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Decks, fences and pergolas in Chatham-Kent.

Built from the footings up to handle Southwestern Ontario winters — not just to look good the first summer.

Custom cedar deck in Chatham-Kent by AM Construction
Our Approach

Outdoor structures fail from the ground up.

Frost heave, undersized footings, and hardware that rusts out are what turn a five-year-old deck into a liability. None of it shows on the day the job is finished — it shows the third spring, when the posts have moved and the railing has gone loose.

We build to the footing depth and framing spans the code actually requires, use hardware rated for treated lumber, and flash the ledger properly where a deck meets the house. That last detail is the one most often skipped, and it is the one that rots out the wall behind it.

Then we finish it like interior work. Mitred railing caps, hidden fasteners where they suit the build, and cut ends sealed — because the difference between a deck and a good deck is entirely in the details.

What's Included

From footings to finish.

Decks, fences, pergolas and privacy screens — designed, permitted and built as one job.

01

Design & Permits

Layout drawn to suit the yard and the house, with permit drawings and applications handled where required.

02

Footings & Posts

Excavated and poured to frost depth, with proper post bases so the structure never sits in standing water.

03

Framing

Beams, joists and blocking sized to span, with ledger flashing where the structure meets the house.

04

Decking & Railings

Cedar, pressure-treated or composite decking with wood, aluminium or glass railing systems.

05

Fences & Gates

Privacy and picket fencing, custom gates, and screens built square and hung to stay square.

06

Pergolas & Shade

Pergolas, privacy walls and covered structures, built to match the deck and the house.

How It Runs

Four stages, start to finish.

Most decks and fences run one to three weeks on site, depending on size, permits and footing inspections.

STAGE 01

Consultation

On-site walkthrough, measurements, and an honest conversation about scope and budget.

STAGE 02

Design & Quote

Layout drawn, materials selected, permits applied for, and a written quote you can plan around.

STAGE 03

Build

Footings and inspection, then framing, decking, railings and finish details.

STAGE 04

Walkthrough

Punch list, full cleanup, and a final walkthrough together before it's called done.

Recent Outdoor Builds

Work from around Chatham-Kent.

Custom deck and fence in Chatham-Kent
Deck construction in Chatham-Kent — photo coming soon
Custom fence installation in Chatham-Kent — photo coming soon
Materials & Options

What we build with.

We will give you a straight opinion on what suits your yard, your maintenance appetite and your budget.

Western Red Cedar

Naturally rot-resistant with a colour that ages well. The classic choice for decks and fencing.

Pressure-Treated

Cost-effective and durable when built properly. Best value for larger structures and framing.

Composite Decking

Low-maintenance boards that will not splinter, cup or need annual staining.

Railing Systems

Wood, powder-coated aluminium spindles or frameless glass, matched to the build.

Common Questions

What homeowners ask us.

Do I need a permit for a deck?

In Chatham-Kent, decks over a certain height or attached to the house generally do. Fences usually do not, but height and property-line rules still apply. We will confirm at the consultation and handle the application where one is needed.

When is the best time to build?

Spring through late fall. Footings need workable ground, so we schedule digs before the frost sets in. Booking over the winter usually means an earlier spot in the spring queue.

Cedar, pressure-treated or composite?

Cedar looks best and ages gracefully but wants refinishing. Pressure-treated is the value option. Composite costs the most up front and asks almost nothing of you afterwards. We will walk you through the trade-offs for your specific build.

How deep do the footings go?

Below the frost line, which in this region means roughly four feet. Anything shallower will move with the seasons and take the structure with it.

Can you match an existing deck or fence?

Usually yes. We will match the profile, spacing and finish as closely as the materials still available allow, and tell you honestly where a difference will show.

Do you stain or seal it?

We seal cut ends as we build. Full staining is best done after the lumber has dried out — we will tell you when and what to use, or come back and do it.

Get Started

Let's talk about your outdoor space.

Free on-site consultation, no obligation. Serving Chatham, Blenheim, Wallaceburg, Tilbury and surrounding Chatham-Kent.

Book a Free Consultation