Deck Builders in Thunder Bay

Building a deck that survives a Thunder Bay winter

Every deck here faces months of snow load, deep frost and repeated freeze-thaw. The part you see, the boards and railings, matters less than the part you do not: the footings. A deck on shallow or poorly placed footings will move with the frost, and a deck that moves loosens its ledger, racks its railings and tilts.

Footings and the frost line

In this part of Northwestern Ontario the frost can reach well over a metre into the ground, often about 1.2 to 1.8 metres (4 to 6 feet), so footings for a deck that is attached to a house are normally taken below the frost line. Freestanding low decks sometimes use other approaches. Ask your contractor which method they are using and why, and confirm what the City of Thunder Bay requires for your property.

Materials

• Pressure-treated wood. The lowest upfront cost and the most common choice. It needs regular sealing or staining to stay looking good.
• Cedar. Better looking and naturally more rot-resistant, at a higher price, with its own maintenance.
• Composite and PVC. A higher price now, much less upkeep later. Good for anyone who would rather use the deck than refinish it. Boards expand and contract, so spacing and fasteners need to be done to the maker’s instructions.
• Railings. Aluminum, glass, wood or cable. Height and baluster spacing are controlled by code.

Do you need a permit?

In Ontario, a building permit is generally required for a deck attached to a house or more than about 600 mm (24 inches) above the ground, though details vary. The City of Thunder Bay can confirm what applies to your project. A contractor who skips the permit question is a red flag.

When to book

Most Thunder Bay decks are built between May and October, and good builders fill their calendars in winter. Quote in February or March and you can have a start date secured before the ground has thawed.

Want a number? See the renovation cost guide or call (807) 697-7799 for a free quote.