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Decks · PVC · Hamilton
PVC Deck Builders in Hamilton & Burlington
PVC decking is a 100% polymer board with no wood fibre, giving it strong moisture and stain resistance for pools, hot tubs and damp yards. Typical Ontario installed ranges (2026) are $80–$110 per sq ft, with an approximate 30+ year lifespan when properly installed.
How a deck is built, from footings to railing
Shown: Ground-level 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
PVC decking is a 100% polymer board with no wood fibre, giving it strong moisture and stain resistance for pools, hot tubs and damp yards. Typical Ontario installed ranges (2026) are $80–$110 per sq ft, with an approximate 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
- Projects led by the lowest upfront cost
- Installations that cannot follow exact expansion details
- Owners who prefer the weight and feel of natural wood
Profiles & details
Styles and options
Light coastal greys
Pale boards suit water-focused landscapes and generally stay cooler than dark tones.
Warm wood looks
Embossed natural colours soften stone and modern architecture.
Contrasting borders
A darker perimeter sharpens pool edges and stair openings.
Low-profile transitions
Careful trim and fascia create clean connections to coping and patios.
Balanced guidance
Honest pros & considerations
Advantages
- No wood fibre and very high moisture resistance
- Resists common food and drink stains
- Lightweight boards are practical for renovations
- Often stays cooler than comparable dark composite colours
Considerations
- Highest deck market range in the research brief
- Thermal expansion and contraction require precise gaps
- Texture and colour vary significantly between product lines
- Any wet outdoor surface can become slippery without cleaning
Typical Ontario installed range (2026)$80–$110 / sq ft
Approximate lifespan30+ years
MaintenanceVery low; routine washing
Feel & heatLightweight; pale colours generally cooler
Material decision
Compare the closest alternatives
PVC
Lifespan 30+ yrs
Maintenance Occasional washing
Cost band $$$$ · $80–$110/sq ft
Look: Crisp, premium finish
Heat & comfort: Lighter colours stay cooler; darker ones warm up in sun
Composite
Lifespan 25–30+ yrs
Maintenance Occasional washing
Cost band $$$ · $65–$95/sq ft
Look: Uniform boards, wood-look colours
Heat & comfort: Darker colours get warmer in full sun
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$20,060 – $30,120
- Deck surface: $15,360–$21,120
- 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 pvc decks
PVC succeeds through system-specific details. We confirm the exact profile before framing, follow fastening and expansion instructions, and coordinate pool coping, drainage and hot-tub access rather than treating the boards as generic lumber.
- 01
Resolve permit, water-feature and access requirements before construction
- 02
Build pressure-treated framing on below-frost supports
- 03
Protect joist and beam tops beneath the low-maintenance surface
- 04
Follow product-specific joist spacing, gapping and fastening schedules
- 05
Use hidden fasteners and detail borders without restricting movement
- 06
Keep pool drainage, equipment access and slip-resistant cleaning in the plan
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
Rinse pool residue
Remove sunscreen, organic debris and treated pool water using product-compatible cleaning guidance.
Clear edges and drains
Inspect gaps, transitions, stairs and coping after snow and freeze–thaw.
Treat stains promptly
Start with mild soap and a soft brush; avoid solvents or tools not approved for the board.
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
PVC FAQ
What is the difference between PVC and composite decking?
PVC contains no wood fibre; composite combines wood fibre and plastic beneath a cap. PVC is lighter and more moisture resistant, while composite often feels denser and has a lower typical range.
Is PVC decking a good choice around pools?
Yes. Its moisture and stain resistance suit pool and hot-tub areas, provided drainage, transitions and the complete pool enclosure are planned correctly.
Does PVC decking get slippery?
Any outdoor surface can become slippery with algae, ice or residue. Choose an appropriate texture and keep the boards clean according to manufacturer guidance.
What colours are available in PVC decking?
Options commonly include pale greys, warm wood tones and darker accents. Availability varies; we compare physical samples in the actual light before selection.
Why does PVC decking cost more than composite?
PVC sits in the premium material tier and uses all-polymer board construction. Typical Ontario installed ranges (2026) are $80–$110 per sq ft versus $65–$95 for composite.
How long does PVC decking last?
Its approximate lifespan is 30+ years with proper installation and maintenance. Framing, fasteners, drainage and exposure still affect the complete deck.
Which PVC brands can you install?
TimberTech Advanced PVC and AZEK-branded options, along with suitable PVC-style product lines where available, can be considered. This is not a certification claim.
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 pvc deck.
Share the approximate size, height, stairs, railings and city. We’ll arrange a free on-site design consult and exact quote.