Is $95 a square foot fair for a composite deck in Orleans?

$95 a square foot sits at the top of the published range for composite decks, which runs from about $45 to $95 per square foot based on published Ottawa and Ontario builder prices read in September 2026. So the quote is not out of range, but it is at the ceiling, and what you get for that price matters as much as the number itself.

Quotes can differ on the deck's height above grade, the foundation type, the number of levels and stairs, and the guard and railing style. The specific composite product matters too: capped wood-plastic composite lines carry 25- and 30-year limited product and fade-and-stain warranties from manufacturers, while some cellular PVC lines carry a lifetime limited product warranty and a 50-year fade-and-stain warranty. Those are manufacturer warranty terms, not guaranteed lifespans, and you should read the full warranty before choosing a product. Note that if the decking is anything other than conventional lumber, the City of Ottawa requires a material testing report (a CCMC or BMEC report) as part of the building permit application.

On permits: if the deck is attached to the house and its walking surface is more than 600 mm (24 in.) above adjacent grade, a building permit is required. The same applies to an elevated deck that provides principal access to the house. The City's first review takes 5 business days, and three inspections are required: excavation and foundations, framing, and final. The homeowner or the builder books each one 48 hours in advance. The permit fee is $12.75 per $1,000 of assessed project value, with a minimum of $117. As an illustration of the formula, a $15,000 project works out to $191.25 and a $40,000 project to $510. Before any digging starts, a locate request through Ontario One Call is required by law, and it is free.

Zoning in Orleans falls under both Zoning By-law 2008-250 and Zoning By-law 2026-50, with the most restrictive provisions of each applying to permit applications deemed complete on or after March 11, 2026. Setbacks from lot lines, yard projections, and whether the deck counts toward soft-landscaping requirements all depend on your specific lot and zone. Confirm those details with the City.

When you compare this quote against others, ask what is included: the permit drawings and application, removal of any existing structure, the foundation type and depth, the guard height and infill design, stair construction, and who books the three required inspections. Some published packages exclude railings and steps, which would make a $95-per-square-foot figure look different depending on what it covers.

The most useful thing to ask this builder before you sign is exactly what the quoted price includes and excludes, line by line, so you can compare it fairly against any other quotes you receive.