Guides
Advice before you build.
Straight answers to the questions Ottawa homeowners ask us most: materials, durability and what it takes to plan a project the right way.
Interlock vs. poured concrete and asphalt: which lasts in Ottawa?
A plain look at how interlock, poured concrete and asphalt hold up to Ottawa's freeze-thaw winters, and why we build patios and driveways in interlock.
Read the guide
Composite, cedar or pressure-treated: choosing your Ottawa deck
A plain-language look at the four deck material families, and how to match one to your budget, your yard and Ottawa's freeze-thaw seasons.
Read the guide
Do you need a permit for a deck or fence in Ottawa?
A plain-language look at when Ottawa decks, fences and backyard structures need permits or bylaw approvals, and how we handle the paperwork for you.
Read the guide
When is the best time to build a deck in Ottawa?
A plain-language look at how Ottawa's frost, permit timelines and busy spring season affect deck timing, so you know when to start planning.
Read the guide
How much does a deck cost in Ottawa?
Honest 2026 cost ranges for pressure-treated, cedar, composite and PVC decks in Ottawa, what drives the price, and how we quote a real per-project number.
Read the guide
Trex vs Fiberon vs TimberTech vs Azek: which composite or PVC deck is best for Ottawa?
An honest brand-by-brand comparison of composite and PVC decking for Ottawa's freeze-thaw climate, from a builder that installs all of them.
Read the guide