We build from the ground up, framing, decking, railings, stairs, and the trim details that separate a deck that lasts from one that greys out and sags in five years. Below we walk through your material choices, what the build actually involves, and what moves the cost, so you can plan a $6,000 to $15,000-plus project with clear information.
Cedar, composite, or pressure-treated: choosing your decking
The material you walk on is the biggest decision you will make, and there is no single right answer, only the right answer for how you plan to use the deck and maintain it. Here is the honest trade-off on the three we build with most on the Island.
- Western red cedar: warm, natural, and local to the coast. It looks beautiful and works with almost any home, but it needs periodic cleaning and re-oiling to keep its colour and resist the wet.
- Composite (capped PVC or wood-composite): the low-maintenance choice. It costs more up front but does not rot, splinter, or need staining, which pays off over years of coastal weather.
- Pressure-treated fir: the budget-friendly structural workhorse, common for framing and for decks where cost is the priority. It moves and greys more than cedar and wants regular maintenance.
- Most homeowners we build for land on cedar for the look or composite for the low upkeep. We will talk you through both against your budget and how much maintenance you actually want to do.
What a deck build looks like
A deck is a real construction project with footings, framing, and finish work. We keep it organized so you always know what is happening in your yard and what it costs.
- Site visit and design: we look at your grade, the house, sightlines, and how you want to use the space, then put a design, material list, and price in writing.
- Permits: where the deck height or size requires it, we handle the municipal building permit so the structure is legal and inspected.
- Footings and framing: we set proper footings for our clay soil, then frame with the right beam and joist spacing for your decking and span.
- Decking and railing: we lay the boards clean and consistent, then build the railing, whether that is glass, aluminum, or wood.
- Stairs, skirting, and finish: stairs, privacy screens, under-deck trim, and the details that make it feel finished.
- Cleanup and walkthrough: we tidy the site and walk the finished deck with you.
What drives the cost
We do not publish a flat price because no two Victoria decks are the same, and a firm number before we see the site would not be honest. A deck is a considered, high-value project, and the price is set by the design and the site, not a menu. These are the factors that move it most:
- Size and shape: square footage and how many corners, levels, or angles the design has
- Decking material: pressure-treated, cedar, and composite sit at very different price points
- Height off the ground: a raised deck needs more structure, taller posts, and often stairs and railing
- Railing choice: wood is the most affordable, aluminum and glass cost more but open up the view
- Site and access: sloped or rocky ground, tight side-yard access, and difficult footings all add labour
- Extras: built-in benches, planters, privacy screens, lighting, and under-deck finishing
Why coastal decks need to be built differently
Two things work against a deck in Greater Victoria. First, the wet: our long rainy season keeps wood damp for months, which is hard on fasteners, framing, and any board that traps water. Second, the ground: much of the region sits on dense marine clay that heaves and holds moisture, so footings have to be done right or the deck moves with the seasons. When we build here we detail for drainage, use coastal-grade fasteners and flashing, and set footings for our soil, not a dry-climate spec. That is the difference between a deck that still feels solid in fifteen years and one that does not.
Common questions
How long does it take to build a deck?
Most single-family decks take about one to two weeks of on-site work once we start, depending on size, height, railing type, and weather. Design, material ordering, and any permit add time before the build. We give you a realistic timeline in the written scope.
Do I need a permit to build a deck in Victoria?
Often yes. Most municipalities in Greater Victoria require a building permit once a deck is above a certain height or attached to the house. The exact trigger varies by municipality. We confirm what your project needs and handle the permit when one is required.
Cedar or composite: which should I choose?
Cedar gives you a warm, natural look at a lower up-front cost but wants regular cleaning and oiling. Composite costs more to install but does not rot, splinter, or need staining, which suits our wet coast and busy homeowners. We help you weigh look, budget, and maintenance at the site visit.
How long does a cedar deck last on the coast?
A well-built and maintained cedar deck commonly lasts 15 to 25 years or more here, and the structure underneath can last longer. Regular cleaning and re-oiling is what protects the surface through our wet winters. Composite decking typically outlasts cedar with far less upkeep.