The Business Case for Commercial Decks
Canadian restaurants discovered the value of outdoor dining during 2020-2021, when patio capacity became essential. Since then, permanent outdoor patios have become a revenue-generating asset rather than a seasonal afterthought.
A 40-seat restaurant adding a 600 sq ft patio at 20 seats effectively increases capacity by 50% during the outdoor season (typically May–October in most of Canada). At an average check of $35 per person with 2 turns per evening, that's approximately $1,400 per day in additional revenue — or $210,000 over a 150-day season.
Material Requirements for Commercial Patios
Commercial deck surfaces face demands that residential decks don't:
- Food and beverage spills: wine, grease, sauces — materials must be stain-resistant
- Heavy foot traffic: servers, bussers, and guests — 10x the traffic of a residential deck
- Furniture movement: tables and chairs dragged daily — scratch resistance matters
- Cleaning chemicals: commercial sanitizers and degreasers
- Fire code: open flames (heaters, candles) near the deck surface
| Material | Stain Resistance | Scratch Resistance | Fire Rating | Recommended? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PVC | Excellent | Moderate | Class A | Yes — top choice |
| Composite | Good | Good | Class B-C | Yes |
| Aluminum | Excellent | Excellent | Class A | Yes — premium |
| PT Wood | Poor | Good | Class C | No — too much maintenance |
| Cedar | Poor | Poor | Class C | No — too soft for commercial |
Accessibility Requirements
Commercial patios in Ontario must comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA):
- Ramp access with maximum slope of 1:12 (for every 1" rise, 12" of run)
- Minimum 36" clear width for accessible routes between tables
- Level transition from interior to patio (no step or lip greater than 13mm)
- Tactile warning indicators at stair landings
- Accessible seating positions with clear floor space
Other provinces have similar requirements under their human rights codes.
Cost for a Commercial Patio (600 sq ft)
| Component | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Composite or PVC decking | $6,000–$15,000 |
| Substructure (engineered) | $3,000–$6,000 |
| Railings (glass or aluminum) | $4,000–$10,000 |
| Lighting (commercial-grade) | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Heating (propane or electric) | $3,000–$8,000 |
| Accessibility features | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Permits and engineering | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Total | $21,000–$52,000 |
ROI at $1,400/day additional revenue: payback in 15–37 days of patio season.
