Few projects feel as satisfying as designing and building your own backyard deck, but navigating the world of DIY deck kits in Canada is rarely as plug-and-play as it looks in the brochures. Over years helping thousands of customers through our Regina and Saskatoon stores and across the country, we've seen firsthand what these kits actually include, what they don’t (but should), and how to budget for those inevitable “oh no, we forgot that” moments. Before you order a deck kit, let’s break it down with our unique perspective—from selection to completed project and the often-missed details in between.
The Realities of DIY Deck Kits in Canada
Deck kits promise a streamlined experience, taking care of the complex parts of measurements and material selection. In Canada, these kits often tout "all you need in one box" and are tailored to handle our climate swings, but the truth is, no kit is truly turnkey. The convenience is genuine, but so are the blind spots. Let’s dig into what you’ll actually get and what you’ll need to plan for (and pay for) beyond the kit.
What’s Usually Included in a DIY Deck Kit
- Framing and Foundation Materials – Most kits supply all the pressure-treated (or sometimes spruce or composite) joists, beams, posts, footings, and brackets you’ll need for a standard rectangle deck frame. Look for 2x8 or 2x6 joists at 16” on center—these kits cover basics for ground-level and some raised decks. Some premium options offer steel framing.
- Decking Surface Boards – Kits let you select pressure treated, cedar, hardwood, or composite. Some brands (like Trex, Deckorators, or Fiberon) are available depending on your supplier. Composite lasts longer with less maintenance, but usually increases the kit price. For more on long-term value, check out our Composite Decking Guide.
- Fasteners and Connectors – You’ll find galvanized screws and nails, joist hangers, structural connectors, and hardware to assemble the substructure. Good kits supply everything needed for code compliance up to this point.
- Basic Instructions/Plans – Expect assembly guides detailing layout, cutting, and installation steps. Don’t skip reviewing your site and local code for gaps—many instructions assume standard, unobstructed sites and may not address uneven yards or special requirements.
Where DIY Deck Kits Fall Short: The Overlooked Extras
| Most Common Exclusions | Why You (Almost Always) Need Them |
|---|---|
| Railings and Balusters | Any deck over 24" off the ground requires a guardrail by Canadian building code. |
| Permits and Inspection Support | Permits are required for most decks in Canada, and inspections mean you’ll need drawings and documentation that kits rarely supply. |
| Skirting and Privacy Panels | Lattice or mesh like DeckAll is vital to keep animals out and improve year-round looks. |
| Concrete and Posts (or Screw Piles) | Above-ground, non-floating decks need footings. Concrete, SonoTubes, or screw piles must be purchased separately. For regional pros, see our blog on helical piles vs concrete footings. |
| Waterproofing and Joist Tape | Crucial for deck lifespan, especially in regions with freeze/thaw, rain, or snow. Consider G-Tape or coatings if you want your substructure to last. |
| Fasteners for Surface Boards | Hidden fastener systems or plug kits for composite/premium decking are usually an optional add-on. (Starborn Pro Plug for Deckorators is a popular example.) |
| Lighting (Low Voltage, Solar, etc.) | If you want to enjoy your deck at night, built-in lighting is never included in basic kits. |
| Stairs and Landings Beyond One Set | Most kits include straight stairs for one side—extra sets or angled stairs are usually not included. |
| Delivery and Site Preparation | Kits may factor in curbside delivery but rarely cover extra handling, yard cleanup, or waste removal after you finish. |
Product Spotlight: Starborn Pro Plug for Deckorators
Why These Details Matter for Canadian Backyards
Builders in our climate know that skipping even one crucial detail (like waterproofing or using the wrong fasteners) can cost you far more down the road. For example, using basic galvanized hardware without joist tape speeds up rot, and omitting skirting guarantees critter problems. Just ask our customers in Regina and Saskatoon—the most avoidable deck disasters start with the "I thought it was included" moments.
For an in-depth exploration of protecting your deck frame, see our post on joist protection compared. Understanding your waterproofing choices is especially important in regions with wild seasonal changes.
