We design and build custom decks that look great, last for decades and handle everything Ontario's climate throws at them.
Everything you need to make the outdoor space work, from a simple platform to a multi-level build.
Designed around your property and how you entertain and relax.
Durable decking that resists fading, staining and rot with minimal upkeep.
Single and multi-storey decks with landings, stairs and connected spaces.
Wood, aluminum or glass railings and stairs built to code height and strength.
Post cap, stair and under-rail lighting for evening use.
Shade structures that make the deck usable longer through the day and season.
Concrete footings below the frost line and a joist frame sized for the span.
Restoring or rebuilding tired decks, including new boards, railings and stairs.
Step by step
A deck is a structure first and a surface second. Here is the sequence that keeps it standing straight for decades, not just looking good on day one.
10 stages, start to finish
We finalize the size, shape, decking material and railing style, and prepare permit drawings, since most decks over a certain height or size need one in Ontario.
The permit is submitted and underground utilities are located before any digging starts, protecting both the build schedule and your gas, electrical and water lines.
Framing lumber, decking, footing materials and railings are ordered to arrive around the same time the site is ready for them.
The deck footprint is marked out and footing holes are dug below the frost line, which in this region means deeper than most people expect.
Concrete footings are poured and posts are set and levelled on top of them. Every board above this point depends on these footings being right, so they're never rushed.
Beams and joists go up to code spacing, and the ledger board is bolted and flashed to the house correctly, which is the single most common point of failure on a poorly built deck.
Boards are laid and fastened across the frame, whether that's pressure-treated wood or a composite material.
Posts, balusters and rail caps go up to code height, and stairs are built and securely attached, the last structural pieces of the build.
Post caps, deck lighting and any built-in seating are added once the structure and railings are complete.
The city inspector signs off where required, the site is cleaned up, and we walk the finished deck with you.
Illustrative sequence — icons represent each construction stage. Real project photos appear throughout the rest of this page.
Made for our climate
Freeze, thaw, snow load and spring meltwater are what really wear a deck out. Everything below is how we build yours to stay level, solid and safe for as long as possible.
Concrete footings go down about 4 feet in Durham, below where the ground freezes, so frost can't lift or tilt the deck.
Joists and beams are sized and spaced for the span and for Ontario snow loads, as the building code requires, not just summer foot traffic.
Posts and framing near the ground use pressure-treated lumber rated for ground contact, so they resist rot through wet springs.
Joist hangers, brackets and screws are galvanized or stainless and made for treated lumber, so connections stay strong year after year.
Where the deck meets your house, the ledger is flashed and structurally fastened, so water can't rot the connection that holds it up.
Board spacing and drainage let snowmelt and rain run off instead of sitting on the framing, which is what makes wood rot.
Want to see how it's built before you commit? We'll walk you through it at your free site visit. Get my free estimate
Working with us
The short version of what to expect on your deck project, beginning to end.
Open any photo to enlarge it.
These photos are for inspiration. Photos of our own recent projects will be added here soon.
Choosing materials
Cost, durability, upkeep and lifespan side by side, so you can choose with confidence.
The boards you walk on decide how much time you will spend maintaining your deck.
Budget-friendly and large decks; stained or painted looks
Most upkeep; needs time to dry before staining
A natural, warm look, pergolas and screens
Silvers without stain; dents and scratches more easily
Example photoLow-maintenance family decks and high-traffic areas
Gets hot in direct sun; higher upfront cost
Wet, shady or poolside decks
Highest cost; can look more plastic; expands with heat
Rule of thumb. Pressure-treated wins on upfront cost. Composite and PVC cost more but save you the staining and sealing every couple of years.
Approximate installed cost per sq ft of finished deck, including framing. Stairs and railings are extra. Costs are approximate installed prices for Durham Region and the GTA (CAD) and vary with product, size and site conditions. They are for comparison only. Your free design and written, itemized quote will give you exact numbers.
Railings are a safety feature first and a style feature second.
