Outdoor Spaces We Build for Businesses Across Waterloo
We design and build commercial decks for a wide range of businesses across the Kitchener area:
- Restaurants and cafes – patios and covered outdoor dining that extend your seating and your season.
- Condos and multi-residential – amenity decks, rooftop terraces, and shared outdoor living spaces residents actually use.
- Offices and retail – inviting entrances, break-out areas, and visually appealing outdoor space that reflects your brand.
- Hospitality and events – durable platforms and decks built to handle crowds.
Whatever the setting, a well-built deck creates more usable space, enhances the property, and gives people a place for relaxation and gathering. A commercial deck can transform an underused corner into an area of real beauty and value that matches your brand, your aesthetics, and the lifestyle of your customers.
Engineering, Loads, and Safety Built In
Commercial decks answer to a higher standard than residential ones. Public use means higher load requirements, code-spec guards and railings, proper stair geometry, and often accessibility considerations – all built to the 2024 Ontario Building Code. Where a project calls for it, we work with engineered drawings so the structure is signed off and safe, and we bring the depth of experience to handle complex builds.
We don’t cut corners on the parts you can’t see. Footings, framing, fasteners, and connections are sized for commercial loads, and aluminum or steel railings are installed to spec. The result is a beautiful deck that’s also a safe one – the perfect balance of form and function that protects your business and your customers.
Build a Deck - Plant a Tree.
Decks by Premier plants new trees for every project we complete, even if you choose to use composite boards.
Materials Chosen to Withstand Commercial Wear
Material choice makes or breaks a commercial deck. We build with high quality materials selected to withstand heavy traffic and weather, and we advise on the range that best suits your traffic, budget, and the look you’re after – and only install products we’d stand behind. Clients who prefer a natural look can still have cedar where it fits.
- Capped composite and vinyl surfaces for durability and low upkeep
- Pressure treated wood and steel structures sized for commercial loads
- Aluminum and glass railings, plus custom fences and pergolas to match
Planning the Build Around Your Business
Downtime costs money, so we plan commercial projects around your operations. We work closely with you on phasing, access, and timing – building in stages, scheduling noisy work for off-hours where possible, and keeping the site clean and safe while you stay open. From the first consultation and design to the final installation, you get clear communication, realistic timelines, and a team that respects your business and your customers.
- Site review and consultation. We assess the space, the traffic, and your unique needs.
- Design and engineering. Drawings, materials, and a scope built for your property.
- Quote and approval. A clear plan and budget, with no surprises.
- Permits and drawings. We handle approvals so the build starts clean.
- Installation. Phased construction by our own crew, with precision and minimal disruption.
- Final walkthrough. A complete review and your workmanship warranty in writing.
What Commercial Deck Construction Costs
Commercial decks are priced per project, because the spec varies so much – engineered structures, code guards, accessibility, waterproofing, and high-traffic materials all factor in. As a planning guide, most commercial deck construction in the Kitchener area runs higher than residential work; the ranges below help you budget before a site review sets the real number.
| Commercial deck type | Typical installed range (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Patio / ground-level commercial deck (composite) | $90 – $140 / sq. ft. |
| Raised or multi-level deck with code guards | $120 – $170 / sq. ft. |
| Rooftop / over-occupied-space terrace (waterproofed) | $140 – $200+ / sq. ft. |
| Multi-residential amenity deck | Quoted per project |
Engineering, railings, accessibility, and finishes all move these numbers, so treat them as planning ranges only. We provide a detailed, itemized quote after we review your site.
Permits and Approvals for Commercial Builds
Commercial builds almost always need a building permit, and the requirements go beyond a backyard deck. Expect engineered drawings, code review for occupancy and loads, guard and stair compliance, and sometimes site-plan or accessibility approvals – all under the 2024 Ontario Building Code and the City of Waterloo’s process.
