Deck building questions, answered
Updated October 25, 2026 · By Mike, Simcoe Decks
Simcoe Decks designs and builds composite decks for homeowners across Muskoka, Simcoe County and Grey County, from our base in Barrie. These are the questions we hear most, answered the way we'd answer them on site. If yours isn't here, call or text (705) 300-2903.
Where does Simcoe Decks build?
Across Muskoka, Simcoe County and Grey County. We're based in Barrie, at 92 Caplan Ave. Tell us your town or municipality and we'll confirm whether your location and project are a fit. Our Muskoka, Barrie and Collingwood and Blue Mountains pages show local work.
What do you build?
Composite decks with their stairs and landings; aluminum picket, framed glass and frameless glass railings; low-voltage In-Lite lighting; privacy screens; and louvered pergolas. We take on new builds and tear-out-and-rebuilds of existing decks.
Do you build wood decks?
No. We build composite decks, and we don't install finished pressure-treated decking. Under the boards we use pressure-treated framing (today's fast-growth lumber) or Fortress steel, matched to the board.
Can you put new boards on my existing deck frame?
Not very often. Most of the time it makes more sense to start fresh, but sometimes, when the circumstances are right, we can. On a Huntsville lakefront cottage the structure had strong bones, so we kept it, reinforced it where it needed it and resurfaced it in Voyage.
How does a project start?
With a few details: where you are and what you want from the space. Our team reviews your brief and prepares a model, and you explore layout and material choices with preliminary estimates. Then we visit to confirm measurements, access and site conditions. After that site review we prepare your proposal, with the materials, inclusions, options, pricing and terms, and you decide at your pace.
Is the site visit free?
Yes. The site visit is free and normally takes about an hour. We confirm measurements, access and site conditions, and your proposal follows the visit.
Do I need drawings, measurements or photos to get started?
No. A description of the space and what you want to change is enough to begin. Share rough measurements if you have them; we confirm the details during planning. Photos can help later, and we'll tell you which views are useful.
Is the design model a fixed quote?
No. The model and its early estimates are for exploring options. We confirm the site conditions and refine the scope before we prepare your proposal, and anything still to be confirmed is identified as the project develops.
How much does a deck cost?
It depends on the size, the design, the materials and the site, so there's no single number. Early design prices are estimates: we confirm the site and scope before preparing your proposal. Our guide to what determines the cost of composite decking in 2026 explains what moves the number.
What if I don't know my budget yet?
That's fine. Choose “Not sure yet” when you start, and we'll talk through your priorities and the choices that affect the investment. If you have a comfortable range, sharing it helps us focus the conversation.
How do payments work?
In four stages: a 20% deposit when you accept the proposal, 50% two weeks before the start, 20% when the deck boards are half installed, and 10% on completion. We take e-transfer, cheque or cash.
When should I start planning a deck?
Winter. Frozen ground means less disturbance to the site, and a head start gives you the best chance of a deck that's ready for the warmer weather.
How long does a deck take to build?
It depends on the project. A simpler deck can take a week, and larger or more complex projects take longer. Once you approve, we plan construction and keep you informed through completion.
Do you handle permits and inspections?
We coordinate the permits and inspections included in your agreed scope. Requirements depend on the property and the project, so we identify the approvals your deck needs during planning. The rules differ from town to town: our Barrie and Muskoka pages set out the local ones.
Are you insured?
Yes. We carry liability insurance and WSIB coverage.
Which deck boards do you install?
Three Deckorators lines: Venture, Summit and Voyage. We lean to the mineral-based boards: Summit or Voyage in full sun, and Voyage first around a pool, hot tub or dock. Where budget comes first, Venture. Compare them on our decking options page.
Should my deck have a steel frame or a wood frame?
We match the frame to the board: pressure-treated (today's fast-growth lumber) under Venture, Fortress steel worth a look under Summit, and steel definitely under Voyage. The steel frame carries a 25-year warranty. More on why we frame in Fortress steel.
What are helical piles?
Steel piles turned into the ground to bear below the frost line, about 4 ft down. They resist shifting, settling and frost movement, and they go in with no digging and no concrete to cure, even close to pools, gardens and patios. Each pile is installed to torque. On Canadian Shield bedrock we sometimes attach the footings to the rock instead: it runs below the frost line and doesn't move.
What warranties come with a Simcoe deck?
Two kinds: the makers' and ours. Deckorators warrants Voyage boards for 50 years structural and 25 years stain and fade, and Summit and Venture for 25 years structural and 25 years stain and fade. The Fortress steel frame carries a 25-year warranty. Our own workmanship warranty is 3 years, in writing.
How do I look after a composite deck?
Rinse it with a garden hose, and now and then wash it with mild soap and water. There's no sanding, staining or sealing. For a deeper clean, a pressure washer with a fan-tip nozzle can be used; follow the care guidelines we give you for your board.
Can you add a louvered pergola to my deck?
Yes. We build Eclipse louvered pergolas: a motorized aluminum roof whose louvers tilt to control sunlight, airflow and rain, and lock together into a watertight seal when they're fully closed. The powder-coated finish never needs repainting. A roof can change what your deck needs for a permit, so we identify the approvals during planning. See the louvered pergola page.
Call or text (705) 300-2903 · Start your project
Simcoe Decks · 92 Caplan Ave, Barrie, ON · (705) 300-2903 · info@simcoedecks.ca