Traditional looks and budget builds
Needs the most maintenance
Low-fuss, clean lines on any deck
Can look plain; scratches touch up with paint
Matching composite decking
Bulky profiles; costs add up
Keeping the view open with a modern look
Highest cost; shows fingerprints and water spots
Rule of thumb. Aluminum is the low-fuss standard. Glass keeps the view open, and wood suits the lowest budget and traditional looks. All guards are built to Ontario Building Code.
Approximate installed cost per linear ft, including posts and hardware. Costs are approximate installed prices for Durham Region and the GTA (CAD) and vary with product, size and site conditions. They are for comparison only. Your free design and written, itemized quote will give you exact numbers.
We will walk you through the options at your site visit and price them side by side, so you can see exactly what each choice does to your budget.
Straight talk on cost
What drives the price of a deck, where you can save, and where cutting corners costs you more later. No jargon and nothing hidden.
A rough split for a typical deck project. Every job is different, and your itemized quote shows your own numbers.
The biggest cost drivers
A second-storey deck needs taller posts, more bracing and longer stairs, and faces more code requirements than one near the ground.
Composite and PVC cost far more than pressure-treated wood, but need much less upkeep.
More square feet, multiple levels and angled or curved edges mean more framing and cutting.
Glass and aluminum railings, wide stairs and landings take a big share of the budget.
Footings must go below the frost line, and clay, rock, roots or slopes make digging harder.
Smart ways to spend less
A clean rectangle uses lumber efficiently and needs less cutting and framing.
Pressure-treated boards cost less up front if you don't mind staining. Choose composite where you want low upkeep.
A lower deck needs shorter posts, fewer stairs and simpler railings.
Stock railing sections cost less than custom-cut or glass systems.
Frame for a pergola or wire for lights now and add them when the budget allows.
Where quality pays for itself
Shallow footings heave and shift with Ontario winters, and the deck moves with them.
Where the deck meets the house is a leading failure point. Poor connections and missing flashing rot framing.
Use corrosion-rated hardware. Cheap fasteners rust and let go.
They must meet Ontario Building Code for height and strength. This is safety, not a place to trim.
They confirm the structure is built to code, which matters for safety and resale.
Some of the biggest price gaps between contractors come from what is left out, not what is included.
Ask about railing, stair and lighting allowances. Are the amounts realistic for what you want?
These are real costs. Cheaper quotes sometimes leave them out.
Old wiring, rot or damp can appear once walls open. Know how surprises are handled.
A single lump sum makes it impossible to compare quotes fairly.
Every Ramsauer quote is written and itemized, so you can see all of this line by line before you commit.
18 Google reviews
Rated 4.3 out of 5 by our clients on Google
Real reviews from real homeowners, straight from Google. Hover over (or tap) any review to pause it and read it in full.
We worked with Ramsauer Renovations to enlarge and renovate our primary bathroom/ensuite. It was a wonderful experience from start to finish. From the initial meet and greet, the design consultation, to the breakdown of time line and prices, up the very end. Ramsauer renovations were a delight to work with. They were communicative, responsive and detail oriented. Demo days were quick and the crew always ended the day with vacuuming and cleaning their work area. They were respectable and mindful to the fact that we remained living in house during renos. They were very attentive to design details and you could tell they took pride in their craftsmanship. Ramsauer Renovations were reliable on time lines and pricing, their estimations also proved to be very accurate. We felt comfortable approaching them with any questions and concerns and never felt anxious about having them in our house unsupervised while we were at work. Overall this was a fantastic experience and we couldnt be happier with our new primary ensuite bathroom. We would definitely be turning to Ramsauer Renovations for any future projects and 100% recommend their services.
Ramsauer Reno renovated my basement with top notch professional service. We received great quality service and communication quickly and they were easy to work with. Jim and his team were always willing to answer my questions or make a recommendation even after the work was completed. Every aspect of the project was done professionally with great products and great service. They were neat and clean. I have no hesitation in recommending Ramsauer Reno to anyone thinking of renovating their basement or home renovation. We will definitely be using Ramsauer Reno for our next home improvement project!
