When it comes to enhancing your outdoor living space, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to build a covered or open deck. Both options offer unique advantages that can transform your backyard into a versatile entertainment area. As deck building professionals with over 20 years of experience, we’ve helped countless homeowners navigate this important choice.
The right deck type for your needs depends on your climate, lifestyle, and how you plan to use the space. In regions with heavy rainfall like British Columbia or hot summers in Ontario, a covered deck provides shelter from the elements, extending your outdoor season. Open decks, meanwhile, offer unobstructed views, natural sunlight, and often come with a lower price tag—perfect for those who prioritize stargazing or sunbathing.
We’ve noticed that many homeowners don’t consider how their deck will function throughout all four Canadian seasons. Your deck should be an investment that serves your family year-round, not just during the summer months. Understanding the pros and cons of each option will help you make a decision you’ll be happy with for years to come.
Key Takeaways
- Covered decks extend usability throughout Canadian seasons but require higher initial investment and regular maintenance.
- Open decks provide flexibility, natural sunlight, and typically cost less while offering easier customization options.
- Your location, weather patterns, and intended use should guide your deck style choice more than current design trends.
Understanding Deck Types
When planning your outdoor space, choosing between covered and open decks significantly impacts functionality and enjoyment throughout Canadian seasons. These two primary deck types offer distinct advantages depending on your lifestyle, local climate, and intended use.
Defining Covered Decks
Covered decks feature roofing structures that provide protection from the elements, allowing for extended outdoor enjoyment despite rain, snow, or intense sunlight. These structures range from simple roof extensions to elaborate designs with ceiling fans, lighting, and even integrated heating elements.
We find that covered decks particularly suit homeowners in areas with heavy precipitation or harsh sun exposure. The covering extends the usable seasons of your outdoor space, often adding 2-3 months of comfortable use in spring and autumn.
Materials for covered decks typically include:
- Roofing: Asphalt shingles, metal, polycarbonate panels
- Support structures: Treated lumber, cedar, or steel posts
- Ceiling options: Exposed beams, finished wood, vinyl
The addition of a roof also creates opportunities for ceiling fans, recessed lighting, and speakers. Many of our clients appreciate how covered decks protect outdoor furniture and barbecues from weather damage, reducing maintenance and replacement costs.
Defining Open Decks
Open decks offer an unobstructed connection to the outdoors with no permanent overhead structure. These designs maximize sunlight exposure and provide unimpeded views of the sky, making them ideal for stargazing and enjoying sunny days.
We build open decks using a variety of materials, with pressure-treated lumber, cedar, composite, and PVC being the most popular options in Canada. Each material offers different maintenance requirements and longevity in our variable climate.
Open decks typically cost 20-30% less than comparable covered options due to simplified construction requirements. This makes them an attractive option for budget-conscious homeowners or those with limited outdoor space.
For sun protection, open decks can incorporate temporary solutions such as:
- Retractable awnings
- Large patio umbrellas
- Shade sails
Many homeowners appreciate the flexibility of open designs, which can be more easily modified or expanded in the future. These decks also integrate seamlessly with garden spaces, creating a natural flow between built and planted areas.
Comparing Benefits
Both covered and open decks offer unique advantages that can enhance your outdoor living experience. The right choice depends on your specific needs, local climate, and how you plan to use your outdoor space.
Advantages of Covered Decks
Covered decks provide protection from the elements, making them usable in various weather conditions. We’ve found that our clients in rainy regions particularly appreciate being able to enjoy their outdoor space even during light precipitation.
The roof structure also shields your outdoor furniture and decking materials from harsh UV rays, significantly extending their lifespan. This protection can save you hundreds of dollars in replacement costs over time.
Temperature control is another major benefit. During hot summer days, a covered deck provides necessary shade, making the space up to 10-15 degrees cooler than exposed areas. This comfort factor allows for longer and more frequent use of your outdoor space.
For families who entertain often, covered decks offer the reliability of scheduled events regardless of weather forecasts. No need to worry about last-minute cancellations due to unexpected rain!
Advantages of Open Decks
Open decks connect you directly with nature, offering unobstructed views of the sky and surrounding landscape. Many of our clients choose this option to enjoy stargazing or maximize vitamin D exposure during Canada’s shorter winter days.
Cost is a significant advantage of open decks. Without the need for support posts, roofing materials, and additional labour, open decks typically cost 30-40% less than their covered counterparts. This makes them an excellent choice for homeowners working with tighter budgets.
