Deck Inspiration

Wrap-Around
Decks

Why choose one view when you can have them all?

Typical Cost

$30,000 – $70,000

Build Time

3–6 weeks

Difficulty

Moderate–Advanced

Best Season

May – September

Wrap-around decks are a distinctly Canadian tradition — from Victorian homes in the Maritimes to lakeside cottages in Ontario to mountain lodges in BC. By extending the deck around two or more sides of the house, you gain panoramic views, multiple access points, and the ability to chase sun or shade throughout the day. They're ideal for entertaining, as guests naturally flow between areas. A morning coffee facing east, an afternoon read in the shade on the north side, and sunset cocktails on the west — all on one deck.

Design Tips

Plan for Sun Tracking

Design different zones for morning, afternoon, and evening sun. The east side gets breakfast sun, the west side catches sunsets, and the north provides consistent shade in summer.

Vary the Width

Not every section needs to be the same width. Go wider (12–16 ft) where you want seating areas and narrower (4–6 ft) for walkways. This saves material and creates natural zones.

Corner Transitions

Where the deck turns corners, consider a wider gathering area, a built-in bench, or a planter. Corner "dead zones" are the #1 wasted space on wrap-around decks.

Multiple Access Points

Install doors or large windows at each deck section. Nothing kills a wrap-around deck like having to go inside and walk through the house to reach the other side.

Unified Railing Design

Keep railings consistent around the entire deck for a cohesive look. This is where cable or glass railings really shine — they don't block views from any angle.

Recommended Materials

Cedar

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A natural choice for wrap-around decks on heritage and cottage-style homes. The long runs of cedar look stunning as boards develop character.

Composite

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Wrap-arounds have a lot of surface area — low maintenance composite saves significant annual upkeep time and cost.

Pressure-Treated

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The most cost-effective option for large wrap-around builds. When you're covering 500+ sq ft, the material savings are substantial.

Gallery

Key Considerations

Wrap-around decks attach to multiple walls — each ledger board connection must be properly flashed and secured
Corner framing is the most complex part — ensure your contractor has experience with wrap-around builds
More perimeter = more railing, which can be 30–40% of total cost. Budget accordingly
Consider under-deck storage access — wrap-arounds create large shaded areas underneath that can be utilized
Multiple exposure directions means variable weathering — west and south sides will weather faster than north and east

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a wrap-around deck cost?

Wrap-arounds are larger builds, typically 400–800 sq ft. Budget $60–$100 per sq ft installed. A 500 sq ft pressure-treated wrap-around runs $30,000–$40,000. Composite builds: $45,000–$65,000.

Can I add a wrap-around deck to an existing home?

Yes, but it requires structural assessment. The house foundation and framing must support ledger board connections on multiple walls. An engineer should review the plans.

Do I need the same railing all the way around?

Aesthetically, consistency is best. However, you can vary railing types if code-compliant — for example, glass panels on the view side and solid panels for privacy on the neighbour side.

What about maintenance on such a large deck?

This is where material choice matters most. A 600 sq ft cedar deck takes a full weekend to sand, clean, and restain. The same deck in composite takes 2 hours to power wash. Factor ongoing maintenance into your material decision.