5 Best Custom Deck Builders in Kitchener Ontario - 2026 Detailed Review
Kitchener's top custom deck builders in 2026: Decks by Premier is the Best for Design-Build Custom Decks · Plus Hickory Dickory Decks and Deck Pro Company.
Quick Verdict
- Decks by Premier is the Best for Design-Build Custom Decks: in-house design, wood, composite, and vinyl options, and outdoor kitchens and covered structures under one contract.
- Hickory Dickory Decks (Kitchener/Waterloo/Guelph) suits homeowners who want low-maintenance composite or PVC decking plus add-ons like sunrooms and patio roofs.
- Deck Pro Company is the natural-wood specialist, building in cedar and Sienna lumber as well as composite.
- Early Riser Decking and Fencing puts certified TimberTech and Wolf installers on smaller, owner-led projects.
- AAA Fences and Decks covers straightforward pressure-treated and composite builds across a wide Southwestern Ontario service area.
- None of the five publishes project pricing, so expect a site visit before you see a real number.
Who this is for: Kitchener homeowners planning anything beyond a basic rectangular platform, such as multi-level layouts, covered structures, or a deck that has to work around a pool or a slope.
If you’re looking for custom deck builders in Kitchener, Ontario, Decks by Premier is a strong all-round option for projects that require design, structural planning, and construction from one team. Its in-house designers prepare each project before providing a quote, while the company also handles deck construction, pergolas, and outdoor kitchens. Having one contractor manage the full project can simplify complex builds where footings, permits, lighting, and rooflines all need to work together.
Before choosing a deck builder or selecting materials, it’s important to understand Kitchener’s permit requirements. A deck that is 24 inches or more above grade, or one with a permanent roof, requires a city permit, while the materials must meet applicable requirements. Knowing these details early can help you plan your project more effectively and avoid costly changes later.
The five Kitchener deck builders featured below take different approaches to design, construction, materials, and project management. The right choice will depend on your yard, project complexity, budget, and the level of customization you need.
Nobody paid for placement here: this guide has no affiliate links, earns no commission, and was researched independently of every company named.
Factors to Consider When Hiring a Kitchener Deck Contractor
A custom deck is more than an outdoor design feature; it’s a structural project that needs to be planned and built properly. To compare Kitchener deck contractors fairly, we looked at the practical factors that can affect the quality, cost, and overall experience of a deck project.
- Materials: Wood, composite, PVC/vinyl, and available brands.
- Design: Drawings, renderings, and project planning before construction.
- Outdoor features: Pergolas, pavilions, privacy screens, lighting, and outdoor kitchens.
- Permits: Assistance with City of Kitchener permits and inspections.
- Warranty: Clear, written workmanship coverage and terms.
- Reviews: Verifiable reviews from independent platforms.
The 5 Best Custom Deck Builders in Kitchener Ontario for 2026
Choosing between Kitchener deck builders can be difficult when each contractor offers different materials, design services, and construction capabilities.
The table below puts the key differences side by side, including what each builder is best suited for, the materials they work with, their design approach, and the outdoor features they offer. Use it as a starting point to narrow down the builders that best match your deck project and priorities.
| Builder | Best For | Approach | Outdoor Structures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decks by Premier | Design-build custom decks | Full in-house design-build | Pavilions, pergolas, gazebos, cabanas, kitchens |
| Hickory Dickory Decks | Low-maintenance decks, sunrooms | Owner-managed, composite and PVC | Pavilions, gazebos, sunrooms, patio roofs |
| Deck Pro Company | Cedar and Sienna wood decks | Floor plans, 5-day estimate | Not listed |
| AAA Fences and Decks | Practical wood or composite decks | Regional carpentry contractor | Gazebos, pergolas |
| Early Riser Decking and Fencing | TimberTech or Wolf decks | Certified, owner-built | Not listed |
1. Decks by Premier - Best for design-build custom decks
Decks by Premier, designs and builds custom decks, outdoor structures, and outdoor kitchens across the Kitchener-Waterloo region and wider Southwestern Ontario, working from a Waterloo office. The company describes itself as focused only on custom decks and outdoor structures, and it traces its family roots in the regional lumber trade back to 1923.
The process runs in four stages: consultation, material selection, approval, and construction. Every consultation includes a basic 2D drawing of the deck placed on your property, and 3D renderings are available for clients who want to see the finished space first. After drafting, you receive a quote alongside a design package with options, and the design is adjusted to fit your budget before anything is built. Material choice covers wood, composite, and vinyl decking.
Beyond the deck surface, the build list is broad:
- Floating, multi-level, and pool decks.
- Custom pavilions and pergolas.
- Outdoor kitchens.
- Privacy screens, deck lighting, and custom railings, including frameless glass.
Kitchener projects in its gallery include builds on Ahrens, Pondcliffe, and Woodcrest. The Pondcliffe project, for example, pairs a frameless glass railing with a laser-cut privacy screen and black aluminum accents.
