Deck Materials for Ottawa's Climate: Pros & Cons Explained

samburland
Aug 7
7 min read

Ottawa's climate can be tough on decks. We're talking about harsh winters, heavy snowfall, and those constant freeze-thaw cycles that can really take a toll. Then there are our humid summers, which add another layer of challenge for outdoor structures.

Choosing the right material for your deck isn't just about looks. It's about ensuring it lasts for years, stands up to the weather, and remains a safe, enjoyable space for you and your family. Let's explore the best options for our unique environment.

Pressure-Treated Wood: The Traditional Choice

Pressure-treated wood has long been a go-to for many homeowners. Its widespread use comes from a simple fact: it's designed to resist rot and insect damage, issues that can plague untreated lumber. This treatment process forces preservatives deep into the wood fibers, making it a more durable option for outdoor construction, especially for decks that face Ottawa's variable climate.

Pros of Pressure-Treated Wood in Ottawa

Many homeowners choose pressure-treated wood for its clear advantages, especially when building a deck in Ottawa. Here are some key benefits:

Affordability: Compared to other decking materials, pressure-treated lumber is generally the most budget-friendly option upfront. This makes it an attractive choice for those looking to build a new deck without breaking the bank.
Widespread Availability: You can find pressure-treated wood at almost any lumberyard or home improvement store. This easy access means less waiting time for materials and more straightforward project planning.
Ease of Installation and Cutting: This wood is familiar to most builders and DIY enthusiasts. It's easy to cut, nail, and screw, which simplifies the construction process and can reduce labor costs.
Decent Initial Resistance to Moisture and Pests: Thanks to its chemical treatment, pressure-treated wood offers good protection against decay, rot, and insects from the start. This built-in resistance helps it stand up to Ottawa's humid summers and damp conditions.

Cons of Pressure-Treated Wood in Ottawa

While popular, pressure-treated wood does come with its challenges, particularly given Ottawa's climate. Be aware of these potential downsides:

Warping, Cracking, and Splintering: Ottawa's intense freeze-thaw cycles can cause pressure-treated wood to expand and contract. Over time, this often leads to noticeable warping, cracking, and surface splintering. This can make your deck less attractive and even uncomfortable for bare feet.
Need for Regular Maintenance: To combat the effects of weather and UV exposure, pressure-treated decks require ongoing care. This means staining or sealing every one to three years. Skipping this maintenance will accelerate deterioration and reduce the lifespan of your deck.
Potential for Chemical Leaching: The chemicals used to treat the wood can sometimes leach out over time. While modern treatments are safer than older versions, it's something to consider if you're concerned about environmental impact or direct contact with the wood.

Cedar and Redwood: Natural Beauty and Durability

While pressure-treated wood offers a budget-friendly start, many homeowners turn to cedar and redwood for a deck that combines natural elegance with inherent resilience. These woods offer a distinct appeal, standing out with their unique hues and natural resistance to common decking problems.

Pros of Cedar and Redwood in Ottawa

Cedar and redwood bring significant advantages for decks in Ottawa, especially when you're looking for natural beauty and less chemical reliance.

Natural Resistance: Both cedar and redwood naturally resist rot, decay, and insect infestations. This means they require no chemical treatments, offering a more eco-friendly option.
Dimensional Stability: These woods are known for their impressive dimensional stability. They are less prone to warping, twisting, or checking, even with Ottawa's frequent temperature swings. This helps maintain a level, attractive deck surface over time.
Stunning Appearance: Cedar boasts rich, reddish-brown tones, while redwood offers deep, warm reds. Their fine, straight grain patterns create an upscale, inviting look that enhances any outdoor living space.
Withstands Temperature Fluctuations: Their inherent cellular structure allows cedar and redwood to handle our diverse climate. They expand and contract minimally, making them well-suited to endure Ottawa's hot summers and freezing winters without significant structural stress.

Cons of Cedar and Redwood in Ottawa

Despite their many benefits, cedar and redwood do come with certain considerations, particularly for deck builders in our climate.

Higher Cost: Generally, cedar and redwood are more expensive than pressure-treated lumber. This higher upfront investment might impact your overall project budget.
Color Fading: Without regular maintenance, both woods will gradually fade to a soft, silvery-grey over time due to UV exposure. While some homeowners appreciate this weathered look, maintaining the original vibrant color requires consistent sealing or staining.
Surface Softness: Compared to some tougher hardwoods or composites, cedar and redwood are softer woods. This means they can be more susceptible to scratches and dents from heavy furniture, pet claws, or dropped objects.

Composite Decking: Low Maintenance and Longevity

Composite decking has become a standout option, especially for Ottawa homeowners. It's a blend of recycled plastic and wood fibers, creating a material that's engineered to perform. This innovative mix gives you the look of wood without many of its common drawbacks. You'll find it’s built to resist the specific challenges our local climate throws at decks, making it a strong contender for lasting beauty and function.

