Deck Building Cost in London: April 2026 Price Guide

Building a new deck in London currently averages $14,500 CAD, though most homeowners find their final bill landing somewhere between $5,000 and $35,000 CAD. We've seen prices climb about 6.5% since this time last year. If you've been sitting on the fence about adding that outdoor living space, you're likely feeling the pinch of higher material costs and a tight local labor market. April is usually the "starting gun" for the construction season in Southwestern Ontario. By the time the tulips bloom in Victoria Park, every contractor in the Forest City has a calendar that is filling up fast.

If you are looking at that patch of grass in your backyard and dreaming of a cedar oasis, you need to be realistic about the numbers. London isn't the cheapest place in Ontario to build, but it isn't the most expensive either. It sits in a middle ground where quality matters and the weather demands durable materials.

Breaking Down the Costs in London

When we talk about an average of $14,500 CAD, we are usually looking at a standard pressure-treated wood deck, roughly 200 to 300 square feet, with basic railings and a single set of stairs. This is the workhorse of the London backyard. It’s functional, it smells like a forest for the first month, and it gets the job done for summer BBQs.

On the lower end of the scale, near that $5,000 mark, you are likely looking at a small "landing" style deck or a simple ground-level platform. These often don't require deep footings or complex railings, which keeps the labor costs down. If you're handy and doing the work yourself, this budget might even get you a slightly larger footprint.

Once you cross into the $25,000 to $35,000 range, you are entering the world of composites and hardwoods. In London’s humid summers and freezing winters, composite materials like Trex or Azek have become incredibly popular because they don't warp or rot. These high-end projects often include "extras" that aren't really extras anymore, like integrated LED lighting, glass privacy panels, or multi-level designs that follow the slope of your yard.

What Drives the Price Up?

Several factors will determine if your quote stays near the average or heads toward the ceiling. The London market has some specific quirks you should keep in mind.

First, the material choice is the biggest variable. Pressure-treated lumber is the budget-friendly king, but its price has been volatile lately. Cedar is the mid-range beauty, but it requires annual maintenance that many people grow to hate. Composites cost more upfront - sometimes double the material cost of wood - but they effectively pay for themselves by eliminating the need for staining and sanding every two years.

Second, the "Forest City" isn't always flat. If you live in a newer subdivision in the north end or tucked away near the Coves, you might have significant grading issues. Building on a slope requires more engineering, deeper footings, and more complex structural support. Digging those footings in London's clay-heavy soil is no joke, and contractors will charge for the extra sweat equity involved.

Third, the labor market in London is currently stretched. With ongoing residential expansion in areas like Sunningdale and Byron, skilled carpenters are in high demand. You aren't just paying for wood; you're paying for the time of a pro who could be working on three other houses down the street.

Finally, don't forget the paperwork. The City of London requires a building permit for any deck that is more than 24 inches above finished grade or any deck that supports a roof. Figuring out the deck building cost in London means including those permit fees and the time it takes to get drawings approved.

How London Compares to the Rest of Canada

London sits in an interesting spot when you compare it to other Canadian hubs. Our average of $14,500 CAD makes us slightly more expensive than our neighbors in Kitchener, where the average is $13,500 CAD. This is often due to the specific logistics of the London supply chain and the local demand for higher-end finishes in maturing neighborhoods.

If you head further east, Hamilton comes in lower at $12,000 CAD, likely due to a higher density of contractors and different soil conditions that make footings easier to pour. Out west, Edmonton sees much higher averages at $18,500 CAD, driven by shorter building seasons and higher specialized labor costs.

Interestingly, Ottawa is currently seeing lower averages at $11,000 CAD. This shows that even within Ontario, local competition and municipal requirements can swing the price by thousands of dollars. Montreal remains quite similar to London, averaging $15,000 CAD, reflecting a similar urban building environment.

Tips for Saving Money on Your Deck

You don't have to settle for the highest quote. There are ways to bring that $14,500 CAD average down without compromising the safety of your structure.

1. Simplify the Shape: Every corner you add to a deck adds cost. A rectangular deck is significantly cheaper to build than one with clipped corners, curves, or octagonal sections. Labor goes up every time a saw has to make a complex cut.
2. Buy Materials in the Off-Season: While April is the time to build, February is the time to buy. Many local lumber yards offer "early bird" specials if you can store the materials in your garage for a couple of months.
3. Choose "Hybrid" Materials: Use pressure-treated wood for the frame and joists (the parts you don't see) and save your money for composite or cedar on the decking boards and railings. This gives you the look and durability you want where it matters most.
4. Handle the Demo Yourself: If you are replacing an old, rotting deck, don't pay a carpenter $80 an hour to tear it down. Rent a dumpster, grab a crowbar, and do the demolition yourself. You can easily save $1,000 in labor costs over a weekend.

The best season to start your search is actually late autumn or early winter. If you can get your project on a contractor's schedule for a spring start by signing a contract in December, you’ll often get better rates than the person calling in a panic in mid-May.

Is 2026 a Good Year to Build?

With a 6.5% year-over-year increase, the trend is clear: waiting usually costs you more. While the massive price spikes of a few years ago have leveled off, the general trajectory for construction in Ontario is still upward. Right now, the London market is stable but busy.

If you have the funds ready, 2026 is a solid year to move forward. Interest rates have found a new "normal," and material supplies are more predictable than they were in the early 2020s. You'll get a better quality of work now than you would during a period of extreme supply shortages.

FAQ

How long does deck building take in London?

For a standard 200-square-foot deck, expect the actual construction to take 3 to 5 days. However, the entire process - including site visits, quotes, and waiting for permit approval from the City of London - usually takes 4 to 6 weeks.

Do I need a permit for deck building in London?

Yes, if the deck is higher than 24 inches (0.6 meters) off the ground or if it is attached to the house and contributes to the structural integrity. Small, ground-level "floating" decks often don't need one, but you should always check with the city's building department first.

What is the best wood for a deck in London's climate?

Pressure-treated wood is the most common due to its price and resistance to rot. However, Western Red Cedar is the local favorite for its natural beauty and ability to handle Southwestern Ontario's humidity, provided it is sealed properly every year.

Check the latest deck building costs for London and other cities on LookupCost.com.