We are a trusted deck builder in Toronto, Richmond Hill, Markham, and other nearby areas.
Building a deck in Toronto means dealing with harsh winters, humid summers, and everything Mother Nature throws at your backyard. After building hundreds of decks across the GTA, we’ve seen how different materials hold up to our unique climate challenges. The material you pick really decides whether you’ll spend your time relaxing or just maintaining the deck.
Composite decking usually strikes the best balance of durability and low maintenance for most Toronto homeowners. PVC shines in wet spots, IPE lasts seemingly forever, and cedar brings classic looks at a price that won’t make you wince. Each has its own perks, and what works for your neighbour might not work for you.
Let’s get into real-world performance, what you’ll need to do to keep things looking good, and what you’ll actually pay. Whether your yard is shady and damp or sunny and hot, knowing how these four materials behave in Toronto will help you end up with a deck you can actually enjoy for years.
Key Takeaways
- Composite decking handles Toronto’s climate well and doesn’t need much upkeep
- Your material choice seriously affects long-term costs and how much time you’ll spend maintaining your deck
- Installation and building codes can vary a lot depending on what you pick
Overview of Decking Materials
Toronto homeowners usually choose between composite boards (wood fibres + plastic), all-synthetic PVC, high-end IPE hardwood, or classic cedar. Each option has its own pros and cons in terms of durability, maintenance, and cost.
Composite Decking Essentials
Composite decking blends wood fibres with recycled plastic and binding agents to make boards that shrug off weather. We’ve put in a ton of composite decks around Toronto, and honestly, they live up to the low-maintenance hype.
Most composite boards have a protective cap that keeps moisture and stains out. This tech has gotten way better since the early days.
Composite highlights:
- Good moisture resistance (not totally waterproof)
- Minimal yearly maintenance
- Lots of wood-grain textures and colours
- Gets warm in sun, but not as hot as some
Brands like Trex, TimberTech, and Fiberon lead the way, offering 25-35 year warranties. Composite costs less than PVC and needs way less upkeep than real wood.
PVC Decking Basics
PVC decking is just polyvinyl chloride—no wood at all. That makes it completely waterproof, unlike composites.
We usually suggest PVC for pool decks or anywhere that stays wet. The boards are capped on all sides, so water can’t sneak in.
PVC perks:
- Totally waterproof
- Cooler underfoot than composite
- Solid core for toughness
- Long warranties (30-50 years is normal)
PVC boards flex more than composites, so manufacturers stick with solid cores. It’s pricier up front, but you won’t have to worry about water damage.
Both materials heat up in the sun, though PVC cools off quicker. We always recommend lighter colours for decks that bake all day.
IPE Wood Characteristics
IPE is the luxury choice for wood decking. It’s a Brazilian hardwood that can last 40+ years with some care.
IPE’s density makes it naturally bug- and rot-resistant. Around here, we’ve seen IPE decks from decades ago still going strong.
IPE basics:
- Super dense (it’ll sink in water)
- Naturally resists bugs and decay
- Deep chocolate-brown colour, turns silver-grey over time
- Needs pre-drilling for fasteners
You’ll need carbide-tipped tools to cut it, so expect higher labour costs.
Maintenance means cleaning and maybe oiling to keep the colour. If you skip the oil, it’ll just fade to a nice silver.
IPE isn’t cheap, but it’s tough to beat if you want a deck that outlasts you.
Cedar Decking Overview
Cedar gives you classic wood looks at a friendlier price. It naturally resists bugs and moisture, though not as much as hardwoods.
Most cedar in Toronto is local, which keeps costs down and supports nearby suppliers. It’s easy to work with, so installation is pretty straightforward.
Cedar features:
- Natural oils fight decay
- Lighter than hardwoods
- Smells great (if that matters to you)
- Needs annual staining or sealing
Western Red Cedar holds up better than Eastern types. It starts out reddish, then fades to silver-grey if you let it go.
You’ll get a longer life with regular sealing. Factor that into your budget when comparing overall costs.
Cedar’s a solid pick if you want real wood without breaking the bank.
Key Performance Comparisons for Toronto Backyards
Toronto’s climate is rough on decks. Each material reacts differently to our freeze-thaw cycles, humidity, and wild temperature swings.
Durability and Lifespan
IPE takes the crown with a 50-100 year lifespan if you maintain it. Some IPE decks from the ‘90s still look amazing.
Cedar usually lasts about 25 years here. Freeze-thaw cycles wear it down, but sealing helps a lot.
Composite decking sits in the middle. Most brands offer 25-50 year warranties, and in our experience, they handle Toronto’s seasons just fine.
