Deck FAQ
Surrey deck and patio questions
Permits, materials, rot, railings, hot tubs and timing.
Do I need a permit to build a deck in Surrey? j
It depends on the design. Raised decks, decks with a roof and rooftop decks generally need a City of Surrey building permit, while low decks and ground-level patios often do not. Setbacks and lot coverage can also apply to covered structures. We check the requirements for your design and handle the application when one is needed.
Composite or wood: which holds up better in Surrey's rain? i
Both can last if the deck is built to drain and dry out. Composite resists rot and needs very little upkeep, which suits a damp climate. Cedar offers a natural look but needs regular cleaning and a finish. The framing underneath is usually pressure-treated wood either way, so detailing such as joist tape, board spacing and ledger flashing matters as much as the surface.
Can you put new boards on my existing deck frame? i
Often, yes, if the frame is sound. We check the joists, beams, posts, footings and the connection to the house first. Composite decking usually needs closer joist spacing than old wood boards, so some frames need extra joists before resurfacing. If the structure is rotting, rebuilding is the safer choice.
How do you stop a deck from rotting where it meets the house? i
The ledger board, where the deck attaches to the house, is the most common failure point. We flash it so water is directed away from the wall, fasten it with the correct hardware, and leave space for air to move. On some designs, a free-standing deck that does not attach to the house at all is the better option.
Can a covered patio or pergola be used through the winter? i
A solid-roof cover or a louvered roof keeps rain off, and with heaters, lighting and side screens the space can be used for much of the year. An open pergola mainly provides shade and a sense of enclosure. We help you choose based on how and when you plan to use the space.
Glass or cable railings: which should I choose? i
Glass gives the clearest view and blocks wind, but needs cleaning to stay clear. Cable railings look lighter and cost less than glass in many cases, but some horizontal designs raise climbing concerns under certain code interpretations, which matters in homes with young children. We confirm the system meets requirements before ordering.
Can I put a hot tub on my deck? i
Yes, if the structure is designed for it. A filled hot tub with people in it is very heavy, so the framing, beams and footings underneath need to be sized for that load, or the tub can sit on its own pad at ground level with the deck built around it. A dedicated electrical circuit is also required.
When is the best time to build a deck in Surrey? i
Decks can be built for much of the year, but concrete footings, stains and some membranes need dry weather. Spring and summer book up early, so planning and permits over the winter lets construction start as soon as the weather allows.
How do I start a deck or patio project with you? i
Use the
deck estimate form or call
(604) 649-5404. A few photos of the yard and a rough idea of size are plenty to begin. After a ballpark figure, we come out to measure, check slope and drainage, and put the design and scope in writing.
