A well-planned deck starts with how you want to use your outdoor space—not a fixed percentage of your home’s floor area.
Use this guide to compare deck sizes, plan furniture and access, and ask the right questions when choosing a deck builder in the Greater Edmonton region.
Start with what belongs on the deck
List the furniture, equipment and activities you want to accommodate. A dining table, lounge chairs and a barbecue each need more than their own footprint: allow room to pull out chairs, move between areas and reach the stairs.
Dining and gathering
Measure the table with chairs in use. Consider how people will pass the seating area while meals are being served.
Relaxing and everyday use
Include loungers, planters and side tables. Keep the house entrance and the route to the yard practical.
Try the arrangement before deciding on size
Mark a proposed footprint on a suitable surface and place your furniture—or markers representing it—inside. Open the house door, pull out the chairs and trace the route to the yard. Adjust the layout before committing to an overall size.
Compare example deck sizes
These dimensions are starting points for planning, not minimum standards or guaranteed furniture capacities. The right deck size depends on your furniture, yard, access and intended use.
| Example layout | Size and area | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Compact retreat | 10 × 10 ft100 sq. ft. | Test a small seating arrangement while keeping the doorway and access clear. |
| Dining focus | 12 × 16 ft192 sq. ft. | Check the table, chairs in use and the route between the house and stairs. |
| Flexible gathering | 12 × 20 ft240 sq. ft. | Compare a larger dining arrangement with a smaller dining and seating combination. |
| Separate activity zones | 14 × 24 ft336 sq. ft. | Plan distinct furniture zones without blocking circulation or stair access. |
| Larger outdoor space | 20 × 24 ft480 sq. ft. | Review yard balance, structural layout and how much space you will use regularly. |
Areas are width × depth for rectangular footprints. Stairs, landings, built-in features and irregular shapes need separate consideration.
Plan the details that shape everyday use
Decking and maintenance
Compare wood and manufactured decking by appearance, maintenance, product requirements and the complete installed scope. Ask which specific product is included.
Stairs and circulation
Consider where the stairs land, the route across the yard and how doors, seating and storage will interact.
Privacy and shade
Discuss screens, a pergola or a roof early. These features can affect the structure, appearance and permitting requirements.
Lighting and services
Identify desired lighting, receptacles or other services before the scope is finalized. Trade work and permits may need coordination.
Check cooking appliances and special loads
Position barbecues and other appliances according to their manufacturer’s instructions, including required clearances. A hot tub, heavy planter, masonry feature or proposed roof needs specific design consideration; do not assume an ordinary deck can support it.
Review height, structure and permit requirements
Deck height, attachment, intended loads and site conditions affect the project. Foundations, posts, beams, joists, connections, guards and stairs should be addressed as one coordinated design.
Uncovered decks in Edmonton
The City of Edmonton states that most decks need development and building permits, with exemptions depending on specific conditions. Its uncovered deck permit guide distinguishes the two permit types and explains the criteria. Check the complete requirements rather than relying on height alone.
Covered decks and attached pergolas
Edmonton treats attached covered decks and pergolas as home additions. Review the City’s home addition guidance for the required documents and potential engineering requirements.
Other Greater Edmonton communities
Confirm the requirements for your municipality and property. Rules in Parkland County, Lac Ste. Anne County, Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, St. Albert and other surrounding communities may differ from Edmonton’s.
Questions to ask a deck builder
A useful proposal should explain what will be built and what is included. Ask questions that make competing scopes easier to compare.
- What layout is included? Confirm dimensions, elevations, stairs, landings, guards and any built-in features.
- What supports the deck? Ask how the foundation, framing and house connection will be determined for your site and use.
- Which materials are specified? Identify decking, framing, railing, fascia, fasteners and finish details.
- Who handles approvals? Clarify responsibility for drawings, permit applications and inspections where required.
- How are changes handled? Understand how revised selections, concealed conditions and additional work will be documented and priced.
- What happens at completion? Ask about cleanup, walkthrough, warranty terms and care instructions.
View the builder’s relevant project examples and ask whether they have completed work comparable to your proposed deck. Our deck project portfolio provides a starting point for discussing the look and features you want.
Compare the complete project—not just the deck area
Two decks with the same square footage can have different scopes. Height, access, demolition, foundations, stairs, railings, decking, privacy features and a roof can all influence the work required.
- Separate essential features from options: identify what you need now and what can be priced separately.
- Compare matching specifications: check that materials, quantities and finish details are comparable.
- Confirm exclusions: identify whether demolition, disposal, landscaping repairs, trade work and permits are included.
- Discuss future features early: later additions may need different supports or structural provisions.
Learn more about our custom deck construction services in Greater Edmonton or send us your project details to discuss a scope suited to your property.
Your deck-planning checklist
Share what you have available. You do not need a finished design to begin the conversation.
- Location: property address and municipality.
- Photos: the house entrance, yard, access route and any existing deck.
- Approximate size: width × depth, desired height and stair location, if known.
- Intended use: dining, lounging, entertaining and furniture dimensions.
- Preferred features: decking, railings, privacy, lighting or a roof.
- Existing conditions: demolition needs and any available plans or permit records.
- Timing and budget: your priorities and preferred construction window.
Common deck-planning questions
How large should my deck be?
Start with furniture and circulation rather than the size of your house. Measure the items you want on the deck, allow for their use and check the layout against your yard and property requirements.
Is there a rule that a deck should be 20% of my house size?
That percentage is not a universal design or approval rule. The appropriate size depends on your planned use, furniture, site and applicable municipal requirements.
Can we reuse my existing deck frame?
Possibly, but its condition, connections, supports and suitability for the proposed materials and loads need review. The condition of the walking surface alone does not establish whether the underlying structure can be retained.
Should I include a future roof in the initial plan?
Yes. Discussing it early allows the structural layout, foundations and approval requirements to be considered. Adding a roof later may require changes to an otherwise suitable uncovered deck.
Do you build outside Edmonton?
Alberta Builder Services works throughout the Greater Edmonton region, including surrounding communities and rural properties. Contact us with your location to confirm availability for your project.
Let’s plan a deck around your home.
Tell us where you are located, how you want to use the space and your preferred timing. We will discuss the next steps for your deck project.
Discuss Your Deck ProjectPlanning references
- City of Edmonton: uncovered deck permits and planning
- City of Edmonton: home additions, covered decks and attached pergolas
Deck sizes and the layout illustration are planning examples. Applicable requirements, product instructions and project-specific design govern construction.
