Custom decks
Custom Cedar and Composite Decks in the GTA
Ground-level, raised, multi-level and pool decks in cedar or composite, designed around your yard and built by a small team based in Aurora.
The short answer
Cedar Wood Structures designs and builds custom decks in Western Red cedar, composite and pressure-treated wood for homes across Toronto, York Region and the GTA. We build ground-level, raised, multi-level and pool decks, with railings, stairs, lighting and built-in benches, and we prepare the permit drawings when your deck needs a permit.
On this page
Custom decks we design and build
As deck building contractors based in Aurora, we design and build custom decks for homes across Toronto, York Region and the GTA. Every deck starts with your yard: the grade, the door heights, where the sun falls and how you want to use the space. We build low decks a step off the patio, raised decks off a back door and multi-level decks that follow a sloped lot.
Ground-level decks
Close to grade
A low deck a step or two above the lawn or patio. A good fit for flat yards.
Raised decks
Off a back door
A deck built level with an upper door, with guards, stairs and space underneath. Raised decks usually need a building permit.
Multi-level decks
For sloped yards
Two or more platforms joined by wide steps. Each level gets its own job, such as cooking on one and lounging or dining on the other.
Pool decks
Around the water
Decking around an above-ground or in-ground pool, or a platform between the pool and the house, with slip-resistant boards and room for loungers.
Decks with a pergola or cabana
Shade and shelter
A deck can carry a cedar pergola for filtered shade, or connect to a cabana for changing, storage or a bar. See our custom pergolas and custom pool cabanas.
Built-in features
Seating and storage
Benches, planters, privacy panels, lattice screens and arbors built from the same wood as the deck, so everything matches.
Cedar vs composite decking
Most of our decks are built in Western Red (knotty) cedar or a low-maintenance composite such as Trex or Azek. We also build with pressure-treated wood. The frame underneath is built the same way for every board choice.
| Western Red cedar | Composite (Trex, Azek and similar) | Pressure-treated wood | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Natural wood grain and warm colour that weathers to silver grey if left unstained | Even colour and texture; many colours and wood-look finishes | Green or brown tint at first; usually stained |
| Upkeep | Clean and re-stain or seal every few years to keep the colour | Wash with soap and water; no staining | Regular staining or sealing |
| Feel underfoot | Stays fairly cool in the sun; can splinter if neglected | No splinters; darker colours get hot in direct sun | Can check and splinter over time |
| Rot and insects | Natural oils help it resist rot and insects | Boards do not rot; the wood frame below still needs good drainage | Treated to resist rot and insects |
| Cost | Mid-range | Higher up front, lower upkeep | Lowest |
If you like real wood and don’t mind a stain every few years, cedar is hard to beat. If you’d rather spend weekends using the deck than looking after it, composite is the easier choice.
Railings, stairs and lighting
Railings
Wood, plastic or metal posts and frames, with wood or metal spindles or tempered glass panels. Glass keeps the view open; cedar spindles match a cedar deck.
Stairs
Wide, shallow steps feel safer and double as extra seating. On multi-level decks we plan the stairs so people move easily between levels.
Lighting
Low-voltage lights in stair risers, posts and benches make the deck safe to use after dark. Wiring is easiest to plan before the boards go down.
We also build waterproof decks, which keep the area under a raised deck dry enough to use. Ask us about them at your consultation.
Planning a new deck?
Book a free design consultation. We’ll measure the site, talk through materials and railings, and check if your deck will need a permit.
Do you need a permit for a deck?
In Toronto, a deck more than 60 cm (24 in) above grade needs a building permit. Zoning rules on setbacks, height and lot coverage apply even when no permit is needed. Other towns have their own by-laws, so check with your town or ask us.
Raised decks also need guards and footings that go below the frost line. When your deck needs a permit, our team prepares the plans and permit drawings and helps you with the application. Our owner, Val Dumitriu, holds a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering.
How a deck project works
Design
A free consultation at your home. We measure the yard, check grades and door heights, and sketch a layout and material options.
Drawings and permits
We prepare the drawings for your approval and, if a permit is needed, the permit drawings for your town.
Shop build
Parts such as stairs, benches, railings and any pergola are built in our Aurora shop, which keeps time on your property short.
Install
Our crew sets the footings, builds the frame, lays the boards and fits railings, stairs and lighting, then cleans up the site.
Decks we’ve built
See more finished projects in our portfolio, or read about our cabanas and decks in Oakville.
“Excellent communication about the job, options, pricing, no surprises.”
Google review, outdoor structure project
“Val completed multiple projects for me over the past few years including an outdoor room, pool cabana and outdoor kitchen. He is reliable and always gets the job done right.”
Google review, multiple projects
We are based in Aurora and build decks across Toronto, York Region and the GTA, including Vaughan and Oakville.
- Toronto
- Vaughan
- Oakville
- Markham
- Richmond Hill
- Newmarket
- Aurora
- King City
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to build a deck in Toronto?
In Toronto, a deck more than 60 cm (24 in) above grade needs a building permit. Zoning rules on setbacks and lot coverage still apply to lower decks. Other GTA towns have their own by-laws, so check with your town or ask us and we can prepare the permit drawings.
Is cedar or composite better for a deck in Ontario?
Both work well in Ontario. Cedar has a natural wood look and natural oils that help it resist rot and insects, but it needs cleaning and re-staining every few years. Composite costs more up front, needs only washing, and won’t splinter, though darker colours get hot in direct sun.
Do you build decks in Toronto, Vaughan and Oakville?
Yes. We are based in Aurora and build custom decks across Toronto, York Region and the GTA, including Vaughan, Oakville, Markham, Richmond Hill and Newmarket.
What does a custom deck builder do that a standard contractor doesn’t?
A custom deck builder designs the deck around your yard, grade and doors instead of using a fixed kit size. We handle the design, drawings and permit help, build parts in our shop and install the deck, railings, stairs and lighting.
Can you add a pergola, cabana or hot tub to my deck?
Yes. We often build decks with a cedar pergola overhead or connected to a pool cabana. A hot tub needs a frame designed for the weight, so tell us at the design stage. See our custom pergolas.
Related services and guides
Ready to plan your deck?
Book a free design consultation. We’ll look at your yard, show you cedar and composite samples, and design a deck that fits how you use your backyard.
Permit information on this page is general guidance based on City of Toronto rules as of October 2026. Always confirm the requirements with your own municipality before you build.