Jacko Contracting completed a comprehensive cedar deck and custom stair rebuild in the Sunnylea neighborhood of Toronto. This complete structural overhaul involved removing the aged framing, rebuilding the deck and staircase from the ground up to meet strict Toronto building codes, and installing premium cedar decking. The project was finished with modern, low-maintenance aluminum and glass railings, delivering a safe, durable, and highly functional outdoor living space engineered for the Canadian climate.
A backyard deck only stays functional for so long. Boards start splitting, stairs get wobbly, and railings that used to feel sturdy start to feel like a liability. That’s exactly where Lori and Grant’s outdoor space was before this project started. Instead of patching what was left, we tore out the old decking entirely and rebuilt it with premium cedar deck boards, chosen for their natural grain, strength, and long-term durability.
The stairs were rebuilt from the ground up, and the whole thing was finished with a sleek combination of aluminum and glass railings.
This page walks through how a full deck and stair rebuild actually comes together in a neighborhood like The Sunnylea, and what Lori and Grant ended up with once it was done. It’s a good example of what separates a real rebuild from a surface-level refresh.
Sunnylea homeowners needed a full deck and stair rebuild, not a patch job.
Old decking was removed and replaced with premium cedar deck boards.
Stairs were rebuilt from the ground up for a safer, sturdier structure
Finished with modern glass deck railings paired with aluminum framing
Every old deck reaches a point where patching individual boards stops making sense. Once the framing underneath starts to age along with the surface, replacing a few boards here and there just delays the same problem instead of solving it. That was the situation Lori and Grant were in: a cedar deck and staircase that had done its job for years but had reached the end of what repairs could reasonably fix.
Choosing to fully rebuild rather than repair meant starting with a clean slate. The old decking came out completely, along with the aging stair structure, so the new build wasn’t compromised by whatever was failing underneath. For a lot of Toronto homeowners weighing whether cedar decking cost is worth it compared to composite or pressure-treated wood, projects like this are a good example of why the material choice matters as much as the labour.
Before committing to a project like this, most homeowners ask us the same few things: what does cedar decking cost compared to other materials, how long will a full rebuild actually take, and is it really necessary to replace the stairs too, or can they be patched separately? Those are the exact questions this project answers.
A full deck and stair rebuild only holds up long-term if it’s sequenced properly, starting with removal and working outward from the structure. Rushing the order, or reusing old framing to save time, is usually where problems come back within a season or two. Here’s roughly how this one went.
First, full removal
The project began with tearing out the old, worn decking completely, rather than working around it. Trying to build a new deck surface on top of aging framing almost always shortens the life of the new materials, so starting from a clean structure was the right call here.
Then, prepping the space
With the old surface gone, the team installed premium cedar deck boards across the space. Cedar was chosen specifically for its natural beauty, its strength, and how well it holds up over time compared to lower-grade lumber, giving the finished deck a warmth that’s hard to match with composite materials.
Next, the stair rebuild
Rather than patching the existing stairs, the crew rebuilt them entirely from the ground up. That meant new framing, new treads, and a structure built to be both solid underfoot and visually consistent with the new deck above it, something that’s hard to achieve when only part of a staircase gets replaced.
Finally, the railings
To finish the project, the team installed a combination of aluminum and glass railings. The glass panels keep sightlines open and let light through, while the aluminum framing adds a clean, modern edge that contrasts nicely with the warmth of the cedar underneath.
The finished outdoor space no longer feels like it’s held together by patch jobs and hope. The cedar decking brings a natural, warm look that ages well, and the rebuilt stairs give Lori and Grant a structure they don’t have to think twice about using. The glass deck railings finish the look with an open, airy feel that doesn’t block the view of the yard, while still meeting the practical need for a secure barrier.
Because the whole project started with full removal rather than a patch-and-repair approach, the result is a deck and stair system that’s consistent from top to bottom, not a mix of old framing and new surface materials trying to work together. That’s usually the difference between a deck that needs attention again in a few years and one that doesn’t, and it’s the same reasoning that guides how we approach every rebuild like this one.
Premium cedar decking in Toronto typically costs between $45 and $65 per square foot installed. This places it midway between basic pressure-treated lumber (approx. $35–$45/sq ft) and high-end composite decking ($60–$90/sq ft). Cedar rewards this investment with natural rot resistance, structural strength, and a rich aesthetic.
A complete structural deck and stair rebuild typically requires 2 to 3 weeks of active construction. However, homeowners should factor in an additional 4 to 6 weeks prior to demolition to secure structural drawings and municipal permit approvals.
Sometimes, but not always. If the framing underneath the stairs has aged along with the treads, a repair only fixes the surface. A full rebuild ensures the structure is just as solid as what’s visible
Not much. Aluminum resists rust and doesn’t need repainting, and glass panels only need occasional cleaning. Compared to wood railings, this combination holds up well with little upkeep required season to season.
Yes. Under the Ontario Building Code, the City of Toronto requires a building permit for any deck that is more than 24 inches (600 mm) above ground level, or if it is attached to the house. Because a full rebuild replaces the structural framing, it is classified as new construction and must be permitted and inspected.
If your deck and stairs are showing their age, patch repairs might only buy a season or two before the same problems come back. Jacko Contracting handles full removal, framing, decking, and railings from start to finish, so the result holds up for years rather than needing constant attention. Whether you’re dealing with soft boards, a shaky staircase, or railings that no longer feel secure, the fix usually starts the same way: with a proper rebuild, not another patch. Request a free consultation to see what a full rebuild could look like for your property.
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