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National Fence & Deck

Buyer's Guide

Deck and Fence Material Guide for Calgary Homeowners

Choosing the right material is the single biggest decision in any deck or fence project. This guide breaks down the options we build with every season so you can compare performance, maintenance, cost, and how each material handles Calgary's climate.

Decking Materials

Deck surface options we install across Calgary

Every deck surface has trade-offs. Here is how the five most popular materials compare for durability, maintenance, and value in Alberta.

Trex Composite

Pros

  • Virtually zero maintenance after install
  • 25- to 50-year residential warranty depending on line
  • Fade, stain, scratch, and mould resistant
  • Wide colour, texture, and profile options across multiple lines
  • Built-in UV stabilizers for Calgary altitude

Cons

  • Higher upfront cost than wood
  • Can retain heat in direct sun

Best for

The go-to choice for most Calgary homeowners. Virtually zero maintenance, industry-leading warranty, and the material NFD installs more than any other contractor in Canada.

Fiberon Composite

Pros

  • Strong composite alternative to Trex
  • Stain, fade, and mould resistant
  • Multiple colour and grain options
  • Competitive warranty coverage

Cons

  • Fewer colour options than Trex
  • Less widely available in the Calgary market

Best for

Homeowners looking for a quality composite deck at a slightly different price point or colour range than Trex.

Eva-Last Composite

Pros

  • Solid core construction for added durability
  • Resistant to moisture, staining, and fading
  • Good colour and profile selection
  • Strong structural performance

Cons

  • Heavier than hollow-core composites
  • Smaller dealer network than Trex or Fiberon

Best for

Homeowners who want a solid-core composite option with strong durability and a clean finish.

Cedar

Pros

  • Natural warmth and beauty
  • Mid-range price point
  • Good thermal insulation (comfortable underfoot)
  • Naturally resistant to insects

Cons

  • Requires annual staining and sealing
  • Will gray and weather without maintenance
  • Shorter lifespan than composite

Best for

Homeowners who love the look of real wood and are comfortable with regular upkeep.

Pressure Treated

Pros

  • Lowest upfront cost
  • Widely available
  • Strong structural performance
  • Can be stained any colour

Cons

  • Requires regular staining and sealing
  • Can warp, crack, and splinter over time
  • Shorter lifespan without consistent care

Best for

Budget-conscious builds, structural framing, and projects where cost is the top priority.

DekSmart Vinyl

Pros

  • Fully waterproof surface
  • Great for walkout decks and covered areas
  • Durable and easy to clean
  • Protects the space below from water

Cons

  • Limited colour and pattern options
  • Not suited for all design styles

Best for

Walkout decks, covered patios, and any build where waterproofing the area below is essential.

Fence Materials

Fence materials built for Calgary properties

A well-built fence starts with the right wood. Both options below perform well in Calgary when installed properly and maintained on schedule.

Cedar Fence

Pros

  • Beautiful natural grain and colour
  • Naturally resistant to rot and insects
  • Accepts stain and paint well
  • Versatile design options (privacy, lattice, horizontal)

Cons

  • Requires staining every 1 to 3 years
  • Will gray without maintenance
  • Higher cost than pressure treated

Best for

Homeowners who want a premium, natural-looking fence and are prepared for regular care.

Pressure Treated Fence

Pros

  • Most affordable fence material
  • Treated for ground contact and moisture
  • Widely available in many profiles
  • Strong and reliable for standard fence builds

Cons

  • Requires staining and sealing for longevity
  • Can warp, twist, or crack as it dries
  • Green tint when new (fades over time)

Best for

Budget builds and standard residential fencing where cost efficiency matters most.

Railing Options

Railings and privacy solutions

Railings define the look, safety, and comfort of your deck. The right choice depends on your view, your privacy needs, and how exposed the space is to wind.

Aluminum Picket Railings

Pros

  • Low maintenance and rust resistant
  • Clean, modern look
  • Durable in Calgary winters
  • Available in black, white, and custom colours

Cons

  • Less privacy than solid panels
  • Can feel utilitarian without design pairing

Best for

Most deck builds where a clean sightline and low upkeep are priorities.

Glass Panel Railings

Pros

  • Unobstructed views of the yard and landscape
  • Premium, modern aesthetic
  • Wind protection without blocking light
  • Easy to clean

Cons

  • Higher cost than aluminum picket
  • Requires occasional cleaning for clarity
  • Fingerprints and water spots visible

Best for

Elevated decks, scenic lots, and homeowners who want an open, premium feel.

Privacy Glass and Screens

Pros

  • Full privacy from neighbours
  • Excellent wind protection
  • Frosted or tinted options available
  • Works well on elevated or walkout decks

Cons

  • Premium price point
  • Blocks some natural light
  • Heavier structural requirements

Best for

Decks close to neighbouring homes, hot tub areas, and spaces that need full seclusion.

Local Expertise

Calgary climate considerations

Material specs on paper only tell part of the story. How a material actually performs depends heavily on the climate it lives in. Here is what matters most in Calgary and southern Alberta.

Freeze-Thaw Cycles

Calgary can experience freeze-thaw cycles dozens of times per season. Materials that absorb moisture are more likely to crack, warp, and degrade. Composite and PVC decking handle this far better than untreated wood.

UV Exposure at Altitude

At over 1,000 metres elevation, Calgary gets intense UV exposure year-round. Materials without UV protection will fade faster. Trex, Fiberon, and Eva-Last composite products include built-in UV stabilizers that maintain colour for decades.

Wind and Chinooks

Strong Chinook winds can put stress on fence panels and railing systems. Proper post depth, fastener selection, and structural bracing are just as important as material choice for long-term performance.

Dry Summers

Hot, dry Calgary summers cause untreated wood to shrink and split. Cedar and pressure treated materials need consistent moisture protection. Composite and vinyl materials are unaffected by low humidity.

Common Questions

Material questions we hear most

Which decking material lasts the longest in Calgary weather?

Composite decking from Trex, Fiberon, and Eva-Last are the most durable options for Calgary. All handle freeze-thaw, UV, and moisture without the maintenance that wood requires. With proper installation, these materials can last 25 to 50 years.

Is composite decking worth the higher cost?

For most homeowners, yes. The upfront cost is higher than pressure treated, but you save significantly on staining, sealing, and repairs over time. Most composite decks pay for themselves within 8 to 10 years of avoided maintenance.

What is the best fence material for Calgary winters?

Cedar is the premium choice for fences in Calgary. It handles temperature swings well and resists rot naturally. Pressure treated is a solid budget option if you commit to regular staining and sealing.

Can I mix materials on the same project?

Absolutely. Many NFD builds combine materials for the best result. For example, a Trex composite deck surface with aluminum railings and a cedar privacy wall, or a pressure treated frame with a DekSmart vinyl walking surface on a walkout.

Ready to choose your materials?

Our team can walk you through every option during a free consultation. We will help match the right materials to your budget, your home, and how you want to use the space.

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