Jacko Contracting completed a comprehensive backyard renovation in the Falgarwood neighborhood of Oakville, Ontario. This full-scale outdoor living remodel resolved uneven ground drainage issues through professional grading and fresh sod installation. We replaced an outdated chain-link fence with a privacy-focused, pressure-treated wood fence and custom lattice. The centerpiece of the project is a low-maintenance custom composite deck, featuring modern aluminum railings, engineered to withstand Ontario’s freeze-thaw cycles without annual staining or sealing.
Tucked into the quiet, tree-lined streets of Falgarwood in Oakville, Aneta and Peter’s backyard had all the makings of a great outdoor space; it just needed someone to bring it to life. An old chain-link fence did the bare minimum for privacy, the ground never quite sat level, and there was no real deck to gather on. So instead of a quick fix, we gave the whole yard a fresh start: new grading, a brand-new fence with custom detailing, and the star of the show, a full composite deck built to be lived on, not just looked at.
This page breaks down how a full backyard renovation like this comes together in a neighbourhood like Falgarwood, from the grading work nobody sees to the finished deck everyone notices. It’s also a good look at what’s possible when a project is planned as one connected space instead of a series of separate fixes.
Falgarwood homeowners wanted a full backyard reset, not a patch job
The yard was graded and fitted with fresh sod for a level, healthy base
The old chain-link fence was replaced with a pressure-treated fence and custom lattice
A full composite deck with aluminum railings became the centrepiece of the new space
A lot of backyard projects start and end with the deck, but that only works if everything around it is already in decent shape. Aneta and Peter’s yard needed more than a new surface to sit on. The ground itself was uneven, the old chain-link fence had done its job for years but no longer matched the look they wanted, and there was no deck at all to anchor the space. Any one of those on its own would have been a manageable weekend project, but tackled separately, they rarely end up looking or working like a single, intentional space.
Fixing the yard properly meant working outward instead of just building up. That’s the difference between a project that looks good in photos and one that actually functions the way a backyard should: private, level, and built around a deck that can handle daily use, not just weekend barbecues. It’s also the difference between a yard that needs revisiting every couple of years and one that’s genuinely finished.
Before starting a project like this, most homeowners want to know the same things: what does composite decking cost compared to wood, is a pressure-treated fence still a good option in a yard with a modern deck, and how long does a full backyard renovation realistically take. Those are the exact questions this project answers.
A full backyard renovation only works if it’s sequenced properly, starting with the ground itself and building outward from there. Skip a step, or do them out of order, and the finished result usually shows it within a season or two. Here’s roughly how this one went.
First, grading and sod
Before anything else went in, the team graded the backyard to create a level, well-draining base and laid fresh sod over it. Skipping this step is one of the most common reasons backyard projects look uneven within a year or two, so getting the ground right came before any construction started, well before the fence posts or deck footings went in.
Then, the fence
The old chain-link fence came out completely and was replaced with a new pressure-treated fence, finished with a custom lattice detail for added privacy and style. It’s a straightforward upgrade, but it changes how the whole yard feels almost immediately, turning an open, exposed space into something that feels private and intentional, long before the deck itself was even framed.
Next, the composite deck
This was the centrepiece of the project. The team designed and built a full composite deck, chosen specifically for its low-maintenance durability and clean, modern look. Unlike wood, composite decking doesn’t need annual staining or sealing, which matters a lot for homeowners who want to actually use their deck instead of maintaining it every spring, and it holds its colour through Ontario’s freeze-thaw winters far better than traditional lumber.
Finally, the railings
To finish the deck, the team installed sleek aluminum railings, adding both a safety barrier and a contemporary edge that complements the composite boards without competing with them visually.
The finished backyard doesn’t feel like a collection of separate projects stitched together. The level lawn, the new fence, and the composite deck all work as one cohesive space instead of three disconnected upgrades. Aneta and Peter went from a yard with an aging chain-link fence and no real deck to a private, modern outdoor space built around a composite deck that’s ready for actual daily use.
The pressure-treated fence and custom lattice give the whole yard a finished, private feel, while the aluminum railings on the deck keep the look modern without adding maintenance. It’s the kind of backyard renovation that solves the whole picture at once instead of leaving homeowners to tackle the fence, the lawn, and the deck as three separate future projects, each one chipping away at the budget and the backyard’s overall look in the meantime.
While pressure-treated wood decks in Oakville typically start between $35 and $45 per square foot, premium composite decking requires an upfront investment of $60 to $90 per square foot. However, composite decking yields a higher long-term ROI by eliminating the annual maintenance costs of stripping, staining, and sealing required for traditional wood.
Yes. A pressure-treated fence is durable, affordable, and holds up well in Ontario’s climate. Paired with a custom lattice detail, like this project, it can look just as modern as pricier fencing materials.
A comprehensive backyard renovation involving property grading, fresh sod, pressure-treated fencing, and a composite deck build typically takes 3 to 5 weeks of active construction. Weather conditions and material procurement can slightly adjust this timeline.
Very little. Composite boards don’t need staining or sealing, and most upkeep is just occasional washing to keep the surface clean. That’s a big part of why homeowners choose it over wood decking.
Uneven ground causes drainage problems and settling that show up months later, sometimes right under a new fence or deck. Grading first, then laying sod, gives everything built a stable foundation afterward.
If your backyard needs more than a quick fix, a full renovation can solve the fence, the lawn, and the deck all in one project instead of three separate headaches down the road. Jacko Contracting handles the grading, fencing, decking, and railings from start to finish, so the result is a space that actually works together, not a patchwork of upgrades added one summer at a time. Request a free consultation to see what’s possible for your backyard.
Unlock the full potential of your property with Jacko Contracting. Whether you’re planning a complete renovation, a custom home addition, or a full-scale remodel, our experienced team is here to guide you through every stage of the process.
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.
