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Northern Oaks
Multi-level cedar deck with glass railing on a Muskoka lakefront

Decks & Outdoor Living
in Muskoka.

On a Muskoka lakefront the deck is the most-used room of the house. We engineer multi-level cedar and composite decks for shoreline grade, ice loading, and decades of barefoot use.

  • 5.0 · 19 Google reviews
  • Licensed · Insured · WSIB
  • Replies in 4-8 hours
$5M liability + WSIB
3 years building in Muskoka
Huntsville to Parry Sound
Our decks & outdoor living services

Our decks & outdoor living services.

Every specialty within decks & outdoor living, with its own scope, timeline, and fixed-price proposal. Pick the one that matches your project.

Cedar Decks

Western red cedar decks for Muskoka cottages with hidden fasteners.

View Cedar Decks details

Composite Decks

TimberTech, Trex, and Deckorators composite decks with zero maintenance.

View Composite Decks details

Glass & Cable Railings

Frameless glass and stainless cable railings for unobstructed lake views.

View Glass & Cable Railings details

Multi-Level Decks

Stepped decks that work with shoreline grade and shield rock.

View Multi-Level Decks details

Deck Repairs & Rebuilds

Repairing, resurfacing, or fully rebuilding aging cottage decks.

View Deck Repairs & Rebuilds details

Deck Stairs & Landings

Exterior stairs, landings, lake access steps, railings, and safer transitions.

View Deck Stairs & Landings details

Waterfront Decks

Lake-facing decks, shoreline platforms, view decks, and waterfront access structures.

View Waterfront Decks details

Deck Skirting & Storage

Under-deck storage, skirting, lattice, access doors, and clean exterior detailing.

View Deck Skirting & Storage details

Outdoor Kitchens

Outdoor cooking areas, grill islands, stone counters, utility coordination, and dining zones.

View Outdoor Kitchens details

Hot Tub Decks & Pads

Hot tub pads, reinforced deck framing, service access, privacy screens, and electrical coordination.

View Hot Tub Decks & Pads details

Deck Lighting

Step lights, rail lights, path lights, low-voltage systems, and outdoor switching.

View Deck Lighting details

Decks & Outdoor Living Plumbing

Licensed plumbing rough-in, fixture, and repair work tied to your decks & outdoor living project.

View Decks & Outdoor Living Plumbing details

Decks & Outdoor Living Electrical

Licensed electrical rough-in, fixtures, and panel work tied to your decks & outdoor living project.

View Decks & Outdoor Living Electrical details
2025 Quality Business Award winner
Recognised 2025

Best general contractor in Muskoka.

Named #1 by the Quality Business Awards for craftsmanship, transparency, and on-time delivery across Muskoka.

What clients say

Real decks & outdoor living reviews .

5.0 · 19+ Google reviews
via Google
"I hired Northern Oaks for a driveway extension as part of my home renovation so I could park two additional cars, and I'm really impressed with the results. The quality of the work and craftsmanship really stand out. It's been over 6 months and it's held up perfectly."
Semir N.4 months ago
via Google
"We hired Rob to install a new front porch and repair a set of stone steps leading into our garage. We are extremely happy with how the completed project looks and with the work Rob did for us. Rob was flexible and accommodating."
Gerry McCall2 years ago
via Google
"Rob and his team at Northern Oaks Contracting are very professional, communication is excellent, and they were well priced. I had Rob come look at a water leak issue that had been looked at twice before by other contractors who didn't fix it."
Eric Turcotte3 months ago
via Google
"We had an excellent experience with Northern Oaks Contracting. Rob was always friendly, professional and very knowledgeable in many different areas. Not only did he do a great job with our renovation but he noticed and helped us out in some other areas too."
Tiffany Wilson2 months ago
via Google
"The Northern Oaks Contracting crew has been amazing to work with from start to finish. Their ability to keep both customers and trades well-coordinated has made the entire process smooth and stress-free. Highly recommended to anyone looking for a reliable and professional team!"
Curtis Henhawke4 months ago
via Google
"Robert installed a kitchen backsplash for us. Communication was great and he showed up to do the work when he said he would. The price was very reasonable and quality of work excellent. Would definitely recommend them."
Iris (Nodomu)3 months ago
Recent work