How to Budget for the "Surprises" in Your DIY Deck Project
Let’s run a real-world scenario for a popular 12x12 foot (144 sq ft) composite deck in Saskatchewan. Here’s how your true costs break down based on current prices and customer feedback from our shop:
- Base DIY Deck Kit (framing, decking, hardware): $6,000
- Railings (80' perimeter): $4,000
- Basic Stairs: $500
- Waterproofing (G-Tape or similar for 200'): $200
- Hidden Fasteners/Plug Kits: $300
- Concrete for Footings (8 posts): $200
- Skirting or Lattice: $300
- Permits and Tools (including rentals): $500
- Total (no extras yet): $12,000
- Buffer (20% for mistakes/waste/unknowns): $2,400
- Estimate: $14,400
Many DIYers are surprised to find the advertised kit price only gets them about 70% of the way there, and site conditions (slope, soil, trees, underground lines) lead to custom costs the kit never mentions.
Step-by-Step: How to Use a DIY Deck Kit Successfully
- Site Planning and Assessment – Measure carefully, confirm property lines, and call before you dig. If you’re elevated more than 24", check city permit requirements. (For more guidance, see the local tips in our DIY deck building resource cluster.)
- Double-Check What’s Actually in the Kit – Compare included materials against your local building code and your preferred features (like stairs, skirting, lighting, and waterproofing)
- Add the Must-Have Extras – Make a secondary shopping list for fasteners, joist tape, railing kits, and tools you’ll need. Consider renting specialized tools like the Camo Marksman for a professional finish. More on tool options is in our hidden fastener tools guide.
- Order for Your Real Square Footage – Kits are standardized, but rarely a perfect fit. Double-check your plans and allow for offcuts and waste.
- Establish Your Budget Buffer – Always set aside 15–25% above the advertised price for missing materials, upgrades, or mistakes. This ensures you won’t have to put the project on hold when (not if) the unexpected happens.
DIY Deck Kit vs. Custom Package: When to Go Beyond the Kit
If your yard is sloped, oddly shaped, or you want to include a multi-level structure or integrated lighting, a custom deck design is often the smarter route. Kits can't account for everything local and unique about your property—weather, soil, and space constraints. That’s why we see so many customers start with a kit, then pivot to a custom plan after realizing the kit didn’t anticipate their needs.
For a successful experience, it helps to leverage both: start with a kit for the basics, then customize with the detail and options your space deserves. Our stores in Saskatchewan specialize in helping homeowners adapt kits or design from scratch, with expert advice to bridge those gaps.
Pro Advice: Avoid the Biggest DIY Deck Mistakes
In our experience, most DIY headaches aren’t caused by lumber quality or even permit issues—they’re the little details that get overlooked:
- Skipping joist protection – As one of the most critical steps for deck longevity, see our comparison of tape vs coating here.
- Underestimating tool needs – Specialty tools like the Camo Marksman make professional finishes possible on the first try.
- Missing the need for railing – Don’t skip this, even on low decks. It’s about both safety and legal requirements. For more, check our blog on railing cost breakdown.
- Poor site drainage – Wet areas speed up rot—always build with slope and water management in mind.
Helpful Resources for DIY Deckers
- DIY Deck Building Cluster Page – Our comprehensive hub for guides, checklists, and real-world advice on every stage of deck building from materials to finishing touches.
- Deck Budget Calculator – Quickly estimate complete project costs with must-have and optional extras.
- Camo Fastener Tool Rental – Try before you buy for hidden fasteners and beautiful finished surfaces.
Conclusion: Plan Deep, Spend Smart, Enjoy More—With Fewer Surprises
DIY deck kits are an awesome way to kick-start your build, but knowing what’s inside (and what’s not) is what separates a weekend headache from a backyard success story. In our years helping Canadian DIYers, we’ve found a bit of up-front research and a healthy add-on budget buffer keep builds smooth and on-time. Whether you go with a standard kit, a custom package, or blend both, the most important thing is getting a deck tailored to YOUR yard and climate—not just what’s in a box.
For help mapping out your dream deck or tweaking your kit for local codes and needs, see our DIY Deck Building resource cluster. Or, just drop by our Regina or Saskatoon locations and chat decks with a real human—no upsell, just honest help. Your next summer memory starts with the right plan.
