Deck Builders in Midhurst, Ontario
Builders of the most beautiful decks in Midhurst!
Deck Builders in Midhurst | Waterproof Systems & Custom Design
Premium Custom Decks Built to Last 30+ Years
I build decks in Midhurst and the north Barrie area, with a focus on waterproofing details and structural work that most builders skip. With hundreds of material and feature combinations to choose from, I design to your budget while still hitting everything on your wish list.
What Makes This Different:
- Over 30 years of hands-on building experience
- Full waterproofing systems built into the deck frame, not added after
- Complex multi-level structural work
Contact Lawrence’s Crew: (705) 717-2970
Service Areas: Barrie, Midhurst, Big Bay Point, Aurora, Caledon, Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, Muskoka, Midland
Deck Builders in Midhurst
Midhurst and north Barrie homeowners tend to want more than a basic rectangle of decking, and the sites here (sloped lots, mature trees, proximity to water) demand it. A deck built without proper waterproofing and framing detail in this area will show problems within a few years: soft spots, staining, rot at the ledger.
I design and build to avoid that from the start, not patch it later.
Building Midhurst Decks for Over 30 Years
I started out working on estates on Big Bay Point and made unique backyard woodwork my specialty from there. I’m also known for garden woodwork through GardenStructure.com.
A Recent Midhurst Project
One recent client’s wish list was simple to say and harder to deliver: an HGTV-quality look, a private hot tub area screened from view, real privacy from the neighbours, a fully waterproofed space underneath the deck, a louvered roof system, and second-floor access from a home office. We delivered all of it in a complex multi-level structure built to last decades.
Construction Details That Actually Matter
Waterproofing Systems
This Midhurst deck frame needed complete waterproofing across the joist system. I installed a rubberized membrane over all the joists, creating a dry space underneath the deck, with water channeled into integrated eavestrough and drained away from the structure.
On most decks I build, I use membrane flashing over beams and joist tape on every framing member. Those details are what take a deck from a 15-year lifespan to 30+ years.
Why These Decks Last Longer
The details most builders skip:
- Proper joist crown orientation, which prevents surface dips and water pooling
- Ledger board attachment that won’t fail, built around real load paths and bearing
- Flashing systems that actually keep water away from structural members
- End-cut sealing on every field cut
- Ventilation design for proper drying
Ready to Build Your Dream Deck?
Call: (705) 717-2970
Email: plans@gardenstructure.com
After 30+ years building decks that last, I know the difference between construction and craftsmanship. Let’s talk about your project.
Where I Work
Lawrence’s Crew handles builds in the Barrie area, including Midhurst, plus Aurora, Caledon, Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, Muskoka, and Midland. A second crew is based in Mississauga and builds in Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington, Toronto, Milton, Woodbridge, Vaughan, and North York.
For the right project, I’ll travel further across Ontario. Design-only services are available anywhere through 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 Composite Decking vs Wood guide →
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.
GardenStructure specializes in custom decks, pergolas, cabanas, and outdoor living spaces. Based near Barrie, building throughout the GTA and Central Ontario since 1994.
