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Decks and fences in Ottawa
A deck in Ottawa has a hard life.
- Liability insurance and WSIB coverage
- 5-year warranty on construction
- 2-year warranty on painting
- Free in-home consultation
Decks and fences
What we build
A deck in Ottawa has a hard life. It sits under snow for months, goes through freeze and thaw every spring, and bakes in July. Carleton Prime builds decks, porches and fences across Ottawa and the Ottawa Valley, on their own or as part of a bigger project, and we build them for that weather.
- Ground-level and raised decks
- Multi-level and two-storey decks, like the wraparound deck in our photos
- Covered porches and entries
- Stairs, railings and privacy screens
- Fences and gates
- Pool enclosures, built to the City's pool enclosure rules
“Indiana and his crew renovated a bathroom for me and the process was seamless, respectful and completed with extreme care and quality. I consider Carleton Prime the best construction company in Ottawa. I will use them for all future projects. Very pleased, would highly recommend.”
What is under the deck matters most
Most deck failures start where nobody looks: footings that frost has lifted, a ledger board fastened to the house without proper flashing, or posts sitting in water. We set footings below the frost line, flash the connection to the house so water stays out of your wall, and use fasteners and connectors rated for the treated lumber they hold.
On a raised deck, the guards and stairs are safety items, and the Ontario Building Code sets their heights and spacing. They are built to it, not eyeballed.
When a deck needs a permit
In Ottawa, the City's building permit FAQ says a deck attached to or next to a building needs a permit when its walking surface is more than 600 mm (about 24 inches) above the ground beside it. A freestanding deck needs one when it is both higher than 600 mm and larger than 10 square metres. A raised deck that serves as the main way into the house needs one too. Zoning setbacks still apply to a deck that does not need a permit.
We work out which permits your project needs and apply for them on your behalf. In Carleton Place, Perth, Smiths Falls and the other towns we serve, the local municipality sets the rules, and we check those instead.
Fences and the by-law
Ottawa's Fence By-law limits residential fences to 1 metre in the front yard and 2.13 metres (about 7 feet) in other yards, with lower limits near driveways and street corners so drivers can see. Height is measured from the ground at the base of the fence.
Pool fences are a separate matter. Under the City's Pool Enclosure By-law, every pool enclosure needs a permit, must be at least 1.5 metres high, and has to be inspected before the pool is filled. Hot tubs that hold 600 mm of water or more count as pools, although a lockable, rigid safety cover that meets the by-law can serve as a hot tub's enclosure.
On its own or part of a bigger job
A new deck often comes with a new patio door, an addition or a garage, and we can build all of it. We also build decks and fences on their own, and for builders and general contractors as a subcontractor. Exterior painting is done by Carleton Prime Painting.
Whole job or one part
Just the decks and fences, or the whole project
You can hire Carleton Prime for decks and fences on their own, or as part of a renovation or new build we run from start to finish. Builders, general contractors, architects, designers and engineers also bring us in for decks and fences as a subcontractor: we work from your drawings and specifications, carry liability insurance and WSIB coverage, and hand over cleanly to the next trade.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit for a deck in Ottawa?
If the deck is attached to or next to the house and its walking surface is more than 600 mm (about 24 inches) above the ground, yes. A freestanding deck needs one when it is over 600 mm high and larger than 10 square metres. We confirm it for your deck and apply for the permit for you.
How much does a new deck cost?
We quote each deck on its scope: the size and height, the number of levels and stairs, the railings, the footings your ground needs, and the materials you choose.
How high can my fence be in Ottawa?
Under the City's Fence By-law, up to 1 metre in the front yard and 2.13 metres in other yards, with lower limits near driveways and corners.
Does a pool fence need a permit?
Yes. In Ottawa every pool enclosure needs a permit, must be at least 1.5 metres high, and is inspected before the pool can be filled.
How do you stop a deck from heaving?
By setting the footings below the frost line, so the ground freezing around them cannot lift them.
Can you replace the boards on my old deck?
Sometimes. If the frame and footings are sound, new boards and railings can go on the old frame. If they are not, we tell you before we quote.
Can you paint or stain the deck and fence?
Yes. Exterior painting is done by Carleton Prime Painting, our painting division.
What warranty comes with a deck or fence?
Five years on the construction, and two years on any painting we do.
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The permit, Building Code and bylaw points on this page come from these authorities. Rules change, so check the current version before relying on any of it.
Ottawa renovation and construction
Start your project with Carleton Prime
Every project starts with a free in-home consultation. Tell us about your home and what you want to do.