Cedar Multi-Level Deck in Sunnylea, Toronto

Cedar Multi-Level Deck and Stairs for Lori and Grant in Sunnylea

Lori and Grant’s old deck and stairs had reached the point where repairs no longer made sense. They wanted a backyard that worked on more than one level: an upper deck off the house for dining, wide stairs down to a lower level and the yard, and railings that felt safe without blocking the view. Our team removed the old structure and built a new multi-level cedar deck with rebuilt stairs, black aluminum picket railings and aluminum glass railings. The project was completed in July 2024.

This page walks through how the project came together, from removing the old deck to the finished space they use every day.

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Lori and Grant needed a full rebuild of their old deck and stairs, not a patch job.

The new deck was built on multiple levels in natural cedar, with wide stairs linking them.

Black aluminum picket railings line the stairs and deck edges.

Aluminum glass railings keep the view of the yard open on the upper deck.

Why a full rebuild instead of a repair

Once the framing under a deck starts to age along with the boards, replacing a few boards only delays the same problem. Lori and Grant’s deck and stairs had reached that point, so the right move was to remove everything and start with a solid new structure.

Rebuilding from scratch also gave them a better layout. Instead of one tired platform, the new deck works on more than one level, with wide cedar stairs linking the upper deck to the lower level and the yard, and railings chosen for safety, low maintenance and a clear view.

How the multi-level cedar deck came together

A multi-level deck only holds up if the structure is right at every level. Here’s how this one came together.

First, removing the old deck

The old decking, framing and stairs were removed completely, so the new deck wasn’t built on top of aging structure.

Then, framing the levels

New framing was built for each level, laid out so the upper deck, the lower level and the stairs line up cleanly and feel solid underfoot.

Next, cedar decking and stairs

Cedar deck boards were installed across every level, and wide cedar stairs were built to connect the levels and lead down to the yard.

Finally, the railings

Black aluminum picket railings were installed along the stairs and deck edges, with aluminum glass railings on the upper deck to keep the view of the yard open.

What it looks like now

Lori and Grant now have a backyard that works on more than one level: room to dine on the upper deck, wide easy stairs down to the lower level and the yard, and a warm natural cedar finish throughout. The aluminum railings won’t rust or need painting, and the glass sections keep sightlines open to the garden.

FAQs About Cedar Decks in Toronto

Cedar is naturally resistant to rot and insects, stays comfortable underfoot and has a warm natural look. It does need regular cleaning and a stain or sealer every few years to keep its colour and protect the wood.

Toronto requires a building permit for a deck more than 60 cm (24 in) above the ground. Multi-level decks usually have at least one level above that height, so most need a permit. We prepare the drawings and handle the application.

Picket railings use slim vertical aluminum balusters and are a durable, budget-friendly option. Glass railings use tempered glass panels in an aluminum frame and keep the view open. Both are low maintenance and never need painting.

Sometimes. If the stringers and framing are still sound, the treads can be replaced. If the structure underneath has aged, a full rebuild is the safer and longer-lasting fix.

It depends on the size, the number of levels and how long the permit takes. After a free site visit, we give you a clear schedule covering the permit and the build.

Thinking about a multi-level deck for your backyard?

If your deck or stairs have reached the end of what repairs can fix, a full rebuild can give you a safer, better-laid-out space. Jacko Contracting builds cedar, composite and PVC decks with aluminum and glass railings across Toronto and the GTA. See our backyard deck services and railing installation, and request a free consultation.

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Fill out the form for a free consultation, and let us create a tailored solution that brings your vision to life. From safe, code-compliant construction to innovative design, precise planning, and exceptional craftsmanship, every detail is managed with professionalism and care.

Your dream space—whether it’s a modernized home interior, a functional addition, or a complete property transformation—is just a form away. Begin your journey today with Jacko Contracting.

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