When good weather is approaching, homeowners start thinking of how they can enjoy the short summer. A good way to get the most sun and enjoy the home is to install or renovate a patio, deck, or balcony!
The backyard is the best place to enjoy the nice weather. Of course, you will need to consider not only the appearance of your deck or balcony but also how you want to use it.
For many Quebec residents, a patio or deck construction is a favorite project. If you are building from scratch, you will be interested to know the prices of the best materials and labor.
You can get 3 free and no-obligation quotes from our vast network of qualified contractors and patio specialists!
Just fill out our short online form and begin to compare competitive quotes for your patio project!
Aspects to consider before building or renovating a patio
The construction of a balcony, patio, or balcony is one of the simplest home renovation projects that increase home value in Quebec.
Experienced contractors offer various services tailored to your project. Before you start planning your construction, you need to consider a few things first.
Know that first, you will need a building permit. Note that many municipalities require a building permit to be obtained before building a patio, deck, or balcony. For the renovation of an existing balcony, however, a permit will not be necessary. You should check with your locality because regulations may change depending on your location.
No renovation or construction project can start without determining the budget. Indeed, some materials are much more expensive than others and this is the biggest factor in price variation. Set a clear limit to your budget before you choose your design and materials.
The contractors you contact will be able to help you with this last aspect without any problem, but the style of the patio or balcony you want to build is another element to consider. Depending on the desired look, some materials will suit your tastes better than others.
Once these elements have been carefully considered, it’s time to move on to the more complex details: looking for the right contractor, choosing the design, and the materials for your renovation.
Compare materials for a wooden patio or balcony
Wood is the most popular material for a patio, deck, or balcony.
However, it should not be assumed that all types of wood are created equally, far from it. Not only do prices vary, but so does their quality!
Below you will see the average prices of different types of wood on the market, including installation costs!
Type of wood | Average price in 2024 |
Treated wood | About $40 / square foot |
Red cedar | About $55 / square foot |
Torrefied wood | About $65 / square foot |
Pros and cons of treated wood: Treated wood is often referred to as the economical option for balcony construction. The treatment applied to the wood makes it possible to fight damage caused by insects, humidity, and mold. With proper maintenance, the lifespan of treated wood can stretch up to 25 years.
On the downside, however, it should be mentioned that treated wood remains more vulnerable to bad weather and sunlight than its alternatives on the market. With the harsh Quebec winters, you should expect a minimum of maintenance, dyeing, and other measures over time.
Pros and cons of red cedar: A red cedar patio or balcony is desirable mainly because of its high-quality and aesthetic value. You can immediately notice the different grain and superior quality of red cedar. In addition, it has a natural coating that protects it and this is further reinforced by a chemical sealant.
The notable disadvantage of red cedar is that it has poor impact resistance. Although it holds the fort against the ravages of time and moisture, it is likely to remain scarred at the first signs of shock. You will therefore have to be careful if you choose red cedar!
Pros and cons of torrefied wood: Torrefied wood is the top-of-the-line option for wooden balconies and patios!
The fact that it is roasted at temperatures close to 300°F makes it extremely resistant to water, mold, and fungus. It is, therefore, an option of choice, regardless of the type of project you have in mind.
Although it is strong and durable, it is prone to splitting during installation under the force of nails or inserting screws. This may require additional planks just in case, or it may require extra care that may increase costs.
One thing is certain – wood is a safe and efficient option for your balcony, porch, or patio project! If you prefer wood as your building material, fill out the form to receive 3 quotes from our reliable partner contractors!
How much does a fiberglass patio or balcony cost?
Fiberglass balconies and patios have recently become popular in the construction industry!
This synthetic material is, by far, among the most durable options on the market. It is resistant to the toughest weather conditions from water to ice, and even the most scorching heat.
Fiberglass costs about $35 / square foot.
Disadvantages of fiberglass: Fiberglass isn’t perfect and has its share of drawbacks such as the surface which can be slippery. It can be risky to build a fiberglass pool patio due to tripping hazards. In addition, fiberglass tends to retain heat which makes it uncomfortable when walking around barefoot.
Apart from these minor inconveniences, fiberglass is an option with a high value for money that guarantees a patio, balcony, or deck that can last more than 25 years without requiring any maintenance.
Composite as a material for your balcony
Composite has enjoyed moderate but steady success as a construction material in the past several years. It was among the first synthetic materials to threaten the status of wood as the king of patios and balconies, and it remains a very attractive option to this day. Obviously, it is among the more expensive options for patios and balconies, with the average price at $55 per square foot.
