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Thinking about adding a deck to your cottage in Muskoka or Kawartha Lakes this year? You’re probably wondering what it’ll cost and what can throw your budget off track. In 2025, the average cottage deck in Muskoka or Kawartha Lakes will cost somewhere between $45 and $85 per square foot, depending on the choices we […]

Building a new deck is exciting, but let’s be honest—it’s not just about looks. Choosing fire-rated deck boards protects our outdoor spaces and keeps us on the right side of Ontario building codes. Making smart choices here can help prevent fire risks and give us a deck that actually lasts. Ontario’s weather and safety rules

Decks aren’t just for lounging—they’re a real part of our homes. With tech evolving so quickly, we suddenly have a ton of new ways to make outdoor spaces safer, smarter, and way more efficient. Upgrading a deck with smart lighting and the latest tech means we get more use out of it, stay current, and,

Elevated decks deal with a ton of moisture from rain and snow—if you don’t stay on top of it, boards and framing can go bad fast. Rain-screen cladding gives decks a fighting chance by letting water drain away, keeping the space underneath drier and the whole structure healthier. Picking the right approach for moisture control

Adding a pergola or roof to your existing deck is a clever way to boost your outdoor living and maybe even bump up your home’s value. In 2025, most homeowners are seeing costs anywhere from $3,000 to $12,000, depending on design, size, and what you build with. These upgrades bring comfort, shade, and make your

Building or renovating a deck in Toronto is exciting, but passing a building inspection is one of those steps you just can’t ignore. If your deck doesn’t meet the city’s rules or safety codes, your project could hit a wall—sometimes literally. To pass a Toronto building inspection for a new or renovated deck, you’ve got

Fixing up a deck in Toronto can feel like a big job, and honestly, a lot of us wonder if we should just roll up our sleeves or call in the pros. DIY is tempting—maybe it seems like a way to save a few bucks—but some projects are trickier than they look. The choice between

A lot of GTA homeowners are itching to update their outdoor spaces this year, and honestly, the right deck colour can change the whole vibe. For 2025, deck colour trends in both composite and wood are all about natural tones, deep charcoals, and those rich earthy shades that just seem to work with modern home

A lot of homes just ignore the space under the deck, but honestly, that’s a missed opportunity. Turning the area beneath your deck into storage or a dry hangout spot gives you a bunch of extra usable outdoor space—no need for a pricey addition. Suddenly, there’s room for bikes, tools, or a sheltered nook when

A well-designed deck can add a lot of value to our homes, but high-maintenance plants can make outdoor spaces feel like extra work. Choosing the right low-maintenance plants for Ontario’s unique climate helps us enjoy our decks with less effort. If we pick species that thrive in our region, we’ll spend less time watering, pruning,