Toronto Custom deck design, pergolas, fences, outdoor kitchens, landscaping & interlocking

Toronto custom decks is a custom deck design and contracting company serving the greater Toronto area with deck design & build, fence building, custom kitchens, interlocking & more

TORONTO CUSTOM DECKS

Preserve your composite deck the right way

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In the mid- to late-1990s, thousands of home and business owners jumped at the chance to have their old wooden decks replaced with a newer, sexier building material called composite wood that was heavily promoted as being easier to use, and would last far longer than traditional wood. While a composite deck now enjoys many advantages over wooden decks, first or second generation composites had a critical flaw – the manufacturing process didn’t include additives to prevent the growth of mildew.

Composite wood is made from a mixture of plastic and wood fiber/wood flour – saw dust, basically – which is a top food source for mildew. Thus, many composite decks built right through the early 2000s had the same flaw and suffered from black mildew that was nearly impossible to remove.

Manufacturing processes for composite wood are more advanced now than in the early days, but home and business owners still need to take care with a composite deck to make sure it lasts as long as needed.

Toronto Custom Decks has installed dozens of composite decks all across the greater Toronto area, and while we offer a comprehensive warranty on workmanship, nothing can ensure the life of a composite deck more than simple, ongoing maintenance.

Ways to preserve and maintain a composite deck

  • Before you can seal a composite deck, it needs to be cleaned. Debris such as leaves, branches, and other small items can be removed using a broom and dust pan, but for dirt or stains the best method is using a power washer. If you decide to use a power washer, never exceed 1500 PSI and keep the spray nozzle 12 inches away from the surface of the deck.
  • If you know the name of the company that made the composite wood deck boards, follow their recommendation as to the kind of cleaner than can be used. In most cases, manufacturers have their own brand of cleaner that works best with their product, but you also can use off-the-shelf cleaners as long as they’re formulated for composite wood. In all other cases, avoid cleaners that contain bleach.
  • Seal the deck using a good quality product made especially for a composite deck or, again, contact the composite manufacturer for their recommendation.
  • When sealing a composite deck, follow all of the directions for whatever sealer you buy. There’s no such thing as a good short cut when it comes to quality work.
  • Whether you roll or spray the sealer to apply it, always make sure to use a brush afterwards on each board – before the sealer dries. The bristles on a brush allow the sealer to penetrate the composite better than just letting it sit. In any case, rolling or spraying the sealer then walking away could result in it drying unevenly.
  • Once finished, allow the composite deck to cure for 24 hours before using it. Keep children and other visitors away, especially dogs and other pets.
  • The final recommendation is to clean your composite deck each year with a product especially formulated for composite wood surfaces.

Toronto custom decks specializes in design, construction and installation of composite decks. Call us today for a free one on one consultation where we will visit your backyard, learn about your specific needs, lifestyle and show you our work.

Choose the right materials for your deck railings

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When decks became a fixture across North American neighborhoods in the 1950s and 1960s as the post-World War II economy kicked into high gear, just about the only game in town was wood – wood for the main building material, and wood for the railings and steps. Households in higher income brackets could splurge a little more, but even then the most “exotic” materials used for deck railings were wrought iron or steel.

Over the last several years, more and more homeowners in the Greater Toronto Area have turned to the professionals at ME Contracting to build decks and deck railings featuring the most unique designs and utilizing a variety of building materials tailored for any budget.

Times have changed, trends have come and gone, but consumers are left with more choices for decks and deck railings than at any other time in history. If you’re in the market for a new deck, you’ll invariably need railings to finalize the design.

Here are the building materials homeowners most often choose for deck railings:

  • The number one material for deck railings is wood, particularly well known species like Cedar, Cypress, pressure-treated Pine and Fir, Redwood, composite materials (wood and plastic combined using adhesives), and more costly but durable tropical species like Brazilian hardwood or Ipe (pronounced “ee-pay”). In fact, Ipe is one of the longest lasting woods available, legendary for its ability to withstand the ravages of the environment for 50 years or more after being cut – all without the benefit of sealants.
  • Thanks to advanced mining and manufacturing techniques, iron ore is more plentiful and economically viable as a material for deck railings than ever before. Wrought Iron is versatile and something of an architectural “chameleon” because it can be enhanced with intricate scroll work and details such as lettering and even nature shapes like birds, plants, or flowers. Best of all, wrought iron will last for decades with simple, ongoing maintenance.
  • Many deck railings are now made from reinforced plastic materials, which in some cases cost about 15% more than composite while keeping many of the same characteristics: Uniform appearance, resistant to insects and rot, and cools quickly in hot weather. This type of material requires little maintenance but, as many customers have noted, the colour will fade over time – often to a shade of light gray. Thanks to advanced manufacturing and designs, plastic deck railings can share the same surface appearance and finish as you’d find in their wooden counterparts.
  • Stainless steel is another popular option for deck railings. As a building material, it’s easy to mold and can therefore match many styles. Stainless steel collects its share of smudges and fingerprints but it easy to clean. On the other hand, this material sometimes becomes unbearably hot in warm weather.

