Decks Archives - Sustain Builds

6 Ways to Choose the Right Decking for Your Home

Editor Web3 — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 19:30:21 +0000

It might sound simple, but choosing decking material affects your home’s value and outdoor lifestyle. Before you go ahead and build, you should weigh upfront material costs against future maintenance time and money. Also, you need to think about things like weather and direct sunlight, since they determine how materials wear over decades. Foot traffic and architectural style should also influence the final decision. By assessing all these factors, you can pick a product that fits your budget and lifestyle. Here is how to choose the right decking for your home.

1. Evaluate Your Maintenance Tolerance

Your tolerance for doing maintenance will determine how much time and money you invest in your deck after installation. Natural wood decks sometimes need more consistent, ongoing labour. Over time, you’ll have to power-wash and apply a stain or sealant every 1 to 3 years to prevent rot and graying caused by UV exposure. Neglecting this maintenance shortens the structure’s lifespan. But on the other hand, composite and PVC decking require minimal effort. These manufactured boards never need sanding or painting. They can also naturally avoid things like moisture and insects. Your only task is a periodic wash with soap and water to remove any unsightly dirt. Choosing wood means committing to a recurring home chore, while choosing composite means a higher upfront cost in exchange for a little bit more free time down the road.

Comparing Wood vs. Composite Upkeep

Natural Wood: Requires power-washing, sanding, and staining every one to three years.
Wood Lifespan: Rots, warps, and splits if maintenance cycles are skipped.
Composite and PVC: Eliminates the need for sanding, sealing, or painting entirely.
Composite Maintenance: Clean with standard soap, water, and a soft-bristled toothbrush.

2. Factor in Your Local Climate

We all love Edmonton, but the truth is, the weather here has some challenges that other places don’t face. If you live elsewhere, local weather patterns dictate how well different decking materials endure over time. High-moisture environments accelerate rot and mould growth in traditional wood. If your region gets a lot of wet weather, natural lumber will decay quickly without aggressive sealing. Composite and PVC products are a safer bet here because they naturally repel water damage. On the flip side, intense sunlight poses a completely different threat. Severe UV exposure fades natural wood and causes the boards to warp or crack. Sunlight also bakes the deck surface, making dark synthetic boards hot to the touch. You must analyze your local weather extremes before making a purchase. Selecting a material engineered specifically to handle your environment ensures the structure remains safe and beautiful for decades.

3. Compare Upfront Cost vs. Long-Term Value

Evaluating decking requires looking past the initial price tag to the total cost of ownership over the next twenty years. Pressure-treated lumber is the budget-friendly choice upfront. It can also be a cheaper option when compared to synthetic alternatives. However, wood will require financial commitments to survive. Within ten years, these recurring maintenance costs completely erase the initial savings. Conversely, composite and PVC boards require a much heavier upfront investment. Despite that high entry price, synthetic decking eliminates ongoing maintenance fees. These materials resist rot without chemical treatments. They also resist insects without added expenses. Ultimately, composite options pay for themselves by trading higher initial costs for decades of free weekends and predictable long-term value.

4. Heat Retention and Comfort

And of course, when building an Edmonton deck, prioritizing your outdoor comfort is key to making the most of Alberta summers. Your backyard should be a place to relax and enjoy yourself, but your choice of decking materials directly impacts how you use the space on hot July afternoons. Synthetic options like composite decking and PVC decks are highly popular among Edmonton deck builders because they don’t have any problems dealing with -40°C winters. However, these manufactured boards retain heat from direct sunlight more than natural wood. On a high-UV summer day, dark composite boards can become hot for bare feet and pet paws. If your custom deck faces south or lacks shade, choosing lighter-coloured materials or budgeting for a pergola can help protect your comfort and ensure your new outdoor living space remains fully functional and relaxing all season long.

5. Match the Architectural Style of Your Home

Your deck shouldn’t look like an afterthought. It needs to blend in and feel like it actually belongs with the rest of your house. If you own a traditional home, an older property with mature trees, or a classic character house, real wood is tough to beat. The natural grain and warmth fit that classic, established look perfectly. However, if your home features a clean, ultra-modern design or a sleek infill style, synthetic decking can really match that look. The uniform boards and deep charcoal tones pair beautifully with contemporary glass or metal railings. Before picking a colour, step back and look at your siding and trim. You want a material that naturally complements your existing architecture, ensuring the finished space looks like an intentional extension of your home.

6. Check Resistance to Scratches and Stains

Your space needs to handle real life, from dragging heavy patio furniture during a spring cleanup to dropping a greasy burger during a summer barbecue. How your floor reacts to everyday accidents depends entirely on the material you choose. If you build with premium materials like TimberTech composite decking or capped PVC, you get a hard protective shell. This exterior layer prevents deep gouges from pet claws and stops oil or red wine from soaking into the surface, keeping your property looking pristine. On the other hand, standard cedar or basic wood choices can scratch a bit under heavy foot traffic. It can also be a bit harder to deal with grease stains, which can leave dark spots unless you clean them up immediately. Choosing a resilient surface means your backyard setup stays beautiful and stain-free for years.

Got Decking Questions? Contact Sustain Builds Today

Choosing the right decking material ultimately comes down to balancing your budget, maintenance tolerance, and style preferences. Whether you opt for the classic warmth of real wood or the winterproof durability of premium composite, investing in a quality build ensures your backyard remains a relaxing sanctuary for decades. Ready to transform your space? Here at Sustain Builds, we are here to help design and build a deck crafted to your lifestyle and the Edmonton climate. Reach out to the team today to get your project started by calling 780-965-6130 or emailing info@sustainbuilds.ca.

