Constructing a deck is not just an addition to your home; it's a gateway to outdoor living. However, the strength and longevity of any deck lie in its foundation—specifically, the concrete footings that anchor it to the ground. "Mastering Deck Construction: How to Size Concrete Deck Footings" serves as your essential guide to understanding the critical role of footings in deck construction and ensuring that your deck stands firm against the test of time and the elements. The importance of accurately sizing concrete footings cannot be overstated. These foundational elements bear the load of the ..read more

Think Your Deck is Safe? You Might Be Surprised… 1 in 5 of the decks we inspect each spring are in such poor shape, they need to be condemned! Dangerous structural issues lurking behind the fascia on this raised second story deck in Pickering, Ontario. That decks rim joist is completely gone due to rot! Are you overlooking the safety of your deck? Each year, countless homeowners relish the beauty and utility of their decks, seeing them as extensions of their living spaces into the outdoors. They become venues for summer barbecues, quiet evening lounges, and spaces where memories are made. Yet ..read more

  Background Project: Custom Trex composite deck for a century home Location: Keswick, Ontario Unique Features: Large Oak tree-inclusion, Western Red Cedar railings, integrated benches. Challenges The project presented a unique set of challenges, intrinsic to the property’s age and the natural landscape (mainly the presence of a giant tree). Though we’ve been building decks for a long time, incorporating a giant tree like this was a first for us. Crafting a modern amenity like a Trex composite deck for a century home in Keswick, Ontario, required thoughtful navigation around several criti ..read more

…and why to avoid them like the plague.   ?Lack of Proper Insurance and WSIB Compliance Hiring a deck contractor in Ontario without liability insurance or WSIB compliance exposes homeowners and businesses to significant financial and legal risks, including personal liability for on-site accidents and non-compliance penalties. Hiring a contractor in Ontario who does not carry liability insurance or comply with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) regulations poses significant risks and potential financial liabilities for homeowners and businesses alike. First and foremost, with ..read more

Modern advancements such as engineered LVL beams allow for impressive spans not possible for generations of deck lovers before us. Gone are the days when a deck was simply a wooden platform attached to the back of a house, a functional space where grandpa grilled burgers on a sunny afternoon. While these memories hold a nostalgic charm, the world of deck construction has transformed dramatically. In the past, decks were often constructed over a weekend by Pops and a few of his pals. They often started with a rough sketch on the back of a napkin, followed by a trip to the local hardware store ..read more

Intro: What is Trex® RainEscape®? Trex® RainEscape® is a deck waterproofing and drainage solution. It creates a dry, usable space underneath the deck. Trex® RainEscape® is a revolutionary under-deck drainage solution that prevents rain, spills, and snowmelt from seeping through your decking boards, resulting in a dry and usable space below. The system consists of troughs and gutters placed above the decking sub-structure and underneath the decking, effectively shielding both the sub-structure and framing from the elements and increasing the longevity of your deck. Not only does it create ..read more

Intro Many Canadians enjoy using their decks year-round, but snow and ice build-up can make this difficult in the harsher winter months. So, how do you remove snow and ice from a deck? Before you pull out the shovel and salt, it’s important to understand the different types of ice and snow removal methods available, and which are appropriate.  Some ice-melting products are not safe for use on decks and can discolour or damage the decking and metal fasteners. Tools like metal shovels should never be used on any deck as the probability of causing damage is very high. Continue reading to lea ..read more

Intro Adding a hot tub to your deck can be a great way to relax and unwind after a long day, and many decks can easily support the weight of a fully loaded hot tub! But before you start shopping for the perfect model, it's important to make sure that your deck can support the weight of a hot tub. Not all decks are equal, and not all decks will be able to support the added weight of a hot tub. The goal of this article is to help educate you about hot tubs being placed on decks and other methods of incorporating a hot tub with a deck.   Can you add a hot tub to an existing deck? Many factor ..read more

  The first, and arguably most important step in the deck planning process is determining which type of material to use. What is the best deck material? The answer may not be the same for everyone. Today, there exists a wide variety of decking material choices that are certain to satisfy every client’s needs and budget. In this guide, we will look at composite vs wood decking, as well as discuss PVC alternatives. After reading, we are confident you will find the perfect decking material for your next deck project.  Wood Decking Cost $-$$$$ Though the trend is slowly shifting, wood re ..read more

Align Decking’s Deck Building Process Our top priority at Align Decking is providing our clients with a seamless and hassle-free experience, from conceptualization all the way through to final completion. As a full-service deck design and construction company, Align Decking takes care of the entire project from start to finish, providing updates and communicating with the client during all project phases. This guide will go over how an Align Decking project flows from beginning to end. 1. Consultation Phase The consultation phase is a critical first step during a new decking building project ..read more