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Transform Your Backyard by Renovating Your Deck
By Editorial Team
Updated on April 17, 2024
In Quebec, summertime is short-lived. Since we want to enjoy it as much as possible, we rarely hesitate to make our backyards a full-on, outdoor living space. No matter the design or layout, a patio or deck remains the centrepiece. This versatile space can be used as a living room, a dining room, and a remote office. Six months out of the year, it’s a household fan favourite. Since it has an expiration date, your deck might have lost its charm or is no longer suitable in size or location.
Have you decided to revamp your old deck to make it into a comfortable living space? It’ll likely be a decision you won’t regret any soon. As such, in this article, you’ll find valuable tips to ensure your project is a success!
Rebuild or Renovate Your Deck?
Source: Canva
Now, that’s quite a question! For an answer, ask yourself the following:
Is the deck’s structural component in good condition? Has the formwork reached the end of its service life? Is simply replacing or staining the platform enough to give it a second wind?
Is your deck's design outdated?
Is the size of the surface area meeting your current needs? Does its size call into question the kid's dream of having a swimming pool? Is there enough room to eat as a whole family?
Was the deck’s layout well-thought-out? Does it allow for some privacy? Is it too exposed to sunlight or constantly in the shade?
Are you spending too much time and energy on maintenance?
If you’ve answered the majority of these questions without pausing, it’s highly likely that you’ve already made up your mind. So, what’s the verdict? To renovate or to start anew?
Building and Designing a New Deck
Source: Canva
You’ve decided to go with building a new deck? Before jumpstarting the project, take some time to thoroughly define the purpose of your future outdoor living space.
Long-term planning
Don’t limit yourself to a simple deck sketch. Use your layout plan to map out the yard’s entire design, just as you would imagine the final outcome. If you’re planning on adding a pool in 5 years, add it to your plan. Indicate where your shed, trees, garden, flower beds, and kids’ play area will be. Present or future!
Define your dream deck’s dimensions
Also, think about what kind of patio furniture you’d like to have. If you’re considering purchasing a sectional to suit the whole family or designing an outdoor kitchen to wow your friends, your deck plan will have to feature those elements.
Cast your deck into the landscape
By taking into consideration the land in question, it allows you to seamlessly integrate a deck into a backyard. We often tend to limit ourselves to simple, straightforward shapes and a simple platform decked out with basic steps. However, from your new deck, you get to appreciate your backyard. Are you hoping to settle in and look after the kids while they’re playing, or access the pool area within a few feet?
If your yard is uneven, take advantage of the situation by designing different platform levels. A first platform could serve as a dining area, the next one as a lounge area!
How to Coat or Renovate a Deck
Source: Canva
Replacing the deck platform
Are you the owner of a deck with damaged, partially missing, or rotten boards? If the posts are pretty solid and their size meets your needs, you can simply replace the platform (surface on which you tread). There’s a wide range of materials you can use to replace your decking: cedar, teak, composite, fibreglass, etc. Learn about the pros and cons of the different materials in the section below.
Restoring a deck platform
The task is made far easier if the deck’s structural components and platform are still in good condition. To revamp your deck, simply clean it with a degreaser, then lightly sand the surface prior to staining or painting the wood to add a protective layer.
We love a good…
Liquid penetrant
This category of products groups natural oils, oil-in-water emulsions, and concentrate treatments that seep into the wood’s grain without leaving any visible traces behind.
Since the wood is protected from within, its nice and natural appearance and wood grain are highlighted. And, as a bonus, such a product doesn’t peel or chip. Albeit expensive, product durability and easy maintenance make for winning options.
Instant Barn Wood and LifeTime wood treatments
Two note-worthy products! Both economical and ecological, they’re perfect for homeowners who like wood, but not necessarily the workload that comes with it.
Available in powder form, you simply have to mix the products with water. One or two coats are enough to protect your wood for its entire service life. Based on the essence used, you’ll obtain a pretty grey or brown colour. The result will be immediate for Instant Barn Wood products, while with LifeTime, the colour will settle after a few weeks.
What type of decking should you use in Canada?
Source: Canva
The beauty of a deck is that it can come in various shapes and sizes to please any and all. The formwork is typically made with treated wood, however, when it comes to the platform, the choice is yours, and they certainly aren’t lacking!
Here’s a short guide that’ll allow you to compare the pros and cons of various materials.
Wood decking
A staple in most yards on the East Coast, the wooden deck is timeless and suits any décor. Eastern white pine, Western red cedar, Ipe, teak, torrified or treated wood, there’s something for all tastes and budgets.
Treated wood
Mainly made with Eastern white pine, it’s the most-used material when it comes to building decks in the province of Quebec.
Pros
Cheapest option
Easy to work
Mould- and humidity-resistant
Bug-proof
Sturdy
Can be painted or stained
Cons
Relatively short service life (about 10 years)
Needs regular maintenance (coat of stain every 3-5 years)
Contains environmentally harmful chemicals
Torrefied wood
It’s a wood that’s heated at extremely high temperatures for the purpose of altering its properties.
Pros
Devoid of chemical products
Aesthetic
Super trendy
Cons
Tends to fade from sun exposure
Needs special and regular maintenance
Exotic wood (Ipe or teak)
Exotic woods like teak and Ipe are perfect for decks or terraces since they’re incredibly resistant to adverse weather, UV rays, and humidity. However, they’re more expensive than regional wood and necessitate regular maintenance.