PVC lasts a long time too, with warranties from 30 years up to “lifetime.” Since it’s synthetic, water and temperature swings don’t really bother it.
| Material | Expected Lifespan | Warranty Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| IPE | 50-100 years | Limited/None |
| Cedar | 25 years | Limited |
| Composite | 25-50 years | 25-50 years |
| PVC | 30+ years | 30 years-Lifetime |
Moisture Resistance and Climate Suitability
Toronto’s muggy summers and snowy winters really test a deck’s moisture resistance. PVC wins easily—water just can’t get in.
IPE naturally shrugs off water because it’s so dense. We rarely see rot in IPE decks, even after years of abuse.
Cedar has oils that help, but if you skip sealing, it’ll start to break down—especially in spots that stay wet.
Composite boards vary. Capped ones are much better at resisting water, but you still need good airflow and drainage.
It’s not just about water—it’s about how well the boards handle freezing and thawing. Ice can mess up cheap composite, but IPE and PVC stay stable.
Janka Hardness and Structural Strength
Janka hardness tells you how well a material resists dents. IPE is off the charts at 3,510 lbf.
Cedar is way softer at 350 lbf. It works for decks, but heavy furniture can leave marks.
PVC doesn’t have a Janka rating, but it’s tough enough for anything you’d put on a deck.
Composites are usually strong enough for regular use, but hardness varies by brand—some budget lines wear faster than you’d like.
For structure, we look at load capacity too. IPE is a beast, while cedar needs closer joist spacing to stay strong.
Maintenance and Upkeep Needs
Each decking material asks for a different level of care. Composite and PVC are pretty much “set it and forget it,” but IPE and cedar need more hands-on work to keep them looking good and holding together.
Cleaning Requirements
Composite decking just needs a wash with soap and water a few times a year. A soft brush gets the dirt out. For tough stains, a mild bleach mix does the trick.
PVC decking is even easier. Most of the time, a quick rinse with the hose is enough. The smooth surface keeps dirt from sticking.
IPE decking needs a bit more elbow grease. We use wood cleaners and a gentle pressure wash to clear off grime. The oils can make it slippery if you let it go.
Cedar decking needs gentle cleaning with wood-safe products. Don’t go too hard with the pressure washer or you’ll gouge the boards.
Staining and Sealing
Natural wood decks need regular staining and sealing to survive Toronto’s wild weather. Cedar usually needs it every year or so; IPE can go two or three years between coats.
We always sand before staining to help it stick. It’s a weekend job, and you need the weather to cooperate.
Composite and PVC decks don’t need staining at all. They keep their colour, and you’ll save a lot of time and money over the years.
Resistance to Fading, Rot, and Insects
PVC decking is pretty much immune to fading, rot, and bugs—no wood, no problem.
Composite decking is good, but you might see some fading after 10-15 years. The newer capped products are way better at holding colour.
IPE barely notices insects or rot, but it fades to silver if you don’t oil it. Cedar is softer and more vulnerable, so you really have to keep up with maintenance.
If you want the lowest-maintenance option, synthetic materials usually win in Toronto.
Aesthetic and Design Flexibility
Each material brings its own look and design options, and that can totally change the feel of your outdoor space. Colour, grain, and how well you can match everything up all vary quite a bit.
Colour and Grain Options
Composite decking has the biggest range—most brands offer 10-15 colours. We’ve installed everything from deep browns to modern greys. The grain patterns are convincing, and the premium lines look almost like real wood.
PVC decking usually comes in 6-10 shades and holds its colour for decades. It won’t develop that aged look like wood or composite does.
IPE starts out golden brown to dark chocolate. If you skip the oil, it turns a classy silver-grey. The grain is tight and looks high-end.
Cedar gives you honey and reddish tones, with lots of grain and knots for a rustic vibe.
Matching Deck Boards and Railings
Composite and PVC brands sell entire systems—deck boards, railings, trim, the works—so everything matches perfectly.
Composite systems usually have the most accessory options. You get matching fascia, post caps, even fancy trim.
PVC keeps its colour the best, so your deck and railings look the same for years.
With IPE and cedar, you need to plan more if you want everything to match. We often pair wood boards with black aluminum or composite railings for a cool contrast.
Integrating Flooring and Lighting Elements
Hidden fasteners work great with composite and PVC, giving you a smooth surface—perfect for adding lighting. We often tuck LED strips between boards or into the rails for a nice evening glow.
Composite is easy to route for wiring, so you can get creative with lighting and outlets.
PVC is flexible and easy to work with, so custom lighting is no problem. You can even heat and bend it to fit odd shapes.
With IPE and cedar, you need to plan ahead for wiring. We usually run cables underneath and bring them up through sealed holes.
Both woods look awesome with classic lighting fixtures, giving a warm, natural feel.
Installation, Tools, and Building Considerations
Each material needs different tools and techniques. Framing has to support the weight, and cutting methods aren’t all the same.
Framing and Structural Support
We always start with solid framing. Cedar needs standard 16-inch joist spacing, but IPE is heavier and needs joists closer together—12 inches or less.