Pros and cons of composite: Being in the same range as fiberglass, composite has the highest standards of durability among the materials available. Moreover, since composite is made from plastic, wood, and other synthetic materials, it is an environmentally-friendly option.
The greatest advantage offered by composite, however, is that of minimal maintenance!
Indeed, as it is an extremely resistant synthetic material, it does not require any maintenance or repair. It is resistant to most weather damages and does not require additional protection.
On the downside, composite is known to offer a limited range of colors, in addition to being vulnerable to sunlight. Indeed, over time, the color of the tint is very likely to change tone and fade. This is definitely something to take into account before making this choice. We must also mention the higher cost of composite compared to other materials.
Are you hesitating to choose composite for your balcony? Know that despite its higher cost, composite is guaranteed to last a long time and is one of the most durable on the market.
The best way to compare your choices is to request for free and no-obligation quotes from our network of reliable contractors.
Just fill out our short online form to receive competitive prices from our partners specializing in patio and deck installation in your area!
What are the advantages of a concrete patio or balcony?
Many are hesitant to build a concrete balcony because it is a “cold” material and has a reputation for being practical rather than aesthetic.
Although style is a personal choice, concrete used for the construction of balconies still has a classic look that matches a wide variety of styles of houses.
Despite its higher cost, the strength of concrete is extremely hard to beat.
Concrete | About $65 / square foot |
Protective PVC membrane | About $12 / square foot |
Pros and Cons of Concrete: When it comes to the advantages of concrete, strength and resistance to outdoor elements are definitely on top of the list. Whether it’s the heat or the cold, concrete will retain its color and integrity for its entire lifespan.
In addition to durability, it can be installed around a swimming pool as well as on the front balcony because of its non-slip surface which makes it safe in the presence of water and ice.
The major drawback of concrete is that once damaged, it becomes prone to accelerated degradation. This happens especially when calcium and anti-slip salt are applied to it in the winter which erodes the concrete and makes it vulnerable to cracking. However, even these drawbacks can be corrected with the help of specialized sealants and coatings.
How to overcome the disadvantages of concrete? It must be said that concrete has major advantages but also some considerable drawbacks in terms of aesthetics and comfort.
However, contractors are aware of this and coat concrete balconies and patios with specialized sealers that not only protect the concrete but make it easier to walk on and improve the appearance.
Treated wood, cedar wood, composite, fiberglass, and concrete are options that have very interesting advantages! Choosing the right material for your project can seem overwhelming.
This is why the next step is to compare contractors from Compare Home Quotes and study their offers to save time and money!
How to finance a patio, balcony, or deck construction?
If you are dreaming of putting in a new patio or deck to increase your enjoyment of the home and increase livable space, you are not alone.
A patio or deck installation is very popular because many Canadians enjoy outdoor spaces. Aside from increasing the livable or usable space of your property, a patio or deck also has a high return on investment at resale.
In Quebec or Montreal, a patio or terrace could cost from $13,000 to $50,000, depending on the size, design, and materials you select. We know that it is not cheap, so if you are wondering how to finance this type of project, you may want to consider financing for your renovation.
If you have an existing mortgage, you may want to speak to your lender about refinancing. You may qualify for refinancing with your current lender but it is best to do so when your mortgage is scheduled for renewal to avoid hefty fees.
You can also approach a mortgage broker to check for other financing options, free of charge.
For instance, a home equity line of credit or HELOC is also a possible option. It is a revolving credit line secured by your home equity with lower interest rates than other unsecured loans. You can borrow up to 80% of the appraised property value minus your mortgage balance.
Generally, it is okay to borrow money for a home renovation as long as you are capable of repaying the loan. With interest rates higher than they were before, the cost of a home renovation is significantly more expensive.
However, a patio or deck installation remains to be a good investment that improves the quality of life and the value of your home. Thus, a patio or deck renovation is a worthwhile project to consider.
Patio or Deck Renovation with Compare Home Quotes
Are you ready to plan your patio construction project with a certified and qualified contractor? Compare Home Quotes can put you in touch with reputable contractors in your area so you can compare services and prices free of charge!
How do I get these service offers? Simply fill out the form at the bottom of the page and we will send you 3 quotes from contractors in our network at no obligation!
Take advantage of the best offers from patio and deck contractors to save time and money and ensure a successful home renovation at the best price.