Pros of Composite Decking in Ottawa

Composite decking really shines in Ottawa's challenging climate, offering benefits that traditional wood just can't match.

Excellent Resistance: Composite materials stand up spectacularly to moisture, mold, rot, and insects. Unlike wood, they won't absorb water, which prevents common issues like swelling or decay. This also means no splintering, keeping your feet safe.
Low Maintenance: One of the biggest advantages is the minimal upkeep. You won't need to stain, seal, or paint a composite deck. A simple cleaning with soap and water is usually all it takes to keep it looking great.
Color Retention: Modern composites are designed with UV inhibitors that help them resist fading. Your deck will maintain its vibrant color much longer than wood, even after years of harsh Ottawa sun and snow.
Longevity: Because of its engineered properties, composite decking lasts a very long time. It resists the wear and tear from harsh winters and humid summers, providing a durable surface for decades.

Cons of Composite Decking in Ottawa

While composite decking offers many advantages, it's also important to be aware of its potential downsides, particularly for homeowners in Ottawa.

Higher Upfront Cost: The initial investment for composite decking is typically higher than for pressure-treated wood or even cedar. While its low maintenance saves money down the road, it's a bigger outlay at the start.
Heat Retention: Darker composite colors can get noticeably hot under direct sunlight. This is something to consider if your deck gets full sun exposure, as it might be uncomfortable for bare feet on a warm Ottawa day.
Difficult to Repair Scratches: While durable, composite decks can get scratches or stubborn stains. Minor surface damage can be quite difficult to repair seamlessly, as the material cannot be sanded or re-stained like wood.
Early Generation Issues: Some very early composite decks had problems with fading, mold, or material breakdown. However, modern composite manufacturing has vastly improved, addressing these concerns with advanced capping and material compositions.

PVC Decking: The Ultimate in Durability

When looking at deck materials, pure PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) decking stands out as a premium choice. Unlike composites that blend wood fibers with plastic, PVC decking is 100% plastic. This unique composition gives it incredible resistance to everything Ottawa's weather can throw at it. If you are seeking a deck material that prioritizes maximum durability and minimal upkeep, PVC is definitely worth considering.

Pros of PVC Decking in Ottawa

PVC decking offers some significant advantages, especially when considering Ottawa's tough environment. It tackles common deck problems head-on, giving homeowners peace of mind.

These are just some of the reasons why PVC decking shines:

Impervious to Moisture, Mold, Rot, and Insects: Because it's 100% synthetic, PVC decking simply does not absorb water. This means it can't rot, grow mold, or be appealing to insects. It's truly maintenance-free from these common issues.
Superior Stain and Scratch Resistance: PVC provides a tough surface that resists many common deck stains, from spilled drinks to barbecue grease. It also stands up well to scratches from patio furniture or pet claws.
Excellent Color Retention: PVC decking holds its color remarkably well over time. It contains UV inhibitors that prevent fading, even under harsh sunlight. Your deck will look new for years, without needing a new coat of stain or paint.
Very Low Maintenance: Say goodbye to sanding, staining, or sealing. A quick wash with soap and water is generally all it takes to keep a PVC deck clean. This saves a lot of time and effort compared to other materials.
Lightweight: PVC boards are often lighter than composite or wood options. This can make installation easier and faster, potentially reducing labor costs during construction.
Suitable for Extreme Temperature Swings: Ottawa experiences big temperature variations from summer to winter. PVC decking is engineered to handle these changes without significant damage. It maintains its structural integrity and appearance through freeze-thaw cycles.

Cons of PVC Decking in Ottawa

While PVC decking offers impressive benefits, it's also important to consider its drawbacks. Weighing these against the pros will help you decide if it's the right choice for your Ottawa home.

Highest Upfront Cost: PVC decking typically has the highest initial material cost among common decking options. While it saves money on long-term maintenance, the initial investment is higher than wood or even many composite decks.
More 'Plastic-Like' Feel and Appearance: Some people find that PVC decking has a more artificial look and feel compared to natural wood. Even with realistic grain patterns, it still feels different underfoot than traditional wood or even some wood-plastic composites.
Expansion and Contraction: Like all materials, PVC expands and contracts with extreme temperature changes. While designed to cope, this movement requires very careful installation. Boards must be spaced correctly to allow for this movement, otherwise, buckling or warping can occur. Incorrect installation can lead to problems, so professional expertise here is important.

Conclusion

Choosing the right deck material for your Ottawa home means balancing many factors. Pressure-treated wood offers an affordable start but needs consistent upkeep. Cedar and redwood provide natural beauty and good stability, though at a higher cost and with some fading risk. Composite decking requires very little maintenance and lasts a long time, fitting well with our climate, but has a higher initial price. PVC decking gives you unmatched durability and almost no maintenance, standing up to anything Ottawa can dish out, but it's the most expensive option upfront.

Before deciding, consider your budget, how much time you're willing to spend on maintenance, the look you want, and your long-term goals for the deck. The best material is the one that fits your specific needs and lifestyle.