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Do You Need a Permit for a Pergola in Ottawa? Most backyard pergolas in Ottawa no longer need a building permit. In December 2025, the City’s Building Code Services issued an advisory (2025 A-001) that extends the permit exemption beyond sheds to gazebos, pergolas, and similar structures. If your pergola is freestanding and modest in […]

Can You Attach a Pergola to an Existing Deck? Yes, you can attach a pergola to an existing deck. Whether you should depends entirely on what is hiding under the deck boards. A pergola looks light, but it puts real loads on a deck frame: its own weight, wind pushing sideways against those tall posts,

How Long Does Pressure-Treated Wood Last in Canada? Pressure-treated wood lasts 15 to 25 years in most Canadian backyards. Posts and framing buried in the ground or sitting close to soil often reach 25 to 40 years because they carry a heavier dose of preservative. Deck boards wear out first. They take the sun, the

Do I Need a Permit for a Deck in Ottawa? Building a deck in Ottawa can add real living space to your home, but before you order lumber or book a contractor, you need to know whether the City requires a permit. In many cases, yes, you need a building permit for a deck in

Should I Repair or Replace My Old Deck? An old deck can still have years of life left in it, or it can hide serious structural problems under worn boards and faded stain. The right choice depends on the condition of the deck framing, the age of the structure, the extent of rot, and the

Top 5 Deck Design Trends in Canada for 2026 Canadian homeowners want decks that are more than just space for a barbecue and patio set. In 2026, the best deck designs become true parts of the home. They handle all weather, family dinners, quiet mornings, and busy weekends. They look clean, last longer, and require

How to Clean Green Algae Off a Deck Green algae spreads fast on decks in Ottawa. Humid summers. Heavy rain. Long winters. Shade from trees. All of it creates the perfect surface for slippery green buildup. It looks bad. It feels worse underfoot. If left alone, it weakens wood fibres and shortens the life of

Is a Deck a Good ROI for Canadian Homes? Ottawa homeowners often ask if adding a deck will pay off when it’s time to sell. The answer depends on factors, including cost, return on investment (ROI), and how well the deck is built and maintained. In Canada’s capital region, where summers are sweet but short,

How to Prevent Deck Rot in Wet Canadian Springs? Wet spring weather in Ottawa puts every wood deck at risk. Snow melts fast. Rain falls hard. There are water pools between boards and around posts. If you ignore early warning signs, deck rot spreads through joists, beams, and surface boards. Structural damage follows. You can