We manage the approvals so you don’t have to. Our team prepares the drawings, coordinates engineering where needed, and handles the permit application with the City of Waterloo – and we confirm local requirements whenever a project is in Kitchener, Cambridge, or the surrounding area.
80+ Years Serving Local Businesses and Properties
We’re a family company backed by a century of experience, an in-house design team, and offices in Waterloo and London. Businesses choose us because we bring the same expertise, artistry, and excellence to a commercial patio as we do to a backyard – and because we deliver, on time and to spec. As an experienced fence builder and deck contractor, we handle the whole exterior, from the deck to the fence line.
- A century of experience and a reputation for excellent work
- Experienced professionals and our own crew – not subcontracted contractors
- Engineered, code-compliant builds for safe public use
- Honest quotes, clear timelines, and respect for your budget and business
- Strong reviews and customer satisfaction across Kitchener-Waterloo
- Custom decks, custom fences, railings, and pergolas under one team
Request a Free Site Review For Your Deck Project
Every strong commercial deck starts with a conversation about your property, your traffic, and how the space will be used. Our commercial deck services cover design, engineering, permits, and installation — everything it takes to make your dream space real. Reach out to our team for a free site review, honest material advice, a clear scope, and an itemized quote, with no obligation to move forward.
FAQs:
Do you build decks for restaurants, condos, and other businesses?
Yes. We design and build a full range of commercial decks – restaurant and cafe patios, condo and multi-residential amenity decks, rooftop terraces, and office and retail spaces – across Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge.
Do commercial decks need engineered drawings?
Often, yes. Public use means higher loads and stricter code requirements for guards and stairs, so many commercial projects need engineered drawings. We coordinate the engineering and handle the approvals as part of the build.
How long does a commercial deck take to build?
It depends on size, spec, and approvals. Once permits and any engineering are in hand, most builds run a few weeks, and we phase the work around your hours so your business keeps running.
What materials are best for a commercial deck?
For high-traffic commercial use we usually recommend capped composite or vinyl for the surface and aluminum railings – all low maintenance and built to withstand heavy use. Pressure treated wood or steel is used for the structure, and we advise on the best fit for your property.
How much does a commercial deck cost in Kitchener-Waterloo?
Commercial decks are priced per project because the spec varies widely, but most run higher than residential work – roughly $90 to $200+ per square foot installed depending on engineering, guards, and waterproofing. A site review gives you an accurate, itemized quote.
Can you build while we stay open?
Yes. We plan the project around your operations, phasing the work and scheduling disruptive tasks for off-hours where possible, so you can keep serving customers throughout the build.
Deck Add-Ons.
While you are dreaming up ideas for your custom deck, remember to give some thought to some of our deck options which can help elevate your outdoor structure to the next level.
Railings
We have several different options available for deck railing systems:
Wood railings, aluminum glass railings, aluminum picket railings, frameless glass, composite railings, cable railings and almost any combination of those.
Privacy Screens
Premier offers a few different options when it comes to increasing your privacy.
We can add privacy using plants, walls, pergolas or other outdoor structures, a trellis, or even beautiful flowing outdoor curtains.
Deck Lighting
Deck lighting has come a long over the last couple of years, especially with the easy availability of LED lighting.
Choose from deck stair lighting, accent lighting, under-railing or under-counter lighting, recessed soffit lighting, deck post cap lights, in-floor lighting, above deck spotlights, and under-roof lighting.
Deck Shades System
Deck shade systems help create a more comfortable outdoor space by reducing direct sunlight and providing relief from the elements.
We offer a variety of shade solutions including pergolas, covered roofs, privacy screens, louvered structures, and custom-built features designed to improve comfort, functionality, and the overall appearance of your deck.
Outdoor Structures
Outdoor structures add a lot of versatility to your deck design and let you enjoy parts of your backyard free from bugs, or while its raining.
We custom design and build pergolas, pavilions, gazebos, arbours, and more. These structures also come with a lot of individual options depending on the structure.