Finally, glass as a material for deck railings is perhaps the most extreme example of a luxury building material. Different kinds of materials can be used with tempered glass to create an attractive composition that can enhance views from a deck and provide years of enjoyment.

For more information about railing design and choosing the best deck railings for your project check out our partners here

Enhance your outdoor living space with a new deck

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Even though the economy is slowly recovering, signs of a depression still linger. New mortgages are tough to come by thanks to stricter lending requirements; consumers have spent less during the holiday shopping season, and traditional big ticket items – new cars, family vacations – are few and far between.

But the one area where consumers have dug in their heels is small to medium-sized home renovations to make their residence more comfortable, appealing, and to ensure it retains market value over time. A simple way to achieve such goals is the addition of a new deck by the outdoor design and construction specialists at Toronto Custom Decks.

A stylish and functional deck can be a great addition to any home, but a key component is a high quality deck design that takes in all facets of the project, from layout and integrating it into the existing outdoor space to the type of wood to use to popular features and safety concerns for anyone using the deck – pets included. According to government studies, thousands of people are injured each year falling off decks due to broken railings, steps, and floor boards, making homeowners ultimately responsible for how well the deck has been constructed.

In Canada, each province has their own construction and safety requirements in regards to deck design and construction, but the larger Canada National Building Codes, Part 9, spells out what is and what isn’t required. At Toronto Custom Decks, we follow all applicable codes and regulations to ensure your new deck not only meets the letter of the law, but is also safe and accessible for anyone using it. Development and maintenance of the codes is the responsibility of the Canadian Commission on Building and Fire Codes, an independent committee of volunteers established by the National Research Council of Canada. The codes were first developed in the 1940s and have been updated periodically, including most recently in 2011.

Major safety issues revolve around the construction and placement of railings around the perimeter of the deck and on steps or areas clearly designed for traversing one level to the next, whether going up to another deck level, or down to ground level. Proper deck design calls for handrails to be included where stairs are present, and where the stairs are more than 43 and 5/16 inches wide, and between 31 and a half and 37 and 63/64 inches tall for optimum use.

A professionally designed and built deck can enhance outdoor living space and be a wonderful addition to any home, but it should also be enjoyable to everyone regardless of physical or other disabilities. Safety and security should be of paramount concern, and should be a focal point of the project from initial design through construction and final approval. If the consumer has someone living in the residence with a disability and requires the use of a walker, cane, wheelchair, or other device to enhance mobility, the deck design must include a ramp for proper entrance or exit.

These standards are set by the Canadian government, as well as provincial governments. The government of Ontario, in conjunction with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act of 2005, has established the following standards when building ramps:

  • The ramp must have a maximum gradient of 1:12.
  • The ramp must have a minimum width of 900 millimeters or 35.4 inches.
  • For level landings – at the bottom of the ramp, or the area between one ramp and the next, or the top of the ramp – the landing must be 920 millimeters (36.2 inches) wide and 1500 millimeters (59 inches) long.
  • There must be colour contrast strips at all level landings.
  • The ramps must have edge protection.

In our experience as the Greater Toronto Area’s leading custom deck builder, we’ve seen firsthand numerous examples of homeowners who tried building their own decks, but ran into problems because they were inexperienced, didn’t have the proper materials or equipment, or ran afoul of construction codes they didn’t understand. These speak volumes about the benefits of working with a reputable contractor, but other reasons include:

  • Years of industry experience, particularly with deck design and construction.
  • Membership in professional organizations that allow the contractor to stay informed of new codes, building materials and techniques, and the latest trends in outdoor deck design.
  • Reputable contractors are licensed and insured.
  • All work includes a warranty on workmanship and building materials.
  • Reputable contractors have numerous satisfied customers they can refer potential customers to for questions and answers.

One of the key questions many customers ask is: What features should the deck include? Each deck design is different, based on a customer’s goals, budget, and what they’re going to use the deck for. If they do a lot of entertaining and outdoor cooking, then an outdoor kitchen may be the way to go. Some homeowners like to relax after a hard day at work, and ask for a spot where a hot tub can be installed.

