AntoineAsphalt.caDeck cost guide
How Much Does a Deck Cost in Hamilton? (2026 Guide)
Typical Ontario installed ranges (2026) run about $45–$65 per sq ft for pressure-treated wood, $55–$80 for cedar, $65–$95 for composite and $80–$110 for PVC. A 12 × 16 ft (192 sq ft) composite deck therefore lands around $12,480–$18,240 before stairs, railings and site work. Your exact price comes from an on-site quote.
Typical Ontario installed ranges (2026) run about $45–$65 per sq ft for pressure-treated wood, $55–$80 for cedar, $65–$95 for composite and $80–$110 for PVC. A 12 × 16 ft (192 sq ft) composite deck therefore lands around $12,480–$18,240 before stairs, railings and site work. Your exact price comes from an on-site quote.
What does a deck cost per square foot in Hamilton?
Deck pricing is usually discussed per square foot of finished deck surface, including footings, framing, decking, fasteners and labour. The ranges below are market data for Ontario, not a quote from Antoine Landscape Contractors.
| Material | Per sq ft installed | Approx. lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-Treated Wood | $45–$65 | 15–20 yrs |
| Cedar | $55–$80 | 15–25 yrs |
| Composite | $65–$95 | 25–30+ yrs |
| PVC | $80–$110 | 30+ yrs |
Lifespans are approximate and assume proper installation and maintenance.
What would a 12×12, 12×16 or 16×20 deck cost?
Each total is simply the square footage multiplied by the low and high end of the range. For example, a 12 × 12 ft deck is 144 sq ft, so pressure-treated works out to 144 × $45 = $6,480 up to 144 × $65 = $9,360. A 16 × 20 ft composite deck is 320 sq ft: 320 × $65 = $20,800 up to 320 × $95 = $30,400.
These totals cover a basic single-level deck. Stairs, railings, extra height, multi-level layouts and site conditions are added on top.
| Material | 12 × 12 ft (144 sq ft) | 12 × 16 ft (192 sq ft) | 16 × 20 ft (320 sq ft) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-Treated Wood | $6,480–$9,360 | $8,640–$12,480 | $14,400–$20,800 |
| Cedar | $7,920–$11,520 | $10,560–$15,360 | $17,600–$25,600 |
| Composite | $9,360–$13,680 | $12,480–$18,240 | $20,800–$30,400 |
| PVC | $11,520–$15,840 | $15,360–$21,120 | $25,600–$35,200 |
Typical Ontario installed ranges (2026). Your exact price comes from an on-site quote.
How much do stairs, railings and multi-level designs add?
Most raised decks need at least one run of stairs and a guard, so these items change the budget more than homeowners expect.
| Add-on | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stairs (full code-compliant run) | $1,500–$3,000 per run | Wider or taller stairs sit higher in the range |
| Aluminum picket railing | About $80–$150 per linear ft | Black is the most requested colour |
| Aluminum + glass railing | About $150–$400 per linear ft | Keeps views open; higher cost |
| Multi-level design | Roughly 25–40% more | Compared with a similar single-level deck |
How can I estimate my own deck budget?
Use the planner to combine size, material, height, stairs and railing. It applies the same ranges shown above, so treat the result as a planning bracket rather than a price.
What makes a deck cost more or less?
Two decks with the same footprint can price very differently. The biggest swings come from height, what is under the deck and what is attached to it.
- Size: more surface means more material, but the per-sq-ft rate usually drops as size grows
- Height: raised and second-storey decks need taller posts, bracing, guards and longer stairs
- Stairs and railings: priced per run and per linear foot on top of the deck surface
- Shape: angles, curves, picture-frame borders and multiple levels add cutting and framing time
- Access: narrow side yards and no machine access add hand-digging and carrying
- Footings: concrete piers or helical piles below frost depth; soil and access affect which fits
- Permits and drawings: needed for attached decks and many raised decks
- Removal of an old deck: quoted on site once we see the structure
- Lighting: planned early so wiring sleeves go in before the boards
Why does the price per square foot drop on bigger decks?
Some costs are fixed no matter the size: the site visit, drawings, permit application, layout, mobilization, stairs and the ledger connection. On a small deck those costs are spread over fewer square feet, so the rate looks higher. On a larger deck the same fixed costs are spread over more area, which is why the per-sq-ft rate usually falls as the deck grows — while height, stairs, railings and complex shapes push it back up.
How should I compare deck quotes?
A lower number often means something was left out. Ask each contractor to put these items in writing so the quotes compare like for like.
- Footing type and depth — below frost, about 1.2 m / 4 ft here
- Joist size and spacing, especially for composite or PVC boards
- Joist and beam protection tape on composite/PVC builds
- Ledger fastening and flashing, or a freestanding design
- Fastener type — hidden fasteners and correct gapping on composite/PVC
- Guard height, picket spacing and stair details
- Who prepares drawings and applies for the permit
- Old deck removal, cleanup and final walkthrough
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 12 × 16 deck cost in Hamilton?
At typical Ontario installed ranges (2026), a 192 sq ft deck runs about $8,640–$12,480 in pressure-treated, $10,560–$15,360 in cedar, $12,480–$18,240 in composite and $15,360–$21,120 in PVC, before stairs, railings and site work. Your exact price comes from an on-site quote.
Is composite worth the extra cost over pressure-treated?
Composite costs more up front but typically lasts 25–30+ years with washing instead of staining, versus about 15–20 years for pressure-treated wood. Homeowners who value low maintenance usually find it worthwhile.
Do stairs and railings cost extra?
Yes. A full code-compliant stair run is typically $1,500–$3,000, aluminum picket railing about $80–$150 per linear ft and aluminum with glass about $150–$400 per linear ft.
Does removing my old deck cost extra?
Removal and disposal are quoted on site, because the size, fasteners and footings of the old deck vary a lot.
Why do deck quotes vary so much?
Quotes differ on footing depth, joist spacing, joist tape, ledger flashing, fasteners, guard details and whether permits and cleanup are included. Compare those items in writing, not just the total.
Can I get an exact price online?
No. The ranges and planner give a budget bracket. Your exact price comes from an on-site quote after we measure, check grade and access, and review permit needs.
Related deck information
From guide to site plan
Get an on-site deck quote
Call (647) 459-7775 or send the essentials. Your exact price comes from an on-site quote.