Height & stairs
A deck 8 ft off a walkout needs bigger beams, more posts, taller railings and a long staircase. Ground-level decks skip most of that.
Ottawa cost guide · 2026
What does a deck cost in Ottawa?
Most new decks we build land between $40 and $120 per square foot installed. Here's what moves your number, with real examples and an estimator you can play with.
Estimator
Price per square foot
Choose a material and drag to your deck size for a ballpark range. Prices include materials, footings, framing, labour and standard railing.
| Material | Per sq ft | Lifespan | Upkeep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated | $40–60 | 15–20 yrs | Stain or seal every 2–3 yrs |
| Cedar | $55–80 | 15–25 yrs | Stain or seal every 2–3 yrs |
| Composite | $65–100 | 25–30+ yrs | Wash twice a year |
| PVC | $80–120 | 30+ yrs | Wash as needed |
Why such a wide range?
A low, simple rectangle on flat ground sits at the bottom of each range. A raised deck with stairs, glass railing and a picture-frame border sits at the top.
Examples
Common deck sizes, priced.
Installed ranges using the rates above, rounded to the nearest $500.
| Deck size | Area | Pressure-treated | Composite | PVC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 × 12 ft · small landing | 144 sq ft | $6,000–8,500 | $9,500–14,500 | $11,500–17,500 |
| 12 × 16 ft · bistro & BBQ | 192 sq ft | $7,500–11,500 | $12,500–19,000 | $15,500–23,000 |
| 16 × 20 ft · dining & lounge | 320 sq ft | $13,000–19,000 | $21,000–32,000 | $25,500–38,500 |
| 20 × 24 ft · entertainer | 480 sq ft | $19,000–29,000 | $31,000–48,000 | $38,500–57,500 |
What changes the price
Six things that move your number
Material is the big one, but these six factors explain most of the difference between two quotes.
Railing style
Pressure-treated or aluminum pickets are the most affordable. Glass and cable cost more but open up the view.
Site & demolition
Slopes, tight side yards, rock and old-deck removal all add labour. Disposal of an old deck is quoted separately.
Permits & drawings
Raised and covered decks usually need a City of Ottawa permit, drawings and inspections. We handle all of it.
Board details
Hidden fasteners, picture-frame borders, diagonal layouts and premium colour lines add cost and a lot of polish.
Extras
Lighting, privacy walls, built-in benches, planters and pergolas are priced per item, so you can phase them in.
Spend smarter
How to get more deck for your budget
A good deck doesn't have to be the most expensive one. These are the trade-offs we talk through with most clients.
Read the full cost article- Keep it simple. Rectangles and standard board lengths waste less material than complex angles.
- Mix materials. Composite boards on top, pressure-treated stairs or skirting where it won't show.
- Re-deck a sound frame. If the structure is solid, new boards and railings can cost far less than a rebuild.
- Phase the extras. Build the deck now; add the pergola, lighting or privacy wall next year.
- Book early. Quotes signed over the winter get first pick of spring build dates.
FAQ
Deck cost questions
Want a real number? Call or text 613-806-4000 for an itemized quote within 24 hours.
Is the estimator price a quote?
No. It's a ballpark based on typical Ottawa projects. Your exact price comes from a free on-site visit, where we measure, check the grade and access, and talk through materials. You'll get an itemized, fixed-price quote within 24 hours.
Do your prices include permits?
We prepare the drawings and handle the permit application for you. City of Ottawa permit fees are listed as a separate line on your quote, so you can see exactly what you're paying for.
Is composite worth the extra cost?
For most homeowners planning to stay more than 8–10 years, yes. Composite costs more up front, but you skip staining every few years, and it usually outlasts wood. Over 20 years the total cost is often similar or lower.
Do you require a deposit?
Yes. A deposit secures your build date and orders materials, with the balance due on completion and your final walkthrough. The exact schedule is written into your quote.
Free quote
Call or text for a free quote.
613-806-4000Talk to the people who'll actually build your deck. Prefer to write? Send the form and we'll get back to you within one business day.
- Call 613-806-4000
- Text 613-806-4000
- hello@ryanscontracting.com
- Mon–Fri, 7:30 am – 5 pm
- Ottawa
- Stittsville
- Kanata
- Carp
- Richmond
- Riverside South
- Manotick
- Greely
- Barrhaven
- Orleans
- Findlay Creek
Request a free quote
Tell us a little about your project. Photos and rough measurements help.