Pros
Undeniable beauty
Mould- and humidity-resistant
Bug-proof
Sturdy
Very durable (50 years)
Distinctive product
Fireproof
Rich nuances
Cons
Must be imported
Very expensive
Requires good working tools
Varying availability
Western red cedar
Super trendy right now, Western red cedar is a great compromise for those looking for a high-end, distinctive product originating from Canada.
Pros
Sought-after look
Wood grain uniformity
Requires little maintenance
Naturally mould-resistant
Insect repellent
Sturdy
Durable
Smells nice
Beautiful natural colouring
Cons
A lot more expensive than treated wood
UV-vulnerable
Turns greyish if not protected or stained regularly
Spots easily when heavy objects land on its surface
Composite wood
Composite wood is made with a combination of wood fibres, recycled plastics, and synthetic polymers.
Pros
High-end
Rot-proof and humidity-resistant
Bug-proof
Durable (over 25 years)
Wide range of colours
Available in various finishes
Basically maintenance-free
Cons
Elevated price point
Can’t change the colour
Expands or shrinks when exposed to humidity
Becomes very hot in the sun
Must be professionally installed
Fibreglass
A synthetic surface that will appeal to those who are looking for a hassle-free option.
Pros
Low maintenance
Uniform
Durable (20- 25 years)
Rot-proof
Bug-proof
Corrosion-proof
For both commercial spaces and plexes
Freeze-thaw-proof
Available in various nuances and finishes
Cons
Can crack when exposed to heat
Can’t be recycled
Slippery in winter
Gets really hot in summer
Can stain due to rust
Items left in place for too long a period can cause a change in colour
Must be professionally installed
PVC membrane
PVC membranes are a great way to renovate a deck. They’re stormproof and can be installed quickly and easily.
Pros
Tried and tested
Different colour choices
Waterproof
Wearproof
Calcium- and chlorine-resistant
Different choices for Jacuzzi and pools
Non-slip
UV ray-resistant once treated
Easy on the feet
Doesn’t get too warm when exposed to the sun’s rays
Cons
Limited durability (10-15 years)
Especially vulnerable to cold weather
Aluminum
Aluminum is an affordable and durable option when it comes to renovating a deck. It’s a lightweight, durable metal that’s storm- and UV-proof. It doesn’t require paint and is especially easy to clean and maintain.
Pros
Rust-resistant
Doesn’t warp
Doesn’t split or crack
Durable
Not really vulnerable to temperature changes
Lightweight
Sturdy
Easier to install than other products
Cons
Quite expensive
Deck Renovation Ideas in Canada
Source: Canva
Integrate plants. Besides potted flowers, one can add climbers and vines for a super trendy green wall: rose bushes, hydrangeas, or honeysuckles.
Zen patio. Enjoy the soothing sound of water by adding a fountain!
Focus on lighting. Lanterns, retro bulbs, integrated lights, wall lights, string lights, lamp posts, etc.
Add a privacy screen.
Organize the vertical space with shelves, trellises, planters, etc.
Divide up the space with a dining area, an outdoor kitchen, a lounge area, etc.
Add a pergola embellished with veils, resort-like!
Create a container garden on your deck with large planters or pots of various sizes…
Take your plants outside. They’ll add some life to your deck and thrive in the sunlight and fresh air.
Add a few palm trees for a more tropical look!
How to Choose the Right Contractor for Your Outdoor Deck Space
Source: Canva
Now that you’ve selected a deck design and materials, and have obtained your permit, you’re ready to jumpstart the work.
To prevent your deck project from turning into a nightmare, you need to find a contractor that’ll be able to carry out the work to your satisfaction. Here are a few tips to help you find the right one.
Ask around. Talk to people you know, relatives, friends, neighbours, and office colleagues. They may be able to recommend a professional. If one of them has recently dealt with a contractor, check out their latest projects!
Check out the CAA’s Approved Residential Suppliers list and NetCertification. You’ll find several certified contractors. To get the “recommended” label, the latter must have proved their excellence.
Contact the Office de la protection du consommateur (Bureau of Consumer Protection). This government organization will allow you to obtain information on the contractor you’re looking to hire, specifically if they were subject to legal action.
Check whether the contractor has a Régie du bâtiment du Québec licence. The latter certifies that the company is operating legally and has the appropriate qualifications to carry out your project.
Ask previous clients about their satisfaction. If the contractor agrees to give you their contact information, it's already a good sign!
How to Calculate the Cost of a Deck/Patio
Source: Canva
It’s quite difficult to provide exact numbers when it comes to the cost of building a deck/patio. Costs will vary based on the chosen materials, surface, deck’s height, and structure (screw piles, cinder blocks, Sonotubes), but especially based on the contractor’s fee.
Even if you don't particularly want to, getting together with different industry professionals to compare quotes is essential!
Here are some ballpark numbers (based on the cost of the chosen deck construction materials).
Treated wood: $25-$30 per square foot
Western red cedar: $33-$35 per square foot
Composite: $50-$60 per square foot
Fibreglass: $36-$48 per square foot
Get 3 quotes for your deck renovation project
RenoQuotes.com can help you get quotes for your deck and balcony project. By submitting your project, we’ll put you in contact with top-rated contractors. Fill in the form on the homepage (it only takes a few minutes), and you will get estimates from trusted professionals.
Dial 1-844 828-1588 to speak with one of our customer service representatives.
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