Composite Deck Construction in Calgary
Looking for a durable outdoor space that won’t demand constant maintenance? Serenity Construction Ltd specializes in composite deck construction in Calgary, delivering the natural look of wood with advanced materials that resist fading, warping, and moisture damage. Our custom-built decks provide long-term value, withstand harsh weather, and require little upkeep. Each project is completed with expert construction standards, tailored to your property’s layout and your lifestyle.
Your low-maintenance deck starts with a call to (403) 471-8100.
Request a Free ConsultationWhat Makes Composite Decking the Best Choice for Your Property?
Composite decking has become a popular choice for homeowners due to its durability, low maintenance, and modern appearance. Because of how this decking choice is manufactured, it offers a long-lasting solution that resists many of the common issues associated with traditional wood decks.
One of the biggest advantages of composite decking is its low-maintenance nature. It doesn’t require staining, sealing, or frequent repairs and is highly resistant to rotting, warping, and insect damage, making it an excellent option for properties in regions with harsh weather or high humidity.
As if that wasn’t good enough, composite decking comes in a wide range of colors, textures, and styles, allowing you to achieve a customized look that complements your property.
Serenity Construction Ltd’s Deck Construction Services
You'll love composite decking for its attractiveness and low maintenance requirements. Not everyone can construct a deck that endures through the years, though. Thankfully, we’re available to assist. We specialize in building composite decks that are as durable as they are beautiful.
Here’s what our composite deck construction services include:
- Custom design consultations tailored to your space
- Use of high-quality, weather-resistant composite materials
- Expert installation by experienced professionals
- Precision framing for long-lasting structural integrity
- Decks built to meet all local building codes and safety standards
- A variety of color and style options to match your property
- Clean and efficient construction with minimal disruption
Do You Need a Permit To Construct a New Deck?
Building permits are typically required to ensure that the deck complies with local building codes and safety regulations, including structural integrity, proper materials, and appropriate placement on your property. The need for a permit may vary depending on your location, the size of the deck, and whether it’s attached to the house or freestanding.
What Is Composite Decking Made Of?
Composite decking is made from a blend of reclaimed wood fibers, such as sawdust and wood chips, and recycled plastics, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. The wood component provides a natural look and texture, while the plastic adds strength and protects against moisture, rot, and insects.
In addition, many boards feature a protective cap and color-blending finishes that closely mimic the look of real hardwood. Thanks to this combination of appearance and durability, composite decking has become a popular choice for homeowners seeking low-maintenance outdoor spaces.
What Are the Different Types of Composite Decks?
Composite decking is manufactured in two primary formats: capped and uncapped. Each offers different levels of durability and surface protection.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Capped composite decking: This type features a bonded polymer shell that resists moisture, stains, UV damage, and mold while improving color retention and lowering maintenance needs. It is available in three-sided and four-sided cap stock. Three-sided boards have the cap on the top and sides, while four-sided boards are fully wrapped for complete protection.
- Uncapped composite decking: This type lacks the outer shell, making it more prone to fading, moisture absorption, and stains, and is typically chosen for low-traffic or budget-driven projects.
For further customization, each option comes in a variety of core designs, grain patterns, fastening compatibilities, and color blends to suit specific load and design requirements. We’ll walk you through all the options and help curate a style and set of custom features that work best for you.
Capped vs. Uncapped: Which Composite Decking Is Best?
There’s no single “best” option. Capped and uncapped composite decking each offer benefits depending on how you plan to use your deck and what you expect in terms of durability and upkeep. The right choice comes down to your personal preferences, usage patterns, and overall goals for the space. We’ll guide you through the pros and cons of each to help you make the right decision for your home and budget.
What Composite Deck Parts and Finishing Accessories Does Your Build Need?
Composite decks benefit from specific finishes and components carefully chosen to complement the material’s look, performance, and longevity.
A complete composite deck system typically includes:
- Hidden fasteners: Grooved composite boards pair with stainless steel clips or similar hidden fastening systems, creating tight, uniform gaps without visible screws on the surface.