The construction process for open decks is also considerably shorter. We can usually complete an open deck in about half the time of a covered structure, meaning less disruption to your daily routine.
Open decks offer greater flexibility for future modifications. If your needs change, converting an open deck to a covered one is simpler than reconfiguring an existing covered structure. This adaptability provides long-term value as your lifestyle evolves.
Design Considerations
When planning your deck, thoughtful design decisions will significantly impact your enjoyment of the space for years to come. Both covered and open decks offer distinct advantages that should align with your specific needs and local climate.
Aesthetic Appeal
Covered decks create a defined outdoor room feel that can seamlessly extend your home’s architectural style. We often incorporate ceiling treatments like tongue-and-groove cedar or beadboard to enhance visual appeal from below. Lighting fixtures, fans, and even integrated speakers can be mounted directly to the structure.
Open decks offer a more minimalist aesthetic that emphasizes connection with nature. The unobstructed views to the sky provide a sense of spaciousness that many homeowners prefer. Without overhead constraints, you can get creative with built-in planters, fire features, or decorative pergolas that add visual interest without full coverage.
In both designs, railing choices dramatically impact appearance. Glass panels maximize views, while cable systems offer modern appeal. Traditional wood balusters complement heritage homes beautifully.
Functional Use
A covered deck significantly extends your outdoor season, especially in our Canadian climate. Protection from rain, snow, and intense summer sun means you’ll use this space more frequently throughout the year. We can design heating solutions like infrared panels or outdoor fireplaces for cooler evenings.
Open decks shine during perfect weather conditions, offering unfiltered sunlight for sunbathing and stargazing opportunities. They typically cost less to build and maintain than covered options. Many homeowners appreciate the flexibility to add portable umbrellas or shade sails as needed.
Consider your primary activities when choosing. Dining areas benefit greatly from overhead protection, while lounging spaces might be split between covered and open zones for versatility.
Privacy and Exposure
Covered decks naturally create more intimate, private spaces. The roof structure inherently blocks sightlines from upstairs neighbours or nearby buildings. We can enhance privacy by incorporating partial walls, lattice screens, or outdoor curtain systems along the perimeter.
Weather exposure differs dramatically between options. Covered decks remain usable during light rain but require proper drainage design to prevent water pooling. Snow accumulation on covered structures demands appropriate engineering for your local snow load requirements.
Open decks face direct environmental exposure, which affects both comfort and maintenance. Wood surfaces will weather more quickly without protection. Strategic landscaping with trees or vertical gardens can provide natural privacy buffers around open decks.
For multi-level properties, a combination approach often works best – covered upper deck protecting an open lower patio.
Weather Influence
Weather conditions play a crucial role in determining whether a covered or open deck is the right choice for your home. The protection offered by different deck styles directly impacts how often you’ll use your outdoor space and how well it will hold up over time.
Climate Compatibility
In Canadian climates, covered decks offer significant advantages in areas with heavy rainfall or snowfall. They protect the deck surface from moisture damage, reducing maintenance requirements and extending the lifespan of your investment.
We’ve found that homeowners in coastal British Columbia particularly benefit from covered structures due to the frequent rain. The covering prevents wood from warping and helps maintain furnishings in good condition.
Open decks work brilliantly in drier regions like southern Alberta or the Okanagan Valley. They allow for maximum sunlight exposure and heat absorption during our shorter summers.
Your local microclimate matters too. Properties with natural windbreaks or abundant shade trees might require different considerations than exposed lots where sun and precipitation hit with full force.
Seasonal Usage
Covered decks dramatically extend your outdoor season in Canada’s variable climate. With proper design, we can create spaces usable from early spring through late autumn—sometimes even during milder winter days.
Adding features like outdoor heaters, fireplaces, or retractable screens makes covered decks functional nearly year-round. Many of our clients enjoy morning coffee outdoors well into October with the right setup.
Open decks shine during our summer months but typically see less use during shoulder seasons. They’re perfect for:
- Sunbathing and vitamin D absorption
- Stargazing on clear nights
- Grilling without ventilation concerns
- Enjoying unobstructed views
Weather-resistant furniture and proper drainage solutions can improve an open deck’s functionality during inclement weather. For maximum flexibility, some homeowners opt for a partially covered design that offers the best of both worlds.
Maintenance and Durability
Both covered and open decks require regular maintenance to ensure their longevity, but the extent and frequency of upkeep tasks vary significantly between these two options. Weather exposure plays a crucial role in determining maintenance requirements.
