This breakdown covers a composite deck built in a Stittsville backyard in 2026. The homeowners replaced a deteriorating 15-year-old pressure-treated wood deck with a new Trex Transcend composite deck. The new deck is 350 square feet (14x25) with a single level, composite railings, built-in LED lighting, and stairs to the backyard. Total cost: $22,400. Timeline: 3 weeks from demolition of the old deck to final cleanup.
Old deck demolition and disposal: $1,800 — Removal of existing 300 sq ft wood deck, railing, and stairs. Hauled to landfill. Permit: $250 — City of Ottawa building permit for deck construction. Footings: $2,400 — 9 helical screw piles installed to below the 48-inch frost line. Chosen over concrete sono tubes for faster installation and no curing time. Frame and structure: $4,200 — Pressure-treated lumber for joists (2x10 at 12" centres), beam, ledger board, joist hangers, and all structural h...
The homeowners chose Trex Transcend composite over pressure-treated wood despite the higher upfront cost. The comparison: Pressure-treated wood deck: $12,000–$14,000 for comparable size, plus $300–$500/year for annual staining and sealing. Over 25 years: $19,500–$26,500 total cost. Trex Transcend composite deck: $22,400 upfront with virtually zero annual maintenance (occasional cleaning only). Over 25 years: $22,400 total cost. The composite deck is actually cheaper over its lifespan while el...
Week 1: Old deck demolition (2 days), helical pile installation (1 day), and framing (2 days). The helical piles were a game-changer — installed in a single morning without concrete pouring or curing time. Week 2: Decking installation (3 days using hidden fasteners), railing installation (2 days). The hidden fastener system (Trex Hideaway) eliminates visible screw heads for a clean look. Week 3: Stairs (1 day), LED lighting installation and wiring (1 day), concrete pad at stair base (1 day), f...
The homeowners had these observations after living with the deck: Add a pergola for shade. The south-facing deck gets very hot in direct summer sun, and composite decking retains more heat than wood. A pergola ($3,000–$8,000) or shade sail ($500–$1,500) would have been worth including in the original project. Choose a lighter colour. The Spiced Rum (medium brown) colour looks beautiful but absorbs more heat than lighter options. In Ottawa's July heat, barefoot walking can be uncomfortable. Lig...
A 350 sq ft Trex composite deck with railings, stairs, and LED lighting costs approximately $22,000. Per square foot, composite decks run $50–$70 installed. Budget wood decks cost $30–$40 per square foot.
A 350 sq ft composite deck takes approximately 3 weeks from demolition of the old deck to completion. Simpler decks without demolition can be completed in 2 weeks.
Yes. Helical screw piles are increasingly popular for Ottawa decks. They're installed below the 48-inch frost line in one day, don't require concrete curing, and can be installed year-round — even in frozen ground.
Darker colours can get warm in direct sun during July and August. Choose lighter colours (grey, tan) for south-facing decks, and consider a pergola or shade structure. The surface temperature is comparable to dark-coloured pavers.
Yes, if the deck is over 24 inches above grade or over 108 square feet. Most backyard decks require a permit. The Stittsville/Ottawa permit costs $200–$500 and takes 2–4 weeks to process.