Dreaming of a gorgeous deck to lounge on and enjoy all that your home’s yard has to offer? A brand-new deck is one of the most common home upgrades for Canadians, but with its popularity comes its fair share of mistakes that homeowners discover time and time again.
From pulling the right Ottawa deck permits to maintenance, here are some of our must-know decking mistakes to keep in mind when building your home’s deck. Continue reading with the NeighborScape team to learn more.
#1: Forgetting About the Permit
Before any actual deck building can take place, the required permits have to be pulled. In Ottawa, this is typically done for any deck that is: attached to the house, has a walking surface 24 inches or more above ground, and/or more than 10 m² in size. When you work with a professional contractor, this permit process is handled for you. A reputable team understands your local requirements and what’s needed to ensure the deck meets code before it gets the green light.
#2: Choosing the Wrong Deck Size
When it comes to deck design, bigger isn’t always better. In fact, choosing the right deck can often feel a bit like Goldilocks. Too small and it feels cramped; too large and it may take over your entire yard.
So, how can you find the right size?
When in doubt, follow the 20% rule: a deck should not exceed 20% of a home’s total square footage. For a 1,500-square-foot home, that works out to a deck of about 300 square feet, or roughly a 15-by-20 layout. For most homes, that’s a medium-sized deck, and plenty of room for a table, lounge chairs, and a BBQ, without dwarfing the yard around it.
#3: No Deck Railing
While some deck features are about style, others are non-negotiable safety precautions, such as railings. Just like pulling the right Ottawa deck permits, deck railings are specified by the local building code.
As a general guideline, decks that are more than 600 mm (24 inches) above ground require railings. Further to this point, according to the Ontario Building Code, guards on residential decks must be at least 36 inches high, with picket spacing of no more than 4 inches. This spacing is necessary to keep small children and pets from slipping through, so it’s a crucial detail to get right the first time.
#4: Overlooking Proper Footings
The most crucial part of building a deck is often the one few notice: the footings. Footings are the concrete bases that support a deck’s vertical beams and are one of the behind-the-scenes features that ensure a deck remains stable in year-round conditions. Unfortunately, they’re also one of the most common oversights made by DIYers, and some contractors may try to skimp on them.
In Ottawa, footings need to extend below the frost line, which is roughly 4 feet deep. Shallower footings can shift with each freeze-thaw cycle, causing the deck to become out of level over time.
#5: Skipping Maintenance
Even the best-built deck requires some TLC over time. Routine maintenance helps protect your investment for years to come, effectively extending your deck’s lifespan. Homeowners can (and should!) complete basic maintenance tasks such as inspecting the deck for any seasonal or environmental damage and cleaning the deck and surrounding area of dirt, dust, and debris.
That said, exact maintenance tips will vary depending on the deck’s materials and overall build quality. Wood decks will require additional tasks such as staining and sealing every few years. Once completed, your contractor should provide guidance on steps to keep your deck in top shape year after year.
Your New Favourite Outdoor Spot Awaits
Since 2006, NeighborScape has been supporting Ottawa Valley homeowners in beautifying and revamping their green spaces. We take care of everything needed to build a stunning deck, from Ottawa deck permits to comprehensive planning.
Start the conversation with our team today to get a free estimate and learn more about how we can help you create your go-to outdoor retreat.
