#1 Deck Builders in Barrie and Midhurst
Expert Deck Builders in Barrie | Waterproof Systems & Custom Design
Premium Custom Decks Built to Last 30+ Years
We are Barrie deck builders who specialize in unique design and lifetime durability. Our decks stand up to the elements like no others in the Barrie and Midhurst areas. With 200 types of decking materials and hundreds of features, we design to your budget while ticking all the boxes on your wish list.
What Makes Us Different:
- 40 years building estate-quality decks in the Barrie area
- Full 3D photorealistic design renderings before construction
- Waterproof underdeck systems that create dry spaces below
- Louvered roofs, privacy screens, and hot tub integration
- Year-round construction capability
- Complex multi-level structural expertise
Contact Lawrence’s Crew: 416-951-9998
Service Areas: Barrie, Midhurst, Big Bay Point, Aurora, Caledon, Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, Muskoka, Midland
Deck Builders in Midhurst / Barrie
Deck builders in Midhurst and North Barrie need to know their craft. People expect better in this area, and you’d better know your trade inside and out.
A typical Barrie deck company will ask you what shape and what type of wood. Building a giant, functional wood-framed sculpture designed to last 30 years? That may be beyond their capability.
Yes, we frame Barrie decks year-round.
Our Design Process: Engineering Meets Artistry
We always start any deck design with a blank slate:
- Site Analysis – Model your home and landscape with existing features like trees and gardens
- Concept Development – Create 3-5 different layout options to explore possibilities
- Client Review – Present our top 3 designs and discuss your preferences
- Refinement – Combine your favorite elements into the final layout
- 3D Rendering – Develop photorealistic views from multiple angles
- Budgeting – Provide detailed pricing with transparent breakdowns
The design process can take days to get right. We don’t rush it.
Creating WOW Barrie Decks!
Building showpiece Barrie decks is what we’ve done for about 40 years. We started out on Big Bay Point working on estates and decided to make unique backyard woodwork our specialty. We’re also known for our garden woodwork at GardenStructure.com.
Recent Midhurst Project
Our customer’s wish list was elegant in its simplicity:
- HGTV-quality design aesthetic
- Private hot tub area with screening
- Privacy from neighbors
- Waterproof spaces beneath the deck
- Louvered roof systems
- Second-floor office deck access
We delivered all of it in a complex multi-level structure that’s built to last decades.
Construction Excellence
Waterproofing Systems
This Midhurst deck frame required complete waterproofing across the joist system. We installed rubberized membrane atop all joists, creating a dry space below the deck. Water channels into integrated eavestrough and drains away from the structure.
For most decks, we use membrane flashing atop beams and joist tape on all framing members. These details extend deck life from 15 years to 30+ years.
Why Our Decks Last Longer
We understand the details that most builders ignore:
- Proper joist crown orientation (preventing surface dips and water pooling)
- Ledger board attachment that won’t fail (understanding load paths and bearing)
- Flashing systems that actually keep water away from structural members
- End-cut sealing on all field cuts
- Ventilation design for optimal drying
Want to know if your current builder understands these concepts? Ask them these two questions:
- “What is crown and why is it important?” – If they can’t explain how crown-up installation prevents deck surface dips, they’re guessing.
- “What causes decks to fall off houses?” – If they say “not enough bolts,” they don’t understand structural load paths and bearing connections.
Ready to Build Your Dream Deck?
Call: 416-951-9998
Email: [Contact form below]
After 40 years building decks that last, we know the difference between construction and craftsmanship. Let’s discuss your project.
Where We Work
Lawrence’s Crew handles builds in the Barrie area, plus Aurora, Caledon, Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, Muskoka, and Midland.
Toronto Crews are based in Mississauga and build in Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington, Toronto, Milton, Woodbridge, Vaughan, and North York.
For the right clients, we travel to locations across Ontario.
Design services are available worldwide through our partner site DesignYourReno.com.
Deck Builders Barrie – Common Questions
How much do decks cost in Barrie?
Basic PT Decks: Starting at $65/sq ft (with basic rails and stairs)
Mid-Range Composite: $85-120/sq ft
Premium Custom Decks: $150-250+/sq ft
Note: Decks under 200 sq ft carry a premium – smaller projects are less efficient to build, so per-square-foot costs are higher.
Factors affecting cost: site access, elevation, complexity, materials, integrated features (hot tubs, louvered roofs, privacy screens, waterproof underdeck systems).
Examples:
- 200 sq ft basic PT deck: $13,000-15,000
- 400 sq ft composite deck: $34,000-48,000
- 500 sq ft premium deck with features: $75,000-125,000+
What’s better value: composite or pressure treated?
Short answer: If you’re staying 10+ years and value your time, composite wins. If selling within 5 years or enjoy maintenance, PT makes sense.
The math: A $20K composite deck vs. $12K PT deck saves you 15+ maintenance sessions (60-120 hours) and $3,000-6,000 in materials over 10 years. Real cost difference becomes negligible.
Read the complete comparison in our LEARN section →
Should I use joist flashing tape?
Absolutely yes. Costs 5-8% of your deck budget but can double structural lifespan. The $300-500 you save by skipping it often becomes $3,000+ in joist replacement costs.
We include it on every deck as standard.
Why doesn’t PT last as long anymore?
Modern PT lumber (post-2004) has 40% less chemical preservative than old CCA-treated wood. Old decks lasted 30-40+ years. Modern PT without proper flashing? We’re replacing rotted beams at 5-10 years and staircases at 5 years.
Proper flashing, drainage, and detailing are no longer optional – they’re essential to get even 20 years from modern PT.
Should I skirt my deck?
The truth: Leaving skirting off extends the life of your deck. Better airflow means better drying, which means less rot.
When skirting makes sense:
- Low decks (under 18″): Should be skirted UNLESS you’re planting gardens around the deck – then there’s no need. Gardens provide the visual finish.
- Mid-height decks (3-6′ off ground): They look unfinished without skirting. The exposed structure is visually awkward.
- High decks (24″+): Usually worth it for aesthetics and to prevent animals from nesting underneath.
When to skip skirting:
- Low decks with landscaping: If you’re planting gardens around the deck, skip the skirting. The plantings finish the look naturally.
- Second story decks: Rarely skirted – the height makes it impractical and unnecessary.
If you do skirt:
- Space skirting boards 1/4″ apart to allow airflow between boards
- Keep skirting 2″ off the ground (critical in frost-prone areas like Barrie where ground heave can lift soil up to 2″)
- Provide dedicated ventilation openings (minimum 1 sq ft vent per 25 sq ft deck area)
Solid skirting without gaps or ventilation traps moisture and accelerates rot.
Priority check: If you’re choosing between joist flashing and skirting, choose flashing every time. When we build composite or PVC decks, joist tape and sealed end cuts on every structural member are included as standard. That’s what actually extends deck life.
Garden Structure specializes in custom decks, pergolas, gazebos, and outdoor living spaces. Based in Barrie with crews serving the GTA since the 1980s.
