners and correct gapping on composite/PVC let boards drain and move with temperature.
- Guard: 900 / 1,070 mm + 100 mm sphere: Guards are required above 600 mm. Minimum 900 mm high up to 1.8 m above grade, 1070 mm above that; openings must stop a 100 mm sphere.
- Stair stringers: Stairs must meet Ontario Building Code rise/run and handrail rules; we frame them to code with solid landings.
2. Frost line (~1.2 m)
Footings must bear below frost depth — about 1.2 m / 4 ft in this region — so freeze–thaw can't heave the deck.
Ownership timeline
Care & maintenance
Wash the surface
Use mild soap, water and a soft brush to remove pollen and organic residue.
Inspect transitions
Check stairs, guards, borders and drainage paths after freeze–thaw and snow clearing.
Protect the cap
Avoid harsh solvents, metal shovels and aggressive pressure washing; follow the selected board maker’s care instructions.
Hamilton · Burlington · Oakville
Permits and guard requirements
Hamilton
Any attached deck needs a permit. New or replacement guards also require a permit. Building Division: 905-546-2720.
Burlington
Attached decks and decks more than 600 mm above grade or over 10 m² commonly need a permit. Confirm with City of Burlington Building.
Oakville
Any attached deck needs a permit; detached decks over 10 m² and higher than 61 cm above grade also need one.
Confirm current requirements with your municipality before building.
Review the complete deck permit guide →Planning guides
Deck guides for homeowners
Type-specific answers
Composite FAQ
Is composite decking worth it in Ontario?
It can be for owners who value low finish maintenance, consistent boards and a longer approximate lifespan. The trade-off is a higher upfront range than wood.
Does composite decking get hot?
Darker colours can become noticeably warmer in full sun. Lighter colours, shade and board selection improve comfort.
Does composite decking fade?
Exterior colour changes to some degree. Quality capped boards are designed for improved colour stability, but product, colour and exposure still matter.
Can composite be installed over my old deck frame?
Only after the frame, spans, ventilation and joist spacing are inspected. Diagonal boards often need tighter spacing, and aged framing may need repair or replacement.
How should snow be removed from composite decking?
Use a plastic shovel and work with the board direction. Avoid metal edges and use only ice-control products approved by the board manufacturer.
Is composite the same as PVC decking?
No. Composite contains wood fibre and plastic, usually under a cap. PVC is all polymer, lighter and more moisture resistant, with a higher typical range.
Which composite brands can you install?
Trex, TimberTech and Fiberon are among the options available. Brand selection does not imply certification; we compare product profile, colour, availability and project fit.
Local deck building
Hamilton, Ancaster, Burlington & Oakville
Hamilton
Hamilton MountainAncasterDundasStoney CreekWaterdownBinbrookFlamboroughWestdaleKirkendallGlanbrook
Burlington
AldershotBrant HillsTyandagaMillcroftApplebyLaSalle
Oakville
BronteGlen AbbeyRiver OaksPalermoOld OakvilleKerr Village
Start on site
Plan your composite deck.
Share the approximate size, height, stairs, railings and city. We’ll arrange a free on-site design consult and exact quote.