Custom Deck Builders in York Region & the Greater Toronto Area
Designing and building custom decks across Aurora, Newmarket, Richmond Hill and the GTA since 1984. As a Trex Pro Platinum installer — Trex’s highest installer tier — we build outdoor spaces that are engineered to last decades, not seasons.
Why homeowners choose Forest for their deck
- Four decades, one family. Building decks across the GTA since 1984 — longer than most contractors in York Region have been in business. That track record means a completed design you can trust and a company that will still be here for the warranty.
- Trex Pro Platinum craftsmanship. The highest installer level Trex offers. It unlocks Trex’s 25–50 year material warranty plus a limited labour warranty on the Transcend and Signature lines. [CONFIRM: exact labour warranty terms — pull from current Trex Pro Platinum agreement so this is accurate.]
- Residential and commercial proven. Trusted by builders and developers. The same standards we bring to a builder’s spec, we bring to your backyard.
- Full in-house scope. Design, permits, footings, framing, decking, railings, lighting, privacy screens and integrated pergolas — one team, one point of accountability, no subcontractor finger-pointing.
Decking materials we build
Composite decking (Trex) Low-maintenance, long-lasting, and the material we’re certified to install at the highest level. No sanding, staining or sealing — an occasional wash keeps it looking new. Available across the Trex Transcend, Signature and Enhance lines in a wide range of colours and finishes. Backed by Trex’s 25–50 year warranty and, as a Trex Pro Platinum installer, a limited labour warranty on qualifying lines.
PVC decking A premium, fully synthetic option with the best resistance to moisture, staining and fading — ideal for pool decks and fully exposed spaces. Lightweight, cool underfoot options available.
Western Red Cedar Natural beauty, rich grain, and a natural resistance to decay and insects. Dimensionally stable enough for GTA freeze-thaw cycles. Ages to a silver patina unless maintained; we’ll walk you through the upkeep so there are no surprises.
Pressure-treated wood The most affordable way to get a durable, custom deck. Excellent for framing and budget-conscious builds. It does require periodic maintenance and can check or move over time — we build with proper fastening and spacing to minimize it, and we’re upfront about the trade-offs versus composite.
Our process
- Free on-site consultation & design — we assess the site, discuss how you’ll use the space, and bring material samples.
- Detailed quote & 3D/plan — transparent scope and pricing. [CONFIRM: do you provide renderings/drawings? If yes, say so — it’s a differentiator.]
- Permits & compliance — we handle building permits, Ontario Building Code compliance, and utility locates. [CONFIRM you manage permits — competitors lead with this.]
- Build — your dedicated crew, clear timeline, tidy site.
- Walkthrough & warranty — final inspection with you, plus material and workmanship warranty documentation.
Deck FAQs
1. Do I need a building permit to build a deck in Aurora, Newmarket, or Richmond Hill?
In most cases, yes. Under the Ontario Building Code, a permit is generally required if your deck is attached to the house, sits more than 24 inches (600 mm) above grade, or serves a required exit — and each municipality administers its own review. Small, freestanding, ground-level decks can sometimes be exempt, but it’s not worth guessing. We handle the permit application, drawings, and Ontario Building Code compliance as part of your project, so you don’t have to navigate the town office yourself.
2. Should I choose composite or wood decking?
It comes down to how much maintenance you want to do and how long you plan to keep the deck. Wood (cedar or pressure-treated) costs less up front but needs regular cleaning, staining, or sealing and will weather over time. Composite (Trex) and PVC cost more initially but need almost no upkeep and hold their appearance for decades — which is why they usually win on total cost of ownership for homeowners staying put. As a Trex Pro Platinum installer, we build in all four and will give you an honest recommendation for your budget and how you actually use your yard, not just the priciest option.
3. What’s the best decking material for Ontario’s climate?
Our freeze-thaw cycles are hard on decks, so dimensional stability and moisture resistance matter. Composite and PVC handle Ontario winters especially well because they don’t absorb water, warp, or splinter, and they don’t need refinishing after a rough season. Western red cedar is a strong natural option thanks to its stability and resistance to decay, provided you’re willing to maintain it. Pressure-treated wood is the budget choice and performs fine when it’s built with proper fastening and spacing — which is where good installation makes the difference.
4. When should I book — do you build in winter?
Spring and early summer book up fast, so the best time to start the design and permit process is late winter or early spring for a summer build. [CONFIRM: whether the client builds through winter.] Booking in the off-season often means shorter lead times and more scheduling flexibility. If you’re planning to enjoy the deck next summer, starting the conversation months ahead is the difference between “on your deck in June” and “on the waitlist.”
5. How long will my deck last, and what warranty do you offer?
A well-built pressure-treated deck lasts around 15–20 years with maintenance; cedar similar with care; composite and PVC often 25+ years. Trex composite lines carry a manufacturer warranty of 25–50 years depending on the product, and as a Trex Pro Platinum installer we can offer a limited labour warranty on qualifying lines. [CONFIRM: exact Trex labour warranty terms + Forest’s own workmanship warranty length — state real terms, not estimates.] We’ll provide all warranty documentation at your final walkthrough.
5. Can you rebuild or replace my existing deck?
Yes. We handle tear-outs and full replacements, including upgrading an old wood deck to low-maintenance composite or PVC. We’ll assess whether any of the existing structure (footings, framing) is sound and reusable or whether a full rebuild is the better long-term call — and we’ll tell you straight, since reusing a failing substructure only shortens the life of the new deck.