Fence & Deck Installation in Markham
A well-built fence defines your property, secures your yard, and adds real value to your home. A well-built deck extends your living space into the outdoors. Ramada Landscaping Services designs and installs both across Markham, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, and Scarborough, using materials and construction methods suited to Ontario's freeze-thaw climate — not shortcuts that fail after two winters.
Fence Installation
We install fences for privacy, pool code compliance, pet containment, and property definition. Every job starts with a property line check, a call to Ontario One Call to locate underground utilities, and a discussion of the height and style your municipality allows.
Wood Fencing — Cedar & Pressure-Treated
Western red cedar is the standard for premium residential fencing in the GTA: naturally rot- and insect-resistant, and it weathers to an attractive silver-grey if left unfinished, or holds stain well if you want to keep the warm tone. Pressure-treated spruce/pine/fir (SPF) is the budget-conscious alternative — structurally sound and code-compliant, but it needs re-staining every 2-3 years to resist warping and checking. We set posts below the frost line (typically 48 inches in this region) in concrete footings so the fence doesn't heave with seasonal ground movement.
Vinyl Fencing
Vinyl (PVC) fencing costs more upfront than wood but needs no staining, painting, or annual maintenance — a pressure wash once or twice a year keeps it looking new. It resists rot, insects, and fading with UV-stabilized panels, and it's a strong choice for pool enclosures where consistent, code-compliant height and gate hardware matter.
Aluminum Fencing
Aluminum is the go-to material for pool fencing and decorative perimeter fencing where you want visibility and an open feel rather than full privacy. It's powder-coated to resist rust, requires essentially zero maintenance, and is available in styles that meet Ontario pool enclosure code — self-closing, self-latching gates and no footholds are typically required by local bylaw for any fence enclosing a pool.
Fence pricing: Most residential fence installations in Markham run $30–$60 per linear foot, depending on material (wood at the lower end, vinyl and aluminum higher), height, gate hardware, and site conditions such as slope or rock encountered during post-hole digging. A typical 100 ft backyard perimeter fence lands between $3,000 and $6,000. We provide an exact number after an on-site measurement.
Deck Building
A deck should be engineered, not just built — proper footings, ledger board attachment, joist spacing, and railing height all matter for safety and for passing municipal inspection where a permit is required.
Composite Decking
Composite boards (wood-plastic blends) are the most popular choice for new decks today. They don't splinter, don't need staining, resist fading and moisture damage, and typically carry 25-year manufacturer warranties. Higher material cost is offset by near-zero maintenance over the deck's life.
Pressure-Treated Wood Decking
Pressure-treated wood remains the lowest-cost decking option and is a solid structural choice, particularly for the substructure (posts, beams, joists) even on decks with composite surface boards. Surface boards need annual cleaning and re-staining every 2-3 years to prevent greying and splitting.
Pergolas & Structures
We also build pergolas, privacy screens, and shade structures to pair with a new or existing deck — cedar or composite construction, designed to handle Ontario snow loads if left unenclosed over winter.
Deck pricing: Deck construction in the Markham area typically runs $35–$75 per square foot, depending on material (pressure-treated at the lower end, premium composite and multi-level designs higher), height off grade, railing style, and built-in features like benches or lighting. A standard 300 sq ft single-level deck generally falls between $10,500 and $22,500.
Ontario Building Code & Permits
Fence and deck projects are governed by both provincial building code and local municipal bylaws, and the two don't always align — always confirm with your municipality before building.
- In most GTA municipalities, including Markham, a fence up to 6 feet (1.83m) in height does not require a building permit, though it must still meet setback and pool-enclosure rules where applicable.
- Pool enclosure fencing has its own bylaw requirements regardless of height — self-closing, self-latching gates, minimum height (typically 1.2m/4ft), and no horizontal members a child could climb.
- Decks are treated differently: in Markham, a deck that is more than 24 inches (60cm) above grade, or that is attached to the house, typically requires a building permit and inspection under the Ontario Building Code.
- Corner lots and properties near easements or municipal drains may have additional setback restrictions that affect fence placement.
We handle permit drawings and applications as part of the project when one is required, so you're not navigating City Hall on your own.
Our Process
Site Visit & Design
We measure your property, review sightlines and property markers, discuss materials and style, and confirm any permit requirements.
Quote & Locate
You receive a detailed written quote. Once approved, we call Ontario One Call to have underground utility lines marked before any digging.
Permits (If Required)
For decks and any structure requiring sign-off, we prepare and submit drawings to the municipality and schedule inspections.
Construction
Posts and footings are set below frost depth, framing is squared and leveled, and materials are installed to manufacturer specification.
Final Walkthrough
We walk the finished fence or deck with you, confirm gate operation and railing security, and leave the site clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a fence in Markham?
In most cases, no — fences up to 6 feet (1.83m) do not require a building permit in Markham and most surrounding municipalities. Pool enclosure fencing has separate bylaw requirements regardless of height, and taller fences or those on corner lots may have additional restrictions. We confirm the specifics for your property before quoting.
How long does a fence or deck installation take?
A standard residential fence typically takes 1-3 days depending on length and material. A deck without a permit requirement usually takes 3-7 days; a permitted deck adds time for application review and inspection scheduling, which varies by municipality and season.
What's the difference between cedar and pressure-treated wood?
Cedar is naturally rot- and insect-resistant, weathers attractively, and holds stain well, but costs more per linear foot. Pressure-treated wood (SPF) is chemically treated for the same resistance at a lower material cost, but requires more frequent re-staining to prevent warping and checking over time. Both are structurally sound choices for the Ontario climate.
Will my new deck or fence survive Ontario winters?
Yes, when built correctly. We set fence posts and deck footings below the local frost line so seasonal freeze-thaw ground movement doesn't heave or shift the structure. Material choice matters too — composite decking and vinyl or aluminum fencing handle moisture and temperature swings with less maintenance than untreated wood.
Explore our other hardscape and outdoor living services: interlocking patios and walkways, outdoor lighting, and artificial turf installations across the GTA.