Services · Raised & second-storey decks
Raised and second-storey decks
Many Lower Mainland homes have a main floor well above the yard, especially on sloped lots and split-levels. A raised deck connects the kitchen to the outdoors, but height brings engineering, guards, stairs and permits into the picture. Send one request and compare quotes from up to three builders who build high decks.
- Height premium about 15–70% over a low deck
- Engineering about $1,500–4,000
- Permit almost always required
Local conditions
Height changes everything
Once a deck is more than 600 mm (about 2 ft) above the ground, the BC Building Code calls for guards, and most towns want a permit. Higher still, posts, beams, bracing and the ledger connection usually need an engineer's design.
That's why second-storey decks cost more per square foot than ground-level ones, and why quotes vary so much. Ask each builder how they'll handle footings, bracing, the ledger and stairs, and whether engineering and permit fees are included.
What a good quote includes
- Deck height and post layout
- Engineered drawings and who pays for them
- Footings or piles sized for the load
- Ledger attachment and lateral connections
- Beam and post sizes, bracing
- Stairs, landings and handrails
- Guard height and railing system
- Permit application and inspections
- Scaffolding and site access
Costs
Typical raised & second-storey decks prices
| Job | Typical range | What moves the price |
|---|---|---|
| Raised deck premium (2–6 ft) | about +15 – 30% | Posts, beams, bracing, guards |
| Second-storey premium (8 ft+) | about +40 – 70% | Engineering, scaffolding, connections |
| Engineering | $1,500 – $4,000 | Height, soil, roof or glass guards |
| Full flight of stairs | $3,500 – $9,000 | Rise, landings, materials |
| 300 sq ft composite with glass/aluminum railing | $35,000 – $65,000 | All-in example, including stairs |
Budget ranges in CAD before GST. Your quotes are based on a site visit.
Questions
Raised & second-storey decks questions
Do second-storey decks need an engineer?
Very often. Higher decks, covered decks and decks on difficult soil usually need an engineer's design for the posts, beams, bracing and connection to the house. Many builders arrange this.
Why are high decks so much more expensive?
Height adds taller posts, bigger beams, bracing, guards, a full set of stairs, scaffolding and often engineering and inspections. The boards are a smaller share of the cost.
What railing height do I need?
Under the BC Building Code a deck more than 600 mm above the ground needs a guard, generally at least 900 mm high for a house deck up to 1.8 m above the ground and 1,070 mm above that.
Often done together
Guides
Raised & second-storey decks by town
Metro Vancouver
- Surrey →
- Vancouver →
- Burnaby →
- Richmond →
- Delta →
- White Rock →
- Coquitlam →
- Port Coquitlam →
- Port Moody →
- New Westminster →
- North Vancouver →
- West Vancouver →
- Pitt Meadows →
Fraser Valley
Ready to compare raised & second-storey decks quotes?
Send one request and hear from up to 3 local builders.