Excellent work, they will work with you to ensure your project meets your needs and budget. Ramsaur Reno has renovated 2 bathrooms for me, extremely satisfied with both.
Straight answers about pricing, permits and timelines. Anything else, just ask.
New deck and fence projects start from about $4,500. The final price depends on size, height, materials, railings, stairs and any lighting or extras. You will get an itemized written quote after a free design.
We build with pressure-treated wood, cedar and composite or low-maintenance decking, with wood, aluminum or glass railing options. We will help you compare cost, look and upkeep.
It depends on size and design. Most projects are measured in days to a few weeks once materials are ready, and we give you a schedule with your quote.
In Ontario, decks that are attached to the house or higher than about 600 mm (24 in) above the ground generally need a building permit, and rules vary by municipality. We check what applies to your property and take care of it.
Yes. We repair, replace and upgrade existing decks, including new boards, railings and stairs.
How-to guides, design ideas and trends for your deck project.
4 min read
Pressure-treated, cedar or composite? A plain-language comparison of look, upkeep and cost.
Read articleThe best decking material depends on your budget, how much upkeep you want, and how you will use the deck.
The most affordable option, and a solid choice when installed and sealed properly. It needs regular staining or sealing to look its best and can crack or cup over time.
Naturally rot-resistant with a warm, natural look. It costs more than pressure-treated and benefits from a protective finish if you want to keep its colour.
Higher up-front cost, but low maintenance: no staining, and it resists rot, insects and fading. Modern products come in realistic wood-grain finishes.
Wood, aluminum and glass railings each change the look and the price. Aluminum is durable and low maintenance, and glass keeps sightlines open.
Compare not just the purchase price but the time and money you will spend on upkeep over 10–20 years.
The takeaway: choose pressure-treated if budget leads, cedar for warmth, and composite for minimal maintenance. We will walk you through samples.
4 min read
Zones, stairs, railings, shade and lighting. Planning the details that make a deck feel effortless.
Read articleA deck that fits your life feels bigger than its square footage. Start with how you will use it.
Dining near the kitchen door, lounging farther out, and room to circulate in between. Even a modest deck benefits from a clear dining area and a clear seating area.
Put stairs where people naturally walk, keep door swings clear, and leave at least a metre-wide path around furniture.
Glass or slim aluminum spindles protect the view. Wood railings suit a traditional home and give a warmer look.
A pergola, umbrella or privacy screen makes the deck comfortable in summer and more private in tight lots.
Stair lights, post-cap lights and soft under-rail lighting extend the season and improve safety.
Colours and trim that tie into your siding and windows make a deck feel like part of the home, not an add-on.
The takeaway: design for your real habits and for evenings as well as afternoons.
3 min read
Low-maintenance materials, integrated lighting and outdoor rooms continue to shape backyard design.
Read articleHomeowners want backyards that work like an extra room. Here is what we see shaping deck design.
Composite and PVC decking in warm, natural wood tones remain popular for those who would rather enjoy their deck than stain it every year.
Subtle stair, rail and step lighting is becoming a standard feature rather than an upgrade.
Deck zones for dining, lounging and cooking, sometimes with pergolas or partial covers, blur the line between inside and outside.
Glass and slim aluminum systems keep views open and give a more modern look.
Multi-level decks with built-in seating and planters add interest and make good use of sloped yards.
Our advice: choose durable structure and materials, then treat furniture, lighting and planters as the flexible layer that can evolve.
How we work
From your first idea to the first barbecue, in four straightforward steps.
Send the quick form or call. Tell us how you want to use your yard.
We visit, measure and talk through how you want to use the space: dining, lounging, entertaining or all three.
We draw the layout and help you choose decking, railing, stairs and lighting, from pressure-treated wood to composite, with a clear itemized price and schedule.
A clear contract, permits where required and footings set below the frost line. Then framing, decking, railings and a final walkthrough.
Planning your project? Get a free design and estimate.
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