Covered Deck Upkeep
Covered decks offer significant protection from harsh elements, which translates to less frequent maintenance. We’ve found that covered structures typically need resealing or restaining every 2-3 years, compared to annual treatments for exposed decks. The roof shields deck boards from direct sunlight, rain, and snow, reducing UV damage and moisture-related issues like warping or rot.
However, covered decks aren’t completely maintenance-free. They require:
- Structural checks: Annual inspection of support beams and roof connections
- Gutter cleaning: Quarterly clearing of debris to prevent water damage
- Pest management: Regular checks for insects that might nest in the sheltered area
In our experience, clients with covered decks spend about 40% less time on maintenance compared to those with open structures. The initial investment typically pays off within 5-7 years through reduced maintenance costs alone.
Open Deck Preservation
Open decks face the full brunt of Canadian weather conditions, requiring more vigilant care. Without protection, wood decking typically needs annual or bi-annual resealing or restaining to prevent damage from rain, snow, and UV rays.
We recommend these preservation steps for open decks:
- Thorough cleaning: Power washing at least once yearly
- Surface treatments: Annual application of water-repellent sealers
- Inspection routine: Quarterly checks for loose boards, protruding nails, or early signs of rot
Open decks made from composite materials offer improved durability with simpler maintenance—usually just regular cleaning. However, even these materials fade faster without overhead protection.
Snow removal becomes crucial for open decks in winter months. Heavy snow loads can damage boards and railings, creating potential safety hazards. We’ve seen many clients install snow shields or partial covers as a compromise after experiencing their first winter with a fully exposed deck.
Installation and Costs
Understanding the budget implications of your deck project is essential before breaking ground. Cost factors vary significantly between covered and open designs, with materials, labour, and long-term maintenance all playing important roles in your decision.
Building Material Options
When selecting materials for your deck, we recommend considering both aesthetics and durability. Pressure-treated lumber remains the most economical option at $15-$25 per square foot for open decks. For covered structures, we typically use more robust framing materials to support the roof load, increasing costs by 30-40%.
Cedar and composite decking offer excellent middle-ground options at $25-$40 per square foot. These materials provide better longevity than standard pressure-treated wood. For covered decks, roofing materials add another dimension to your decision.
Popular Roofing Options:
- Asphalt shingles: $3-$5 per square foot
- Metal roofing: $8-$14 per square foot
- Polycarbonate panels: $5-$12 per square foot
Labour and Time Estimates
Open decks typically require 2-4 weeks to complete, depending on size and complexity. A simple 200-square-foot open deck might take our crew 1-2 weeks. Covered structures generally add another 1-2 weeks to the timeline due to the additional roof construction and finishing work.
Labour costs in Canada currently range from $30-$50 per hour for skilled deck builders. For a typical project, labour represents about 40-60% of your total budget. Weather conditions can significantly impact timelines, especially during our Canadian winters.
Most municipalities require permits for both deck types, but covered structures often face more regulatory scrutiny. We handle all permitting processes for our clients, though this may add 2-3 weeks to your project timeline before construction begins.
Long-Term Value
Covered decks typically cost 50-75% more than comparable open decks initially, but often deliver greater long-term value. The roof structure protects your investment from weather damage, extending the life of decking materials by 5-10 years on average.
Maintenance costs for open decks are generally higher over time. We find that our clients with open decks typically spend $200-$500 annually on cleaning, staining, and repairs. Covered deck owners often spend 30-40% less on yearly maintenance.
From a resale perspective, covered decks typically recoup 70-80% of construction costs compared to 55-65% for open designs. Properties with well-built covered outdoor spaces are increasingly desirable in our Canadian climate, where protection from rain, snow, and harsh sun extends the usable outdoor season significantly.
Permits and Regulations
Navigating the regulatory landscape for deck construction can be daunting, but understanding the requirements is crucial before breaking ground on your project. Both covered and open decks have different permit requirements depending on your location.
Local Building Codes
Building codes vary significantly across Canadian municipalities, with specific requirements for both covered and open decks. In most regions, covered decks face stricter scrutiny because they’re considered structural additions to your home.
These structures typically require detailed plans showing roof attachment methods, snow load calculations, and proper footings. Open decks have somewhat simpler requirements, but still need proper documentation.
We’ve found that zoning bylaws often dictate how close your deck can be to property lines. This setback requirement may differ between covered and open designs. Covered decks might also affect your home’s lot coverage percentage, potentially limiting your options.
