Cost guide

How Much Does a Deck Cost in Toronto and the GTA?

Installed price ranges per square foot for pressure-treated, cedar, composite and PVC decks, plus railings, stairs, removal and permits.

These are typical installed price ranges for new decks in Toronto and the GTA, including labour and materials, before HST. Your written quote will be specific to your yard, but this gives you a realistic starting budget.

Deck cost per square foot

Decking materialInstalled, per sq ft12 x 16 ft deck (192 sq ft)
Pressure-treated wood$30 to $55$5,760 to $10,560
Cedar$50 to $90$9,600 to $17,280
Composite (mid-range)$55 to $95$10,560 to $18,240
PVC$50 to $110$9,600 to $21,120

The 12 x 16 ft example covers the deck itself. Railings, stairs, removal and permit drawings are added separately below.

Railings, stairs and extras

ItemTypical range
Wood railing$25 to $45 per linear ft
Aluminum picket railing$80 to $150 per linear ft
Glass railing$150 to $400 per linear ft
Stairs, ground-level deck$1,000 to $3,000
Stairs, raised deck$3,000 to $8,000 or more
Old deck removal and disposal$500 to $2,500
Permit drawings, where a permit is required$500 to $2,500, city permit fees extra

What pushes the price up

  • Height off the ground: taller posts, beams, stairs and railings, and often a permit
  • Multi-level decks, angles, curves and picture-frame borders
  • Tighter joist spacing for composite and PVC boards
  • Glass railings, built-in benches, lighting and privacy screens
  • Tight yard access where materials have to be carried in by hand
  • Removing an old deck or poor soil that needs more footing work

What keeps it down

  • A simple rectangle close to the ground
  • Pressure-treated boards, or composite with wood or aluminum railings
  • Reusing a sound frame for a resurface, where the spacing allows
  • Planning early so the build lands outside the spring rush

Do I need a permit?

In most GTA cities, decks more than about 60 cm (2 ft) above the ground need a building permit, and some cities also look at size or whether the deck is attached to the house. When a permit is needed, drawings typically run $500 to $2,500. The city's own permit fee is separate and set by each municipality. See our bylaw guide by city.

Price ranges updated September 2026. They're a budgeting guide, not a quote, and are before HST.

Questions

How much does a 12 x 16 composite deck cost in Toronto?
At $55 to $95 per sq ft, the deck itself runs about $10,560 to $18,240 before HST. Railings, stairs, removal and any permit drawings and city fees are extra.
Is composite worth the extra cost over pressure-treated?
If you plan to stay for years, you save on staining, sealing and board replacement, and get the time back. Pressure-treated is the better choice when budget is the priority.
Why do deck quotes vary so much?
Quotes differ on what's included: footing depth, joist spacing, railings, stairs, removal, permits and cleanup. Compare line by line, not just the total.

Tell us about your deck or fence

Send a few photos and rough measurements. We'll come back with next steps and a time to see the site.

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