Beyond its project designs, Decks by Premier also outlines a structured approach to managing each build. Staff upload site photos daily into project management software, upper management reviews each job at the end of the day, and a lead builder visits sites regularly. Builds typically take 10 to 14 days, with extra time for additions such as outdoor kitchen features. The company also handles permits, which is relevant in Kitchener given the city’s approved-material rules.
Customer feedback provides another point of comparison. On Google Decks by Premier holds 5.0 rating out of 5 average across 50 reviews, offering an independent reference alongside the company’s published project information.
“We recently had our old deck removed and a new one re-built on the same site. I contacted four well-reputed local businesses (including Premier) and obtained quotes from each. Steve from Premier came out to the house promptly after my email contact. He made a number of useful suggestions and put together a detailed quote for the work to be done. I found him easy to work with, open to my ideas and concerns and responsive in email all the way through the process.” - Victor Sgornikov , 5⭐ on Google (11 months ago)
After the build is complete, the company’s Premier Promise provides additional coverage. It states that material or workmanship issues during the first 5 years are repaired or replaced at no charge. Most materials also carry a 25-year manufacturer warranty, which the company says it registers for customers. In addition, the company says it returns during the first year to check for any issues.
Strengths:
- In-house design team, with 2D drawings included and 3D renderings available before you sign
- Structures, outdoor kitchens, lighting, and screens handled by the same company as the deck
- Written 5-year materials and workmanship coverage plus a proactive first-year check
- Permits handled on your behalf
- Honest material guidance, including a stated fade expectation for composite
Limitations:
- Limited independent review evidence on HomeStars and BBB compared with longer-listed competitors
- A 30% deposit is standard, and heavily custom work can require more
- Helical pile installation is occasionally subcontracted during busy periods
Best for: Homeowners planning a multi-level deck, a covered structure, or an outdoor kitchen who want one team accountable for design, permits, and construction.
Contact: Address: 620 Colby Drive, Waterloo,
Phone: (519) 500-5545
Instagram: Instagram.com/decksbypremier
Facebook: facebook.com/decksbypremier
2. Hickory Dickory Decks - Best for low-maintenance decks, sunrooms
Low-maintenance composite and PVC decking is the core focus of this locally owned Hickory Dickory Decks location, run by owner Darryl Szusz. It serves Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo, St. Jacobs, Elmira, Breslau, Baden, and Mannheim. The owner personally handles each project from municipal permits through to the final build.
The product range is wide. Beyond decks, the location lists hot tub and pool decks, pavilions and gazebos, railings and privacy screens, and sunrooms and patio roofs. Its partner roster includes TimberTech, Trex, Fiberon, Deckorators, and several aluminum railing brands.
Customer feedback provides another source of information. The company has an average Google rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 77 reviews, offering customer feedback that can be viewed alongside the company’s published project information.
Strengths:
- Wide selection of composite and PVC decking brands
- Sunrooms and patio roofs, which few Kitchener deck builders offer
- Permits handled by the owner
- Multiple independent review profiles to cross-check
Limitations:
- Emphasis leans toward composite and PVC rather than natural wood
- No published pricing or stated workmanship warranty term on the local page
Best for: Homeowners who want a low-maintenance deck and are considering a sunroom or patio roof in the same project.
Contact: Phone: 519-886-4888
Facebook: facebook.com/hickorydecks
Instagram: instagram.com/hickorydecks
3. Deck Pro Company - Best for cedar and Sienna wood decks
Natural wood is where Deck Pro Company stands apart. It builds in cedar and Sienna lumber alongside composite and says its team has installed decks in Kitchener and Waterloo since 1986, with Deck Pro Company established in 2012.
Composite work uses Trex, TimberTech, and Deckorators. Railing options include aluminum, glass, wood, and composite, and it builds wood or composite privacy screens. The estimating process is the most specific on this list: you receive floor plans of your deck and a detailed estimate within 5 days of the site evaluation.
Deck Pro's service area is tighter than the others, covering Kitchener and Waterloo only. Customer feedback provides another reference point. Deck Pro has an average Google rating of 4.5 out of 5 based on 8 reviews, offering a small set of customer feedback that can be considered alongside the company’s published project information.
Strengths:
- Cedar and Sienna options for buyers who want real wood
- Floor plans and a detailed estimate within 5 days of the site visit
- Long local track record in Kitchener-Waterloo
Limitations:
- No pergolas, pavilions, or outdoor kitchens listed among its services
- Service area limited to Kitchener and Waterloo
Best for: Homeowners who want a natural cedar or Sienna deck with a clear, fast written estimate.
Contact: Phone: (519) 570-4715
Instagram: instagram.com/deck_pro
Facebook: facebook.com/Deck-Pro-100063777963106
Worth noting: The City of Kitchener keeps an approved list of decking products and guard systems for low-rise homes. Composite, vinyl, or PVC railing systems need provincial or national evaluation approval before the city will accept them. Confirm your chosen board and railing are on that list before you order anything.
