Decks, Fences and Outdoor Living
Backyard spaces built to be enjoyed, and built to code.
Decks, Fences and Outdoor Living in Toronto and across Ontario
A deck or fence looks simple, but footings, framing, guards and by-laws all matter. A raised deck is a structure that carries people, furniture and snow, and it should be built like one.
We design and build wood and composite decks, stairs and railings, pergolas and covered areas, privacy fences, pool enclosures and patios. We check zoning and fence by-laws, manage permits for raised or attached decks, and set footings below the frost line.
Harborline Sterling Construction Inc. is principal-led. One of our co-founders, Mansoor Alam Khan or Maqsood Mohammed, oversees every project, so decisions get made quickly and you always know who is accountable.
What decks, fences and outdoor living includes
Every project is different, but these are the parts of the work we take responsibility for.
Decks and stairs
Wood and composite decks with proper footings, framing, hidden or face fastening, stairs and landings.
Railings and guards
Wood, aluminum, glass or composite railings that meet Building Code guard heights and spacing.
Pergolas and covered areas
Pergolas, gazebos and roofed outdoor rooms, engineered where needed for snow and wind.
Fences and gates
Wood, vinyl and metal privacy fences and gates built to your municipality's fence by-law, including pool enclosures.
Patios and landscaping
Interlock and stone patios, garden walls, planting beds and outdoor lighting that tie the yard together.
How the work runs
The same disciplined backbone we use on every project, adapted for this kind of work.
Design
Site visit, layout, materials and a written quote.
Approve
Permits for raised or attached decks, pool enclosure approvals and utility locates.
Build
Footings, framing, decking, railings and finishing.
Finish
Clean-up, care guidance and a final walk-through.
Often paired with decks, fences and outdoor living
Many home projects combine services. One contract can cover all of it.
Driveways, Walkways and Interlock
Asphalt, concrete and interlocking driveways, walkways, front steps and patios.
Learn moreHome Additions
Rear, side and second-storey additions, sunrooms, mudrooms and garage conversions.
Learn moreRoofing, Siding, Windows and Doors
Roof replacement, siding, eavestroughs, windows and doors that keep the weather out.
Learn moreWhy choose us for decks, fences and outdoor living
From the first visit to the final walk-through, here is what you can count on.
One accountable team
One contract and one point of contact for design, permits, trades and inspections, so you are never left coordinating contractors yourself.
Principal-led
A founding principal oversees your project and is a phone call away, from the first visit to the final walk-through.
Licensed trades
Electrical work by licensed electrical contractors, gas work by TSSA-registered contractors and plumbing by licensed plumbers, with permits and inspections where required.
Other ways we can help
Many projects combine services. Ask us how they fit together for yours.
Also from Harborline Sterling
Related reading
Home renovationPlanning a Home Renovation in Ontario: Permits, Contracts and Budgets
Permits, licensed trades, written contracts, holdback and budgets: what to sort out before your renovation starts.
Read article
ConstructionBuilding Through an Ontario Winter: What Owners Should Expect
Frost, concrete, heat and daylight: how winter affects cost and schedule, and how good planning keeps projects moving.
Read articleFrequently asked questions
Do I need a permit for a deck?
Often. In Toronto, for example, decks more than 60 cm (24 inches) above the ground need a building permit, and other municipalities have similar rules. We check yours and apply for it.
How deep do deck footings go?
Below the frost line, typically about 1.2 metres (4 feet) in the GTA, so the deck does not heave in winter. Some designs use helical piles instead of concrete footings.
Should I choose wood or composite?
Pressure-treated wood costs less up front and can be stained, cedar looks warmer, and composite costs more but needs far less maintenance. We price both so you can compare.
Are there rules for fences?
Yes. Municipal fence by-laws limit height and location, and pool fences must meet pool enclosure rules, which often require a permit. We confirm the rules before building.
Can you build in winter?
Some deck and fence work can be done in winter with the right footing method, but most homeowners schedule outdoor projects from spring to fall.
Plan your outdoor space with us
Put one accountable team in charge: on schedule, on budget, with permits and inspections handled the whole way.
Start your project
Tell us what you are planning. We will set up a straightforward conversation about scope, budget and timeline, with no obligation.