Explore Our Recent Work

Cottage deck rebuild in Muskoka, before and after — real Northern Oaks Contracting project photo
Cedar deck with pergola roof in Muskoka — real Northern Oaks Contracting project photo
Paver restoration & landscape refresh in Muskoka, before and after — real Northern Oaks Contracting project photo
Outdoor kitchen with wood-fired pizza oven in Muskoka — real Northern Oaks Contracting project photo
Bathroom renovation in Muskoka, before and after — real Northern Oaks Contracting project photo
Stone fireplaces & feature walls in Muskoka — real Northern Oaks Contracting project photo
Interior renovation, drywall stage in Muskoka — real Northern Oaks Contracting project photo
Basement finishing in Muskoka — real Northern Oaks Contracting project photo
A-frame new build, framing in Muskoka — real Northern Oaks Contracting project photo
Start your project

Ready to start your Decks & Outdoor Living project?

Tell us about the space. A real project manager replies within 4 to 8 hours with next steps.

How we approach it

How we approach every project.

Four things we do on every job, no matter the size. It's how we make sure the finished work still looks and functions the way it should years down the road.

01

We understand the space first

Before we quote or design anything, we walk the site, take real measurements, and ask what you actually want out of the space. The best projects start with a clear picture, not a guess.

02

We choose materials with the end in mind

Every material gets picked for how it'll look, feel, and hold up over years of real use. We'll tell you where to spend and where you can save without regretting it later.

03

We build it properly, not just quickly

Straight walls, tight joints, level floors, clean finishes. We take the extra hour it costs to do it right because it saves you the callback and it's the work we want our name on.

04

We finish what we start

One project manager from first quote to final walk-through. Punch lists get closed, the site gets cleaned, and you get a warranty in writing. No loose ends.

5yr
Workmanship warranty

All workmanship backed by a 5-year warranty in writing.

More recent work

More From The Field

White shaker kitchen with marble waterfall island in Muskoka — real Northern Oaks Contracting project photo
Bathroom refresh, tub to glass shower in Muskoka, before and after — real Northern Oaks Contracting project photo
Walk-in shower tile build in Muskoka, before and after — real Northern Oaks Contracting project photo
Full-height fieldstone fireplace in Muskoka — real Northern Oaks Contracting project photo
Marble ensuite in progress in Muskoka — real Northern Oaks Contracting project photo
Marble ensuite with neo-angle glass shower in Muskoka — real Northern Oaks Contracting project photo
Statement marble bathroom build in Muskoka — real Northern Oaks Contracting project photo
Full basement build, drywall stage in Muskoka — real Northern Oaks Contracting project photo
Our process

How a decks & outdoor living project actually runs.

No mystery, no ghosting between steps. Here's the exact path from first phone call to final walk-through, with what happens, who's on it, and what you'll have in your hands at the end of each stage.

  1. 01
    Discovery
    Week 1

    Layout

    Story-pole the deck on site so you walk the actual footprint before the order goes in.

    What you get
    Site notes, rough budget range, next-step plan
  2. 02
    Design & pricing
    Weeks 2 to 4

    Footings

    Helical piers or pinned footings drilled into Canadian Shield.

    What you get
    Fixed-price proposal, scope of work, start window
  3. 03
    On-site work
    Build phase

    Build

    Frame, deck, rail, and stair finished in a single run.

    What you get
    Weekly photo updates, milestone check-ins, change orders in writing
One point of contact

Same project manager from first call to final walk-through.

Start the conversation
What's involved

Every trade in a decks & outdoor living project.

We run the full scope or with vetted partners on a single contract. Here's what typically lands inside this kind of project.

Footings & posts

Helical piles or sonotubes set below frost with engineered post connections.

Framing

PT, steel, or hidden-fastener framing systems sized for the load.

Decking

Composite, hardwood (ipe, cumaru), and cedar boards with hidden fasteners.

Railings

Glass, cable, aluminum, or wood railings to code with continuous handrails.

Stairs

Stringers and treads engineered for rise/run code with code lighting.