The post 6 Ways to Choose the Right Decking for Your Home appeared first on Sustain Builds.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Backyard Deck? (Alberta Pricing Guide)

Administrator — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 18:42:55 +0000

Revamping an old deck or adding a gathering spot for guests? A deck can transform the use of your space in many ways. If you’re a homeowner in Edmonton, a well-installed deck can enhance your resale value. However, it can be a significant undertaking. Before installing a deck, you need to consider getting the proper permits and make sure it’s built to code. If you’re taking on a deck project yourself, that means you’ll assume all responsibility. To make sure your deck is installed correctly, enlisting the help of professional contractors will give you peace of mind. At Sustain Builds, we provide affordable, safe custom deck installations, and our team will handle all the permit process. Get a free quote today from our Edmonton deck representatives.

Average Costs and Price Per Square Foot

The cost of your deck installation may vary depending on permit requirements, the materials used, the level of customization, and the site preparation. Compared to other provinces, a deck installation costs less in Alberta. You can expect to pay around $50 to $80 per square foot. However, since there’s a shorter spring-summer season, deck installation timelines are shorter. The average size of a deck in Edmonton is around 250-400 sq. ft. A smaller deck may be around 100 sq. ft. and a large-sized deck ranges from 1000-2000 sq. ft. Depending on your deck size, you may be looking to spend $8000 to over $100,000+ depending on features. For efficient deck builds that can withstand the weather conditions in Edmonton, homeowners may opt for pressure-treated wood or entry level composite decks. Interested in knowing how much your deck installation will cost? Contact us to receive a free estimate, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Permit Requirements

Wondering if your deck needs a permit? In Edmonton, a development permit may be required if your deck meets one of the following conditions:

Situated outside of your backyard, side yard (e.g. a flanking side yard)
Taller than 1.2 m above the ground (at any point)
Has a roof, wall, heavy structure, home additions (e.g. gazebo, pergola, coverings)
Serves multiple residential units/properties

Aside from a development permit, other permits or fees may be required (e.g., building, safety code), with the total permit cost being $269.80 (effective January 1, 2025, City of Edmonton). You will need to submit an application to the Residential Development and Building Application. The documents required depend on the location and complexity of your project. Generally, you will need to submit a diagram that specifies the deck’s width, height, benches/railings, and other construction details. While homeowners can file the application themselves, a contractor can also apply on their behalf. Note that additional inspections may also be required.

Key Factors That Affect Your Custom Building Budget

Before figuring out the cost of your deck, you might ask yourself:

Will it be attached to your house?
Is a covering required?
How tall will it be?
Is excavation required?

To make sure your deck meets all your requirements, while also matching your budget, a deck contractor can inform you which materials to use, the labour involved, and what type of deck will fit your home’s specifications. Other factors include:

1. Deck Size and Design

While a large deck will cost more, the level of customization can also affect the overall pricing of your deck. For instance, a curved deck with added corners, benches, beams or other adjustments will be more expensive than a basic deck. If the deck is attached to your home, this will also require additional structural supports, which will influence the cost. A common rule of practice for the ideal deck size is that it should not exceed more than 20% of your home’s square footage. While it may be tempting to add a large deck, you’ll also want to consider if it’s proportionate to the overall appearance of your place.

2. Materials Used

The type of material you’re using can affect your short-term or long-term costs. For instance, while PVC decks may cost more upfront, they also require less maintenance over time. In Edmonton or throughout Alberta, however, a pressure-treated, cedar, or composite deck may be a preferred choice. Pressure-treated wood decks are more affordable but cost money to maintain over time. On the other hand, you may also favour a composite deck for its higher durability, minimal upkeep, and design appeal.

3. Site Conditions

According to the City of Edmonton, decks exceeding 1.8m or situated near the top of banks require an engineer-stamped design. Since decks with a greater height may be on unstable slopes or near utility lines, an engineer is required to ensure foundational stability and safety.

4. Labour and Customization

The labour cost for your deck depends on who your contractor is and the level of customization, along with associated costs for permits and construction. A standalone deck install is usually priced lower, while a ground-level or elevated deck can be more expensive.

Additional Costs to Consider

Apart from the deck structure itself, you may also consider adding features to create a more comfortable area. Features can include:

Railings
Skirting
Coverings
Lighting
Seating/Benches
Hardscaping

These add-ons can cost from around $300 for small modifications (e.g. stairs) to thousands of dollars for larger replacements or upgrades (e.g. coverings, seating, concrete patios, etc.).

Why Choose Sustain Builds?

At Sustain Builds, our experienced team of qualified contractors can get you started with the best deck for your space in Edmonton. With a range of materials, find basic builds or custom decks in stunning finishes. From pressure-treated decks to composite or Trex deck installs, choose from real wood colours and modern, classic, or bold patterns. Our team handles everything, from permit applications to deck design, consultation, and installation. We’ll install your deck safely and efficiently, ensuring a transparent and effortless process at every stage. Find quality customizations at an affordable price. Contact Sustain Builds today to learn more about our Edmonton deck installation services.

The post How Much Does It Cost to Build a Backyard Deck? (Alberta Pricing Guide) appeared first on Sustain Builds.