- Fascia boards: These cover the outer edges of the deck framing for a seamless, finished appearance while helping protect against moisture and wear.
- Railing systems: Most composite decks are completed with aluminum or composite post-and-rail systems that are code-compliant and visually cohesive with the decking.
- Skirting or trim boards: These conceal the space beneath the deck and add a clean border. They also prevent wildlife from accessing the underside of the structure.
- Stair treads and risers: Using matching composite materials for stairs ensures consistent appearance, durability, and slip resistance.
Additional upgrades, such as post caps, LED lighting kits, picture framing, and breaker boards, can further boost the style and functionality of your deck.
Can Composite Decks Handle Calgary’s Winters?
Yes, composite decks are well-suited to handle Calgary’s harsh winters, including deep freezes, heavy snowfall, and frequent freeze-thaw cycles. As temperatures drop, the low water absorption of the plastic content helps the boards remain stable, minimizing issues like cracking, warping, or splitting. In addition, capped composite boards offer enhanced resistance to ice damage and surface wear caused by constant temperature changes.
When snow and ice build up, they can be safely removed using plastic shovels or calcium chloride de-icers, which won’t harm the deck surface. To add to the many qualities that make composite boards reliable in cold weather, many include textured finishes that provide extra grip, making them a safer option in icy conditions.
How Long Does Composite Decking Last?
In Calgary, high-quality composite decking typically lasts between 25 and 50 years, making it a smart long-term choice. This durability comes from materials with protective caps and moisture-resistant cores that handle freeze-thaw cycles, summer heat, and heavy snow with ease.
To support that performance, proper installation—including tight joist spacing, good ventilation, and the right fasteners—is just as important. Additionally, with simple routine cleaning, your deck stays structurally sound and continues to look great for decades.
What’s Involved in Preparing Your Yard for a New Deck Installation?
While you’ll need to clear your yard of items like old patio furniture, sheds, or existing decks, we handle everything else. Our team maps out the layout based on your property lines and elevation changes, files utility locate requests, and excavates to frost depth before setting concrete footings in Sonotubes aligned with the deck’s design. If the yard is sloped, we manage grading, address drainage, take care of any retaining wall needs, protect service lines, and prepare the space for a smooth and successful build.
Can We Install Composite Decking Over Wooden Decking?
in many cases, we can install composite decking over an existing wooden deck, but there are important considerations to ensure a successful installation. Before proceeding, the existing wood deck must be structurally sound, level, and free of any major damage or decay. If the wood is compromised, we may need to repair or replace it before installing the composite decking.
The composite boards are typically installed on top of the existing structure using special fasteners or clips, with enough space between the old wood and the new decking to allow for proper ventilation and drainage. It’s essential to ensure that the existing framework can support the weight of the new decking, as composite materials can be heavier than traditional wood.
Can Composite Decking Be Painted?
Technically, composite decking can be painted, but it’s not recommended by manufacturers. Most modern boards, especially capped varieties, have a durable outer shell made of polyethylene or PVC that resists paint adhesion. As a result, painting usually voids the warranty and creates a maintenance routine similar to traditional wood.
In cases where the decking is uncapped and has weathered over time, it may accept paint after proper sanding and priming. However, because composite material expands and contracts with temperature changes, the paint often peels, especially in Calgary’s shifting climate. If you want to change the colour, it’s better to replace the boards with another colour option available from the manufacturer.
If you’re looking to add a splash of colour, trim, fascia, or wood-framed components that are not covered in composite can be painted, as long as they are not used as walking surfaces or load-bearing parts.
How Long Does Composite Deck Installation Take?
The time required for composite deck installation can range from several days to a few weeks, depending on factors like the deck's size, design complexity, site preparation, and weather conditions. A simple, small deck can often be completed in just a few days, while larger decks with custom features or multiple levels may take longer. Leveling the ground and repairing an existing deck are some factors that can extend the length of the project.
Call Today!
Call us today to make your property into an outdoor paradise. We can get you a free quote within 24 hours so you can start planning parties right away!
Looking for a deck-building company? Contact us at (403) 471-8100.