Composite and PVC usually call for 12- or 16-inch spacing, depending on the brand. Sometimes you’ll need extra blocking for support.
Concrete footings have to be sized for the material. IPE is a lot heavier than cedar or PVC.
We stick with pressure-treated lumber for all framing, no matter the deck surface. The frame is the backbone, so we don’t cut corners there.
Cutting and Handling Materials
Cedar cuts well with a standard circular saw and a carbide blade. We always pre-drill nail holes near the ends to avoid splitting.
IPE is a different beast—its density means we have to use carbide-tipped blades and slow down the pace. Pre-drilling for every fastener isn’t optional; it’s a must.
Composite materials cut much like softwoods, but they kick up fine dust. We wear masks and use dust collection whenever we can.
PVC decking cuts best with a fine-tooth blade made for plastics. These boards expand and contract more than others, so we pay close attention to gap spacing when installing.
Required Tools and Accessories
Our usual tool kit covers saws, drills, levels, and measuring tapes for any deck build. But the right add-ons for each material can really separate a DIY job from a pro finish.
For IPE, we bring out the carbide drill bits, countersinks, and sometimes even rent pneumatic nailers made for hardwoods. Regular bits just don’t cut it—they dull out fast.
Composite and PVC decks need their own fasteners. Hidden fastening systems look sharp but only work with the right clips and tools from the manufacturer.
We always toss in extra blades, safety gear, and the right fasteners for the job. Running out of supplies halfway through? That’s a headache nobody wants.
Cost Factors and Project Planning
Figuring out the real cost of a deck isn’t just about the boards. Labour, warranties, and the value you’ll get over the years all play a big part in what you actually spend—and they should steer your choices.
Material Pricing Breakdown
Composite decking usually lands between $8-15 per square foot in Toronto, so it’s a solid mid-range pick. Brand and product line push the price up or down.
PVC decking sits higher, $12-18 per square foot. It’s a bigger upfront hit, but you’ll barely spend on upkeep later.
Ipe is the luxury hardwood, ranging from $10-20 per square foot. That spread comes down to grade and where it’s sourced.
Cedar stays the most affordable at $4-8 per square foot. Just remember: low upfront cost means you’ll spend more on maintenance as the years go by.
Other stuff like fasteners, joists, and hardware add another 15-25% to the material bill, no matter which decking you pick.
Labour and Installation Costs
Hiring pros bumps your cost by $3-8 per square foot. The price depends on how fancy your design is and how easy it is to get to your site.
Composite and PVC decks can cost a bit more to install because of their unique fasteners and cutting needs. We’ve found these materials slow things down with all the special tools and steps.
Ipe racks up the highest labour charges. Every hole gets pre-drilled, and those tough boards chew through bits—so the job takes longer.
Cedar is the simplest to work with, so labour costs usually stay on the low end. It cuts smoothly and takes standard fasteners—no fuss.
Site prep can tack on another $2-5 per square foot, depending on your yard and what kind of base your deck needs.
Warranty and Long-Term Value
Most composite brands cover you for 25-30 years against stains, fading, and structural issues. That’s real peace of mind.
PVC decking sometimes comes with warranties up to 50 years for defects. Manufacturers really stand behind this stuff.
Ipe doesn’t come with a warranty, but if you take care of it, it can last 40-75 years. Its lifespan makes the upfront cost easier to swallow.
Cedar warranties are short—usually just 1-2 years for defects. It’s tough to guarantee natural wood over the long haul.
Maintenance costs matter, too. Cedar needs yearly treatment, but composite and PVC only want a good cleaning now and then.
Brand Comparisons and Product Highlights
TimberTech and AZEK are the big names in manufactured decking, and they’ve earned their reputations. Vinyl decking fills a niche for waterproof applications. Trex and Fiberon offer solid alternatives with their own styles and features.
TimberTech and AZEK Overview
TimberTech and AZEK have consistently impressed us in the field. We’ve watched them shrug off stains, scratches, and even stuff like bug spray or sunscreen.
TimberTech focuses on composite boards with recycled content. Their colours hold up really well, and they’ve got options from budget lines to top-tier capped composites.
AZEK makes PVC boards that don’t soak up water at all, so they’re great around pools or damp spots. They also make trim and roofing pieces to match their decks.
Both brands stand by their products. TimberTech offers 25-30 year limited warranties, depending on the line. AZEK gives lifetime limited warranties against rot, decay, and bugs.
Vinyl Decking Uses
Vinyl decking isn’t just for boards—it’s often used as a waterproof membrane over existing decks, especially above living spaces.
We like it for raised decks over patios or roofs where leaks could be a disaster. The seamless surface keeps water out of the structure below.
