PVC or composite decking: which costs more for an Ottawa build?

PVC decking published prices run about $59 to $110 or more per square foot installed, while composite runs about $45 to $95 per square foot installed. Both ranges come from published Ottawa and Ontario builder prices read in September 2026, and the spread within each category is wide. On those figures, PVC tends to sit higher, though the top of the composite range overlaps with the lower end of PVC.

What moves a quote within or beyond those ranges includes the height of the deck above grade, whether the framing is new, the type of foundation, the number of stairs and the railing system chosen. Some published packages exclude railings and steps, so confirm exactly what a quote covers before comparing numbers.

On the permit side, the City of Ottawa requires that where the proposed decking is other than conventional lumber, the building permit application must include a material testing report, either a CCMC or BMEC report, for that product. Both PVC and composite fall into that category. Whether a permit is required at all depends on the deck's height and how it relates to the house: if the walking surface is more than 600 mm (24 in.) above adjacent grade and the deck is attached to or adjacent to the house, a permit is required. A raised deck that provides principal access to the house as an elevated structure also requires a permit regardless of size.

On warranties, composite manufacturers publish 25- and 30-year limited product warranties, with fade and stain warranties. Some PVC lines carry a lifetime limited product warranty and a 50-year fade and stain warranty. Read the full warranty document for each product before choosing, because the terms vary. For care and maintenance, follow the manufacturer's guide for whichever product you select.

Zoning applies to both materials equally. Building permit applications deemed complete on or after March 11, 2026 must comply with both Zoning By-law 2008-250 and Zoning By-law 2026-50, with the most restrictive provisions from each applying. Setbacks and yard projections depend on your specific lot, so confirm the rules with the City of Ottawa's Building Code Services before finalising the design.

The form on this page sends your request to local deck builders listed in the Ottawa Construction Network directory.

Have the permit drawings, the issued permit and a written contract in hand that spells out the exact board product, the scope of the framing work, what is included in the price, and the payment schedule.