What to Know Before Building a Fence or Deck

Points to Consider

Planning a new fence or deck is a major investment. Before you break ground, here are a few things you need to know about timelines, materials, and hiring the right contractor in Scarborough and Durham Region.

Wooden pixel art icon of a deck contractor shaking hands with a homeowner

1

How Do I Choose The Right Fence or Deck Contractor?

A strong track record is your best indicator of quality. A good contractor will have a consistent backlog of work. Being busy is a direct sign of a solid reputation and repeat clients. Look for a team that is hands-on throughout the entire process, from the initial planning to the final build. That level of direct involvement ensures the structural work matches what was promised and keeps communication clear every step of the way.

Wooden pixel art icon showing a stack of premium lumber for fence and deck building
2
How Do I Know I'm Getting The Right Materials For My Project?

To avoid warping, sagging, and rot, you need to build with higher-grade lumber and hardware designed to handle Ontario winters. Over our decades of building, we have established strong relationships with trusted, reputable suppliers. We source premium pressure-treated wood, cedar, and structural hardware directly, which takes the guesswork out of the process and ensures your project is built with materials that will actually last.

Wooden pixel art clock icon representing contractor timelines for backyard projects
3
How Long Will it Take to Start And Finish My Project?

When planning your build, factor in that a reputable contractor will be booked out in advance. Once we do break ground, the actual build time depends on the structure. On average, our fences take 2 to 6 days, decks take 3 to 10 days, and pergolas take 2 to 4 days. We give you a clear schedule upfront so you know exactly when the job will be done.

Pixel art icon of rain falling on a partially built wooden deck, representing weather delays
4
Will Weather Delay My Backyard Project?

It can. Rain affects how fast concrete footings cure and when we can safely work with heavy materials. We build realistic weather buffers into our schedule because high-quality work means never cutting corners just to save a day. We take the time required for every structural step, ensuring we don’t rush a foundation just to get off the site faster.

Wooden magnifying glass over a contract, representing how to evaluate a deck builder's quote
5
How Should I Evaluate Quotes For My Fence or Deck?

The most effective way to analyze a quote is to look at the long-term value rather than just the initial bottom line. When materials are priced unusually low, they often need replacing sooner, and heavily discounted labor usually means you will be paying someone else to fix the structural issues later. A solid quote reflects high-grade lumber, proper concrete footings, and the time required to build the structure right the first time.

Wooden wheelbarrow on green grass representing the start of a yard construction project
6
What Are The Steps to Get My Project Started?

Once you know what you want to build and have assessed a contractor’s reputation, the next step is reaching out to discuss the details. We will review your project, talk through the materials, and book your build dates. From there, your only job is to clear the yard of debris and stored items so we have a clean site to start working.

Ready to Build Your Custom Fence or Deck?

Let’s Get Your Project on the Schedule

We build structures that last. Now that you know what to expect regarding materials, timelines, and the build process, reach out so we can talk through the specific details of your yard. Getting it right on day one avoids delays and unnecessary costs down the road. We’re happy to help:

A heavy-duty custom wood fence by Flann Fence & Deck. Thick 6x6 posts connected by sturdy 2x4 rails, a clean mid-rail design and applied two layers of 6-foot boards on one side.
A heavy-duty custom wood fence by Flann Fence & Deck. Thick 6x6 posts connected by sturdy 2x4 rails, a clean mid-rail design and applied two layers of 6-foot boards on one side.
See Our Transformations

Explore our gallery of before and after photos from previous projects, and imagine what we can do for you.

Start Your Project

Connect with Drew or Gordon Flann for a personalized consultation and take the first step towards creating your new custom fence or deck.