Height restrictions and railing requirements apply to both styles but are especially important for elevated decks. Always check if your neighbourhood has architectural guidelines or homeowner association rules before finalizing designs.
Permit Acquisition Process
Obtaining permits for your deck project follows a predictable pattern in most Canadian municipalities. We recommend starting by visiting your local building department’s website to download application forms and checklist requirements.
For a typical deck permit, you’ll need to submit:
- Detailed construction drawings
- Site plan showing property lines and setbacks
- Material specifications
- Contractor information (if applicable)
The review process usually takes 2-4 weeks, though covered decks often require longer assessment periods due to their complexity. Budget approximately $200-500 for permit fees, with covered decks typically falling at the higher end of this range.
Many homeowners don’t realize that inspections occur at multiple stages, not just upon completion. We schedule these mandatory inspections for footings, framing, and final construction to ensure compliance with approved plans.
Self-built projects face the same requirements as professionally constructed decks. Working without proper permits can result in fines and complicate future home sales.
Frequently Asked Questions
Homeowners often have specific questions about deck types when planning their outdoor living spaces. We’ve compiled answers to the most common inquiries we receive from our Canadian clients to help you make informed decisions for your property.
What are the advantages of having a covered deck attached to your house?
A covered deck offers protection from harsh Canadian weather conditions, allowing you to enjoy outdoor living regardless of rain or intense summer sun. This weather protection extends your usable outdoor season significantly.
Your outdoor furniture and décor will last longer since they won’t be constantly exposed to the elements. This means less maintenance and replacement costs over time.
Covered decks also increase your home’s value and usable square footage, essentially creating an additional outdoor room that can be used for entertaining, dining, or relaxation.
How does the cost of construction and maintenance compare between covered decks and open decks?
Open decks typically cost $30-50 per square foot in most Canadian regions, while covered decks range from $50-100+ per square foot depending on roofing materials and complexity. The substantial difference reflects additional structural requirements and roofing components.
Maintenance costs for open decks tend to be higher over time, as they require more frequent staining, sealing, and repairs due to continuous exposure to our Canadian elements. Covered decks may have higher upfront costs but often provide better long-term value.
Labour costs also increase with covered options due to the specialized carpentry and potential need for electrical work for lighting or ceiling fans.
Can you share some creative ideas for designing a covered deck space?
Built-in furniture and storage solutions maximize your space efficiency while creating a customized look. Consider including hidden storage benches or convertible seating options.
Outdoor kitchens or built-in BBQ stations transform a covered deck into a true entertainment hub. The roof protection allows for more premium appliances and finishes that wouldn’t survive on an open deck.
Layered lighting schemes with recessed ceiling lights, pendant fixtures, and ambient string lights create different moods for various occasions. Many of our clients also incorporate retractable privacy screens or partial glass walls for wind protection.
What are the key differences between a covered patio and a gazebo in terms of functionality and design?
Covered patios extend directly from the house and typically have one open side, offering convenient access to indoor spaces. Gazebos stand independently with open sides and a distinct roof shape, creating a separate outdoor destination.
Patios often feature concrete, stone, or tile bases, while gazebos typically have wooden floors elevated slightly above ground level. This construction difference affects drainage, maintenance requirements, and the overall feel.
Gazebos create a focal point in larger yards but require additional pathways for access. Covered patios blend more seamlessly with your home’s architecture and provide more practical everyday useability.
How does a porch differ from a deck, and which addition could better suit my outdoor space needs?
Porches are typically elevated, roofed structures attached to the front or back entrance of a home with railings and sometimes screens. Decks are usually uncovered platforms that can be attached or freestanding, offering more flexibility in design and location.
Porches tend to be more suitable for properties in neighbourhoods where front-facing social spaces are valued. They create a transitional space between indoors and outdoors that’s ideal for greeting guests or watching street activity.
Decks work better for properties where backyard privacy and maximizing outdoor living space are priorities. They can be built around existing landscape features and expanded more easily than porches.
What are the considerations for deciding whether or not to add a roof to my deck?
Climate plays a crucial role—areas with heavy rainfall or intense summer sun benefit more from covered options. Consider your regional weather patterns and how they affect outdoor enjoyment throughout our Canadian seasons.
Your intended use matters significantly—dining areas and entertainment spaces benefit from coverage, while sunbathing spots or star-gazing areas might be better left open. We recommend considering how you’ll use the space most frequently.
Budget constraints should be assessed realistically, as adding a roof typically increases project costs by 40-70%. The architectural style of your home also matters, as the roof design should complement existing structures for a cohesive appearance.