Here are the top deck design trends we’ve seen in recent years:

  1. Comfortable seating areas that bring the indoors into the backyard, including couches, end tables, and other furnishings.
  2. Outdoor kitchens, which can as simple as a barbecue grill with a propane tank or something more elaborate with a built in grill with counters, a sink, and refrigerator.
  3. Bigger decks. Many homeowners are choosing a deck design that spans the width of their home and includes multiple levels.
  4. Renewable building materials, including the use of plastic, glass, wood composites, and steel or iron.
  5. Outdoor theatre systems, including projection screens and high definition projectors, lighting, and stereo components.

A new deck is the perfect way to increase the value of a home, and better utilize existing space that may otherwise go unnoticed or unused. Toronto Custom Decks is committed to value and high quality work, and can find a deck plan that meets your needs and budget. Call us today at 647-878-8780 for more information.

Toronto Decks

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Toronto Deck design and maintenanceHaving a beautiful garden with well-designed interlock and an elegant deck is not out of reach as it used to be.
Today, more and more home owners in Toronto and its surrounding areas are choosing to enjoy spending their free time in their backyard with family and friends.  Building a deck adds a natural and elegant look to your backyard. It is also a great solution for those who do not wish to spend hours on lawn cutting and plants watering.

Decks can come in all kinds of styles and designs. One of the most fashionable design ideas adopted by Torontonians nowadays is to use similar wood for the floor indoors and deck outdoors, extending the rooms to the outside. Adding patio furniture, barbecue and some landscaping creates an inviting environment that starts inside the house and continues to the garden.

Traditionally, decks were made from hard wood and treated wood such as cedar, teak and ipe. In recent years, other materials were introduced in the Canadian market such as composite materials, aluminum and plastic (azek). The material used to build your deck will affect the look and feel of your back yard as well as the maintenance required.

Decks are a relatively cost effective solution that requires low maintenance. It is a good practice to check once a year for cracks and peeling from knots. A light cleaning with a designated cleaning solution and cloth is usually enough. Staining should also be done every few years.

The cold and stormy weather in Toronto may cause some weather damages to your deck over the years. If you wish to keep it on the safe side, use a water-repellent preservative. You can then use a semi-transparent stain. Even if the deck has been maintained with a water-repellent preservative for many years, an oil-based semi-transparent stain will perform sufficiently.

Here are some good tips on how to maintain your deck:

1) Before starting any maintenance, move away furniture, plants, bbq, and any other objects from your deck.
2) Remove rubbish and dirt stuck between the boards.
3) Sweep the deck with a broom to get rid of leaves, dirt and dust
4) Wash the deck using a pressure washer or garden hose.
5) Apply a deck cleaning solution to the deck, rubbing the foam into the deck thoroughly. Allow the foam to sit on the deck for about 15-20 minutes.
6) Rinse the foam off the deck with a garden hose or pressure washer.
7) Re-apply the cleaner if needed

Custom Decks

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Custom Decks
Custom Deck Design

Building custom decks is what we’ve been doing at Toronto Custom Decks since we started in the business.  Having built hundreds of custom decks, we’ve learned a thing or two about the process, and would like to share some ideas. First, before you even think of calling a contractor to help you construct your new custom deck, you will need to do some homework.  As in most things, the more thought you put in up front, the happier you will be with the end result.

Function and Custom Decks
Function is integral to design, so before you decide what kind of wood, stain, variety of lumber or joisting methods you would like used in your custom decks,  ask yourself  two fundamental  questions: The first – what is the purpose of the deck? For example, if the deck is simply an area for your children to play, the end design will be quite different than if it will be a place to entertain guests. Will the deck be a showcase for your cooking or gardening skills? Will there be a year-round BBQ or substantial planters or a herb garden?  Would you like a quiet spot for reading, bird watching or just sitting? If that is the case, perhaps a pergola is a design element that you would like incorporated.
The second question that needs careful thought: What will be the location of the custom deck or will you have several custom decks surrounding your home?   Will the deck(s) be an extension of the home and abut against structural house walls — or will the deck be free standing? How your deck attaches to your home can effect its safety and durability.
Both free-standing and attached decks have pros and cons, and will need to take into consideration the geography and topography of your home. Is your house located on a grade, elevation or ravine? Will stairs need to be incorporated into the design?

Custom Decks – Visualization is key
We have found that the design of custom decks come into focus  once our customers have spent some time imagining and visualizing themselves and their family using the structure. They naturally develop a list of the functional elements that will be part of their custom decks — stairs, pergola, BBQ area, planters, hot-tub etc.  At that point they are ready to move to the next step in designing their custom decks.

Custom Decks – Design Meets Budget
Create a folder of pictures of your favorite custom decks and a wish list. Then carefully grade your list ranking each item for importance. The “A’s” being absolutely necessary; the “B’s” as beneficial and the “C’s” as “could happen if there is room in the budget.”  As in any undertaking, we’ve found that custom decks are often a compromise between your budget and your wish list. A raised, wraparound deck with a pergola and winding stairs in a good-quality natural wood will cost considerably more than a simple pine deck that acts almost like a wooden patio.

