Embedded Files
Material Options
Pressure-Treated Wood (Brown)
Upfront Cost: $
Maintenance: High (Need stain/sealer every 2-3 years)
Pros: Most afforadble entry point; excellent strength
Cons: Prone to shrinking, warping, and splintering as it ages
The Halifax Factor: Can't skip maintenance over freeze-thaw cycle
Western Red Cedar
Upfront Cost: $$
Maintenance: Medium (Oil every 1-2 years for colour or zero maintenance for a weathered look)
Pros: inherently rot-resistant; stays cool on bare feet
Cons: A softer wood that can dent/scratch from furniture
The Halifax Factor: Handles coastal humidity beautifully. Perfect if you want that classic, silver "Nantucket" coastal vibe over time
TruNorth Composite (Rice Hull)
Upfront Cost: $$$
Maintenance: Zero (Just wash it with a hose)
Pros: Absolutely zero rotting, swelling; no staining ever
Cons: Higher initial investment; sharp metal furniture can cause surface scratches
The Halifax Factor: The ultimate Maritime material. Because there is no wood fiber inside, our salt air, driving rain, and ice simply cannot distroy it
Deck Pattern
Standard Straight
Diagonal
V-Shaped
Herringbone
Diamond
Parquet
Edge Options
Fascia Edge
Picture Frame Edge
Overhang Edge
Flushed Edge
How Can a Deck Pattern Save Me Money?
The short answer: shorts
A perpendicular board running down the middle of a larger deck eliminates unsightly butt joints where two boards meet end-to-end.
Railing Styles
Wood 2x2 Balusters
Wood Horizontal 4"
Wood Horizontal 2"
Wood w/ Aluminum Bars
Aluminum Picket
Aluminum Glass
Elevated Railing Styles (Veradek corten steel)
Privacy Screens
2" Horizontal
4" Horizontal
Hoft
Hideaway 3 Options
Toja
Veradek Cortan Steel panels
Skirting
Lattice (2 options)
Wood Horizontal 4"
Wood Horizontal 2"
Wood Vertical
Acessories
Tread Pads (plastic, rubber, strips)
Accent Cap
Integrated Low Voltage Lighting
Bench
Gate
Planters
Under-Deck Drainage System
Drink Rail Adapter
Regulations
Deck Permit
A Deck Permit is required for the construction of a new deck or the replacement of an existing deck.
A Deck Permit expires 2 years from date of issue.
Documents Required
Construction plan
Height of deck above finished ground level, height of deck guard, footings depth below grade for frost protection – 1.2m (4ft) minimum, openings in the guard maximum 100mm (4in) opening, distance between posts – maximum 2.4m (8ft) apart, span of floor joist , cantilever (if applicable), column footing size , beam size, wood column supporting wood beam – minimum column size is 140mm x 140mm (6 x 6 in), joist size and spacing, deck width, deck length, and distance between columns.
Site Plan
A site plan must include lot dimensions and the footprint of all existing buildings on site. It must show the proposed deck, indicate the distance from all property boundaries, and include any watercourse buffers. For more information, see the decks & railings guide.
Inspection Required
Footing Inspection
Conducted when the footings are placed and the forms have been removed. Depending on the size and connection to the main structure, not all decks will require dug footings.
Final Inspection
Review of the deck structure as a whole. Depending of the size of the structure, a final inspection may be all that is required.
Link to Halifax Deck Permit Information
Page updated
Report abuse