4. AAA Fences and Decks - Best for practical wood or composite decks
AAA Fences and Decks builds pressure-treated wood and composite decks from a Kitchener base, with more than 10 years of deck and fence construction experience. It covers multi-level decks for sloped lots, attached and freestanding designs, and built-in stairs, railings, and seating.
Its service area is the widest on this list, reaching Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Brantford, Stratford, Elmira, Listowel, and Woodstock. It also builds gazebos, pergolas, sheds, and garages. Its Kitchener page focuses on practical builds rather than design packages. The AAA Fences and Decks has an average Yelp rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 9 reviews, offering a small set of customer feedback that can be considered alongside the company’s published project information.
Strengths:
- Pressure-treated wood as a cost-conscious starting option
- Gazebos, pergolas, and sheds available alongside decks
- Broad coverage across Waterloo Region and neighbouring counties
Limitations:
- No design renderings, warranty term, or permit handling described on its Kitchener page
- Limited public detail on past Kitchener projects
Best for: Homeowners who want a straightforward wood or composite deck without a full design-build package.
Contact: Address: 152 Colton Circle, Kitchener, ON N2A 4K6 Phone: (519) 497-9334 Facebook: facebook.com/AAAFenceDecks
Instagram: instagram.com/aaa_fenceanddecks
5. Early Riser Decking and Fencing - Best for timbertech or wolf decks
Early Riser Decking and Fencing is a certified installer for Wolf PVC decking and for TimberTech composite and PVC decking. The company was founded in 2020 by Mitch, Riley, and Chad. Co-founder Chad Randell has more than 20 years of deck design and building experience.
The co-founders personally quote, design, and build every decking and fencing project alongside their crew. The process is simple: a free on-site consultation, a material and design decision, an emailed estimate with availability, and then the build. Its service area covers Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge, and it also takes on kitchen, bathroom, basement, and whole-home renovations.
Strengths:
- Manufacturer certification for TimberTech and Wolf products
- Owners are on-site for quoting and building
- Free on-site consultation and estimate
Limitations:
- Newer company, founded in 2020, with a shorter public track record
- No outdoor kitchens or covered structures listed
Best for: Homeowners set on a TimberTech or Wolf deck who want the owners directly involved in the build.
Contact: Phone: 519-277-2522
Facebook: facebook.com/104648902145859
Instagram: instagram.com/earlyriserdecking
FAQs
How much do custom deck builders in Kitchener charge?
None of the five builders reviewed here publishes project pricing online, so cost depends on size, height, materials, and add-ons. Composite costs more upfront than wood, though Decks by Premier notes it can cost less over the deck's lifetime because it needs less maintenance and replacement. Compare itemized quotes that list the same materials.
Do I need a permit to build a deck in Kitchener?
Yes, if the deck is 24 inches or more above the ground at any point or will be covered by a permanent roof. The city also requires a site plan and construction drawings showing posts, joists, beams, and stairs. Most full-service builders handle this for you, but confirm it before you sign.
Is composite or wood better for a deck in Kitchener?
Composite and PVC resist rot and need less upkeep through Ontario's freeze-thaw seasons, while cedar and pressure-treated wood cost less upfront and look natural. Composite still fades, and Decks by Premier advises expecting about 30% colour change over time. Pick based on how much maintenance you're willing to do each year.
What makes Decks by Premier different from other Kitchener deck builders?
Decks by Premier designs and builds decks, covered structures, and outdoor kitchens in-house, so one team owns the whole project. It includes a 2D drawing with every consultation, handles permits, and states a 5-year materials and workmanship guarantee. Its independent review footprint is still small, so ask for references and Google reviews during your consultation.
How long does Decks by Premier take to build a deck?
The company aims to finish construction in 10 to 14 days from the start of building. Add-ons like lighting or outdoor kitchen elements can extend that, and helical piles are usually installed earlier. You'll get an estimated build time and total project time at the free quote stage.
The Bottom Line
The five Kitchener deck builders covered here take different approaches to materials, design, project management, and outdoor features. Decks by Premier stands out for homeowners planning a more complex project that combines custom deck design with structures, outdoor kitchens, permits, and construction under one team.
Hickory Dickory Decks focuses strongly on low-maintenance composite and PVC options, while Deck Pro Company offers more emphasis on natural cedar and Sienna wood. Early Riser Decking and Fencing may suit homeowners looking specifically for TimberTech or Wolf products, while AAA Fences and Decks focuses on practical wood and composite projects across a broad service area.
Before choosing a contractor, compare itemized quotes, design plans, payment terms, warranty coverage, permit responsibilities, and independent reviews. Most importantly, confirm that your proposed decking and railing materials meet the City of Kitchener's requirements before signing the contract.