Custom Decks Are Our Specialty

At Toronto Custom decks we are committed to crafting your ideas into beautiful, functional custom decks. We build custom decks ranging from simple and functional to a multifaceted series of custom decks. You will be quietly pleased and proud of the results no matter what your budget or requirements. Why? It’s because craftsmanship and superior execution of your design is our specialty and where Toronto Custom Decks excels. Call us today at 416-238-2589 to discuss how our expertise in building custom decks can help you.

Cedar Decks

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Cedar decks are synonymous with cottage life, the great Canadian escape and relaxing summer afternoons.  If you’re thinking about sitting on your deck with cold drink, whiling away the afternoon, chances are you’re picturing yourself on a cedar deck, with its distinctive fragrance and visual appeal.
At Toronto Custom Decks we find that many of our customers want us to build them a cedar deck.

What makes Cedar Decks Special?

Cedar Deck in Toronto
Toronto House Cedar Deck

Here are some points that make cedar decks special and may persuade you to select cedar decking material.

Advantages of Cedar:

•    Visually attractive (If left without staining turns an attractive silver grey)
•    Resistant to rot
•    Weathers well/durable/long life
•    Doesn’t readily absorb moisture— and, since moisture is what creates twisting and splitting, cedar decking tends to lie flat and straight.
•    Distinctive fragrance

Cedar Decks – Cost

Cedar decks do cost more than simply using pressure treated lumber, since the cost of the wood itself is on average about twice the cost of pressure treated lumber. Still, it is important to note that Cedar is not used as a structural component in construction since it is not as strong as pressure treated lumber. It would only be used only the decorative portions of a deck.
Cedar Decks – A Favorite with Builders.
Many knowledgeable deck builders choose cedar as their favorite material to work with. It is resilient yet light weight and provides a durable surface with a long life. It is an attractive wood that will complement any brick or stone work. If the natural look of wood is important to you, and you value the aesthetics of a beautiful deck, use cedar.
Cedar Decks – Toronto Custom Decks Can Help.
As you contemplate your decision: what material should I use?  Cedar, pressure treated pine or a wood composite, Toronto Custom Decks can be of assistance.  We build cedar decks ranging from a simple and functional patio deck to a multifaceted series of custom cedar decks. Call us today at 416-238-2589 to discuss how our expertise in building cedar decks can help you.

Deck Design

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Custom Decks Design
Custom Decks Design

Good deck design can add thousands of dollars worth of additional value to your home. That’s a known fact. And it is one of the reasons why good deck design is important. However, what is often not publicized is the fact that poor deck design will usually end up costing you the same amount as good design. Sadly though, your home will not reap the benefit if you haven’t put some careful thought into design. So what is good deck design?  For us at Toronto Custom Decks, the hallmark of good deck design is functionality and safety. Does the deck accomplish the task it was built for? Is it built to or exceeding code? Will it stand up over time and be absolutely safe for use by friends and family? If it does this well, and the deck has been built with craftsmanship and attention to detail, then you have a well-designed deck that will add value to your home.

Poor Deck Design
What good design is not: unnecessary bells and whistles, steps leading nowhere, a landing area that is too small, a balcony that has no view, a cramped BBQ area abutting your neighbors’ pool…

Here are several points to consider when considering your deck design:

1.    Make sure your deck design incorporates and the whole garden. (For example, effectively address changes in level and grade.)

2.    Take advantage of the sun. (For example, orient sitting and BBQ areas to take advantage of the afternoon sun.)

3.    Choose quality building materials from sustainable sources.

4.    Situate children’s play area close enough to the back door so you can keep an eye on them.

5.    Provide plenty of seating, especially if you plan to entertain.

6.    Layout water spigots so that it is easy to water your planters and garden, and consider traffic patterns and walkways.

Deck Design is what we do

At Toronto Custom Decks, deck design is the bread and butter of our business.  We’ve been assisting home-owners in deck design since we started in business some XXXX years ago. We’ve learned over the years the added enjoyment and satisfaction you gain from quality deck design is much more than just the dollars it adds to the value of your home.  It’s the times you were able to watch your toddlers build castles in their own sandbox;  sitting quietly under your pergola watching the Blue Jays feed at dawn or having your entire family over for a BBQ under the stars.

We are committed to crafting your ideas into beautiful, functional custom decks. If you have a deck design in mind, we can assist in making your vision a beautiful reality. If you are looking for ideas for a design that will work within your budget and tastefully complement your home, we are able to provide guidance.  Why? Because deck design is our specialty.  Call Toronto Custom Decks today at 416-238-2589 to discuss how our expertise in designing custom decks can help you.