Decks We Build and Repair
We build new decks, replace worn ones and repair damaged frames, boards, stairs and railings. A deck can be a simple platform at ground level or a raised structure off a walkout, with stairs, a railing and sometimes a covered section. What matters most is what you cannot see: footings, posts, beams and joists sized for the load, and flashing where the deck meets the house, so water does not rot the wall behind it.
- New wood and composite decks
- Deck replacement and rebuilds
- Deck repair and board replacement
- Stairs, railings and gates
- Covered decks and pergolas
- Permits and footings handled
Under the Boards
Footings, Frame and Flashing
A deck lasts because of its frame. We dig footings below the frost line, set posts and beams, and space joists for the decking you choose. Where the deck attaches to the house, we use a proper ledger board with flashing above it so water cannot get behind the siding. Skipping flashing is the most common reason a deck rots the house wall. Where the design needs it, a professional engineer's drawings cover special foundations such as screw piles.
- Footings below the frost line
- Posts, beams and joists sized for the load
- Ledger board with flashing
- Engineer drawings where required
Surface Choices
Wood or Composite Decking
Pressure-treated wood is the most affordable and can be stained to match your house. Cedar looks better and resists rot but costs more. Composite and PVC decking cost more up front but do not need staining or sanding and resist splintering and rot. We talk through the trade-offs of cost, upkeep, colour and heat, and bring samples to your estimate so you can see and feel them.
- Pressure-treated and cedar wood
- Composite and PVC decking
- Samples at your estimate
- Upkeep explained honestly
Safety You Can Feel
Railings, Stairs and Guards
Railings and stairs are what keep a deck safe, and the City sets rules for them. A guard must be at least 0.9 metres high on a deck under 1.8 metres above the ground and 1.07 metres on a higher deck, with gaps between balusters no wider than 100 millimetres. We build stairs with even risers and treads and railings that are fastened to take a load, in wood, metal or glass. Check the City page for the current rules.
- Guards at code height
- Balusters spaced to code
- Even stair risers and treads
- Wood, metal or glass railings
Rules and Approvals
Deck Permits in Calgary
A building permit is required for a covered deck and for an uncovered deck with any point more than 0.6 metres above the ground. A development permit may also be needed if the deck is near a side or rear property line or in the front of the house. A City inspection is required once the structure, stairs and railings are done. We prepare the drawings, apply for the permits, request locates before digging and book the inspection.
- Building permit over 0.6 m or covered
- Development permit near property lines
- City inspection at the end
- Locates before digging
Making It Last
Deck Repair, Refinishing and Maintenance
Calgary weather is hard on decks: sun, snow, freeze and thaw and heavy use. We replace rotted boards, fix loose railings, re-fasten stairs and repair damaged framing. Where the structure is sound, we sand and stain the surface so the deck looks new again. We tell you honestly when a deck is worth repairing and when a rebuild is the smarter spend.
- Rotted boards replaced
- Loose railings and stairs fixed
- Sanding and staining
- Rebuild advice when needed
Both are good choices. The right one depends on your budget and how much upkeep you want.
Wood or Composite Deck: Which Fits Your Home?
Wood suits when:
You want the lowest upfront cost
You like the look of real wood
You are fine staining every couple of years
You want to match your fence or siding
Composite suits when:
You want minimal upkeep
You do not want to stain or sand
You want fade and rot resistance
You will pay more now to spend less time later
Planning a Deck? Tell Us About It
Send the size, the height above ground and a photo of the area, and we will call you back.
What Affects the Cost of a Deck
Size and Height
A larger or higher deck needs more material and a stronger frame. A raised deck needs stairs and a taller railing.
Permits, Footings and Access
Permit fees, deep footings, tight access and old deck removal add to the job.
How a Deck Project Goes
Deck Care in Calgary
Clear Snow Gently
Use a plastic shovel, and avoid metal blades that gouge boards or scratch composite.
Why Build Your Deck With Blueprint
Protecting Your House
We flash and fasten the ledger carefully so the deck does not damage the house wall.
Questions About a Deck?
Send the size, what it is for and a photo of the area, and we will call you back.
Book a Deck Estimate
Frequently Asked Questions About Decks
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Q. Do I need a permit to build a deck in Calgary?
A building permit is required for a covered deck and for an uncovered deck with any point higher than 0.6 metres above grade. A development permit may also be required near property lines or at the front of the house. Check the City's deck page for your project.
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Q. How high can a deck be?
Height limits depend on your land use district and whether the area is developed or developing. The City's deck page lists the figures. We check them for your lot before we design.
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Q. How high does a deck railing need to be?
A guard must be at least 0.9 metres high on a deck surface less than 1.8 metres above the adjacent ground, and 1.07 metres on a higher one, with baluster gaps no wider than 100 millimetres.
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Q. How much does a deck cost in Calgary?
It depends on the size, height, material, railings and site. We measure and give you a clear quote that lists each part, rather than a per-square-foot guess.
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Q. What is the best decking material for Calgary?
Pressure-treated wood is most affordable. Cedar looks better and lasts longer, and composite lasts longest with the least upkeep. We bring samples and explain the trade-offs.
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Q. How long does a deck take to build?
Most decks take one to three weeks after permits, depending on size, weather and the finishes. Permit review time adds to the total.
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Q. Can you build a deck in winter?
Winter is difficult because the ground freezes and footings are hard to dig. Most decks are built from spring through fall, and booking early helps.
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Q. How deep do deck footings need to be?
Footings go below the frost line so winter ground movement does not lift the deck. We set the depth to code for your project and soil.
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Q. Can you repair my existing deck?
Yes. We replace rotted boards, fix loose railings and stairs, repair framing and refinish the surface. If the frame is rotted, we will tell you when a rebuild costs less.
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Q. Do you remove old decks?
Yes. We tear out the old deck, haul it away and prepare the site for the new one.
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Q. Will the deck damage my house?
Not if it is built right. We use a ledger with flashing above it so water runs away from the wall, or build a free-standing deck. Poor flashing is what causes rot.
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Q. Do you build covered decks and pergolas?
Yes. A covered deck needs a building permit and a stronger frame to carry snow, and we plan it with you. Tell us what you have in mind.
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Q. Do you request utility locates before digging?
Yes. Footings mean digging, so we request locates through Click Before You Dig. Plan on at least three full working days. Footings are concrete work, and our concrete page explains the base preparation.
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Q. Can you add a roof or pergola over my deck?
Yes. A roof over a deck turns it into a covered deck, which needs a building permit and framing that can carry snow load. A pergola gives shade without a full roof. We talk through what suits your house and your budget.
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Q. Do I need an engineer for my deck?
Most standard decks do not, but special foundations such as screw piles, large spans or a second-storey deck may need an engineer's stamped drawings. We tell you early if your design does.
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Q. How do I stop my deck from getting slippery or icy?
Composite and wood decks can both get slippery when wet or icy. Sweep snow early, use sand or a deck-safe ice melt, avoid rock salt on composite and consider a grooved or slip-resistant board for steps.
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Q. Can you build a deck around a hot tub or add a hot tub pad?
Yes, but a hot tub is very heavy when full, so the frame and footings have to be designed for the load, or the tub placed on a concrete pad. Tell us the model so we can plan the structure around the weight.
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Q. Which areas do you serve?
We build and repair decks in Calgary and in Airdrie, Chestermere, Cochrane and Okotoks, and in the areas between.