Lighting & power

Low-voltage step and post lighting, plus outdoor outlets for entertaining.

How we meet

On site, or on video.

Two ways to kick things off. Whichever is easier for you.

On-site walk-through

We'll meet you at the property, pull tape, take photos, and walk the scope with you in person.

Book a site visit

Live video walkthrough

Prefer to stay put? Hop on a video call and we'll walk the space or the plans together from anywhere.

Schedule a call
FAQ

Common questions.

Cedar or composite decking for a cottage, which is the better call?+

Composite if you want zero maintenance, cedar if you want the smell and the patina. Both are fine in Muskoka with the right detailing.

How do you anchor a deck into Canadian Shield rock?+

Pinned footings drilled and epoxied into rock, or helical piers where soil exists. Engineered post-base connections rated for uplift and ice load.

How long does a full deck build usually take?+

Most lakefront decks run 4 to 8 weeks from footings to railings. Multi-level builds run 8 to 12.

Do composite decks need maintenance?+

Sweep, occasional rinse, that's it. No staining, no sealing, no sanding. The trade-off is appearance: composite reads modern, cedar reads classic.

Glass or cable railing for the view?+

Glass is the cleanest sightline but needs cleaning. Cable is nearly invisible and maintenance-free. Both are code-compliant.

Do you build hot tub decks?+

Yes. Engineered framing for the loaded weight, dedicated electrical, and screened equipment access. Hot tub spec is locked before framing.

Do decks need a permit in Muskoka?+

Yes, in almost every case. Township and District of Muskoka building permits apply, and shoreline decks may need MNRF review.

Can you replace just the boards on an existing frame?+

Sometimes. We assess the frame first. Most older cottage decks need new joists and ledgers along with boards.

How long do cedar decks last in Muskoka?+

25 to 35 years with stain-and-seal every 2 to 3 years. Composite frames with hidden fasteners last 40 plus.

How does the first meeting actually work?+

We come to the site (or hop on a video call, whichever is easier), walk through the space with you, take measurements and photos, and ask questions about how you actually use the property. There is no sales pitch. You leave the meeting with a clear next-step plan and a rough sense of scope and timing, and we leave with enough information to start putting a real proposal together.

Do you source materials locally?+

Local sourcing is absolutely an option and something we lean into whenever it makes sense, but it is not the only path. We source based on each client's needs, budget, and the specific goals for their project. Sometimes the right material is a local Muskoka supplier or a nearby millwork shop. Other times it's a specialty product from further away that better fits the look, performance, or lead time. We walk you through the options and make the call together.

Who is actually on site during the project?+

A dedicated project manager owns your file from the first conversation through the final walk-through. On the ground you'll see our own carpenters and site lead running the day-to-day, plus vetted trade partners for plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and specialty finishes. Everyone on site works to the same standard and reports up through the project manager, so you always know who to call and never get bounced between subs.

How do you keep us in the loop while work is happening?+

You get a single project manager as your point of contact, weekly photo updates so you can see progress even if you're out of town, scheduled check-in calls at major milestones, and any change to scope, timeline, or materials in writing before it happens. Most of our clients live in Toronto or out of province, so the whole process is built to work without you needing to be on site.

What happens if something needs to change mid-project?+

Change orders happen on almost every project once things are open and real conditions are visible. When something needs to shift (a hidden condition, a design tweak you want, a material swap) we document exactly what's changing, the impact on schedule, and the impact on the number, then send it to you for sign-off before any work happens. No surprises on the final invoice.

Do you clean up as you go?+

Every day. Site gets broomed and organized at the end of every workday, materials get stored properly, and containment stays in place so dust doesn't migrate through the rest of the house. At the end of the project the site gets a full detail clean before handover, and we do a joint walk-through with you to catch anything that needs a final touch.

What kind of warranty comes with the work?+

A full two-year workmanship warranty on everything we build, in writing, handed to you at closeout along with a maintenance schedule and a folder of all product manuals, paint colours, and finish specs. If something isn't right we come back and fix it, no debate. On new builds you also get the applicable structural warranty coverage on top of that.

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