What's the best time of year to build a deck?
Late fall and winter are some of the best times of year to build a deck, as long as you plan ahead. Crews have more time to give your project, the ground is firm or frozen, and the deck goes in while you're not using the yard, so it's ready when you are. Wait until spring and you're building on wet ground, just as the season you wanted the deck for arrives.
Why is fall a good time to build a deck?
Once the nights get longer and the days get shorter, most people stop thinking about their deck. That's exactly when we'd start. In Mike's words, "this is actually probably one of the best times of year to build a deck."
The first reason is time. Crews slow down after the summer rush, so there's room to give each project more thought and more attention to detail. That's also when some contractors get ready to stop for the winter.
The second reason is that you're not out there. Nobody plans to spend their evenings on the deck in November, so a build at this time of year doesn't take anything away from you. "To have something that can be built when you're not wanting to use it, and it's ready when you do want to use it, is absolutely huge," Mike says.
Can you build a deck in winter?
Yes. Simcoe Decks builds year-round, right through the winter. That matters more than it sounds: a project that starts in the fall shouldn't stop halfway and wait for spring. We don't start and stop projects. We see them through.
A winter build may take a little longer. But delays and weather matter a lot less when you aren't waiting to get out there and use the deck.
What happens to your lawn?
This is the part most people never think about. By late fall the yard is going dormant. The grass is going to sleep for the winter, the paths are packed down and the ground is hard, so crews going back and forth leave far less behind them.
In winter, with frozen ground and snow on top, we're hardly disturbing the ground at all.
Spring is the opposite. The snow is melting and the ground has just soaked up all that water. Every trip across the yard with materials leaves more of a mark. The grass does grow back, but you lose part of the season waiting for it.
What does a fall start look like?
The planning is the part to start now. A late fall or winter build comes from conversations that begin in the fall. This is how a project runs with us:
You tell us about the project: the space, what you have in mind, and some photos of the yard.
We design your deck and price it, so you can see it and try options at your own pace.
Mike meets you on site with real board and colour samples, and walks you through the pros and cons of each option.
You get a full proposal to accept and sign.
We handle the permits and the build, start to finish.
We won't hand you the building permit and leave you in charge of the inspections. That's our job.
What if you wait until spring?
Then spring is the time to go, and we'll still build you a deck you'll love. You'll just be starting when the ground is soft, the yard is wet and the warm weather you wanted it for is already here.
If you're planning a deck for next summer, start the conversation this fall. As Mike puts it, "if you can plan ahead and start these conversations in the fall, and look at a late fall, winter build, it's probably your best time of year to do it."
Start the conversation with us, or call (705) 300-2903.
What do people ask us?
Do you build decks in the winter?
Yes. Simcoe Decks builds year-round, so a project that starts in late fall carries on through the winter instead of stopping until spring.
Is a winter build harder on my lawn?
Usually it's easier on it. With frozen ground and snow on top, crews hardly disturb the ground. In spring the ground is soft and wet from the melt, so every trip across the yard leaves more of a mark.
Who looks after the building permit?
We do. Simcoe Decks handles the permits and the build from start to finish, so you're never left in charge of the inspections.
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Mike · Simcoe Decks · Updated 2026-10-26
Simcoe Decks · 92 Caplan Ave, Barrie, ON · (705) 300-2903 · info@simcoedecks.ca