Proper prep is key with vinyl—getting the substrate right and making sure there’s good drainage and airflow. Colour choices are more limited than composite or PVC boards, though.
Pool decks do well with vinyl because it’s slip-resistant and shrugs off chlorine. It also stays cooler in the sun compared to composite.
Other Major Brands
Trex leads the composite world in both name and availability. Their new capped lines stand up to stains and fading much better than the old ones. We keep a range of Trex colours in stock for quick jobs.
Fiberon is another strong contender, with cool colour patterns and a Paramount line that’s tough against scratches and stains. Fiberon usually comes in a bit cheaper than TimberTech but still performs well.
Wolf makes PVC decking with some handy fastening options. Their boards have convincing wood grain and come in a few widths. Wolf’s parts also work well for custom railings.
Canadian suppliers keep these brands on hand. We usually suggest Trex or Fiberon for tighter budgets, and TimberTech or AZEK when clients want the best durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Toronto homeowners have plenty of questions before they commit to a deck. Here’s what we get asked most about cost, durability, maintenance, and how these materials handle our wild weather.
What are the pros and cons of composite decking compared to its wooden counterparts?
Composite decking holds up better against fading, stains, and splinters than wood. We’ve seen composite decks look sharp for years without the hassle of annual staining or sealing.
The downside? You’ll pay more upfront—composite usually costs 30-50% more than pressure-treated lumber.
Composite doesn’t get as hot as PVC in the summer, but some folks say it feels less “real” under bare feet. Still, brands like Trex and TimberTech now mimic wood grain pretty convincingly.
Wood decks have a charm and warmth you can’t quite copy with composites. But in Toronto, wood needs a lot of love—cleaning and sealing every year or two to keep it from turning grey and rough.
How does PVC decking hold up against intense sunlight and fluctuating Toronto weather?
PVC decking handles Toronto’s freeze-thaw cycles like a champ. We’ve checked in on PVC decks after five years of brutal winters and blazing summers—they still look new.
Unlike wood, PVC doesn’t crack, warp, or split when the temperature swings. It also resists UV fading better than older composites.
The only real complaint is heat—light colours stay comfortable, but dark PVC can get uncomfortably hot in direct sun.
PVC’s water resistance is a real plus, especially near pools or where snow piles up. With proper installation, rot and mould just aren’t concerns.
Could you break down the cost differences between various deck materials, including IPE and cedar?
Pressure-treated lumber is the budget pick at about $8-12 per square foot installed. Cedar comes in at around $12-18 per square foot, including installation.
Composite decking usually falls between $15-25 per square foot installed, depending on the brand and style. High-end composites can hit $30 per square foot.
IPE is the splurge—expect $20-35 per square foot installed. Its price reflects how tough and rare it is.
PVC lands in the middle, usually $18-28 per square foot. These ballpark numbers include pro installation, but your final price depends on your deck’s size and design.
Which decking material would you recommend for the least amount of maintenance over time?
PVC is the clear winner if you want low maintenance. We tell folks they’ll just need to hose it down now and then.
Composite is next—no staining or sealing, just the occasional wash. Some boards might need a little extra cleaning if mildew shows up in shady spots.
IPE wants annual cleaning and a bit of oil if you want to keep its colour. If you skip the oil, it goes grey but stays strong.
Cedar and pressure-treated wood are the highest maintenance. Both need yearly cleaning and sealing or staining to look good and last.
I’ve heard IPE is pricey; how does its lifespan justify the cost compared to composite decking?
IPE can last 40-60 years with just basic care, while composite boards usually last 20-30. Over time, IPE can actually work out to be a better deal.
Its density makes it naturally tough against rot, bugs, and weather. We’ve seen IPE decks after 20 years that still look fantastic with just routine cleaning.
Composite is reliable, but after 15-20 years in high-traffic spots, you might see some wear. That’s something to consider when thinking long-term.
IPE also boosts resale value more than composite. Buyers notice the upgrade.
In the end, it’s about your budget and how long you plan to stick around.
Are there any superior alternatives to wood for decking that I should consider for durability and aesthetics?
These days, high-end composite products really give wood a run for its money in both looks and toughness. Brands like TimberTech and Fiberon have managed to pull off wood-grain textures and natural color shifts that are pretty convincing.
Mineral-based decking is a newer option that blends durability with a surprisingly authentic look. It handles heat better than PVC and still keeps maintenance to a minimum—kind of the best of both worlds if you ask me.
Capped composite decking takes things up a notch by wrapping a polymer shell around the core. That shell does a solid job blocking stains and fading, way better than what you get with regular composite boards.
If you want the top tier, check out PVC boards that come embossed with a wood-grain finish. They’re about as tough as it gets, and they look a lot better than the old smooth PVC panels.
Sure, all these alternatives come with a higher upfront price tag than wood, but you won’t have to keep pouring time and money into maintenance year after year.