Custom Decks & Patios3 min
Patio Sloping Toward the House? Fix the Water Route
The puddle is small. Its favourite place is directly against the house. That is the part worth taking seriously.
Read the postThe Workshop / 50 useful reads / Page 4
Decks & outdoor living.Page 4
Plan an Ontario deck from the ground up: permits, supports, materials, stairs, and the details that keep an outdoor room comfortable.
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37–48 of 50Decks & outdoor living
Field Guide3 min
Removing an Old Deck: What to Settle Before Demolition
Replacing a deck starts with access, approvals, the house connection, and a decision about old footings. A practical demolition-planning guide.
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Custom Decks & Patios3 min
Will Composite Decking Be Too Hot for Bare Feet?
The charcoal sample looked perfect indoors. The sunny backyard is a different showroom.
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Deck Planning3 min
Can You Build a Deck in Fall or Winter in Ontario?
Cold weather does not ban deck work. It does remove the margin for vague footing plans, casual material handling, and optimistic schedules.
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Sheds & Permits4 min
Ontario Shed Permit Rules: The 15 m² Exemption
A shed at or below 15 m² may avoid a building permit in Ontario, but only when it meets five conditions. Local zoning still applies.
Read the postOakville Decks3 min
Planning a Deck in Oakville? Do These 7 Things First
Seven checks to make before building a deck in Oakville, from permits and zoning to utilities, foundations, and inspection records.
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Permits & Inspections3 min
What Happens If You Build a Deck Without a Permit in Ontario?
Missing deck permits can often be investigated through municipal records and a review of the existing work. Here is where to start.
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Deck Care3 min
When to Stain a New Deck in Ontario
The wood’s condition matters more than a fixed waiting period. Test the wood, read the coating instructions, and watch the weather.
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Custom Decks & Patios9 min
Deck Ledger Flashing in Ontario: The Detail That Saves the House
The board against the house has two jobs: hold up the deck and keep water out of the wall. Here is how to judge the detail before decking hides it.
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Custom Decks & Patios9 min
Ontario Deck Railing Rules: Height, Openings and Stairs
Guard, railing and handrail are not interchangeable words. Here are the Ontario dimensions that matter, plus the connection details that keep a legal-looking rail from being a loose one.
Read the postCustom Decks & Patios4 min
Ontario Deck Permit Rules 2026: Do You Need One?
The 60 cm rule is useful, but it is not the whole answer. Here is the short permit check to do before concrete, lumber, or optimism arrives.
Read the postCustom Decks & Patios5 min
Cedar vs Composite vs Pressure-Treated Decking in Ontario
The best deck board is the one whose care, feel, and installation rules fit your house. Here is how to choose without relying on a showroom sample alone.
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