Exterior · Surrey, BC
Exterior Custom Carpentry
Custom decks, pergolas, trim work and outdoor builds for homes and strata properties across Surrey and the Lower Mainland, built with materials chosen for our climate.
What we build
Exterior custom carpentry covers anything that isn't a standard deck or fence run: pergolas, garden sheds, built-in benches and planters, decorative trim, outdoor kitchens, and one-off structures built to a specific layout rather than a catalogue size. Most projects start from a rough idea and a photo reference, and we sketch out dimensions and material options before pricing.
Material choice for our climate
Anything in constant ground contact or heavy rain exposure — posts, ledger framing, structural members — gets pressure-treated lumber, since it resists rot without regular upkeep. Visible surfaces like pergola rafters, trim and outdoor furniture usually look better in cedar, but cedar needs an oil or stain refresh every year or two to hold its colour through Lower Mainland winters rather than greying out.
Permits for garden structures
Whether a pergola or garden structure needs a City of Surrey permit depends on its footprint and whether it attaches to the house. Small freestanding structures are often exempt; anything structurally tied to the house, or over the size threshold in the zoning bylaw, needs one. We check this against your lot and design before quoting so the timeline accounts for it if required.
Recent project types
- Deck with attached pergola: A built-in shade structure over an existing or new deck, sized to the deck footprint with posts landed on footings rather than the deck surface.
- Decorative trim and millwork: Brackets, corbels and window surrounds added to refresh an older home's exterior without a full renovation.
- Outdoor kitchen framing: Built-in counter and cabinet framing sized around a grill and storage, coordinated with gas and electrical trades where needed.
- Garden sheds: Sized and finished to match the home's siding and trim rather than an off-the-shelf kit.
Exterior custom carpentry FAQ
- Cedar or pressure-treated lumber — which should I choose?
- For anything touching the ground or getting constant rain exposure (posts, ledger framing), pressure-treated is the practical choice — it resists rot without ongoing maintenance. For visible surfaces like pergola rafters, trim or outdoor furniture, cedar looks better and holds up well too, but needs an oil or stain refresh every couple of years to keep its colour in our wet climate.
- Does a pergola or garden structure need a permit in Surrey?
- It depends on size and whether it is attached to the house. Small, freestanding structures under a certain footprint are often exempt, but anything attached to the house structurally, or over the size threshold in the Surrey zoning bylaw, needs a permit. We check this against your specific lot and design before we quote.
- How long does a custom build like a pergola or outdoor kitchen frame take?
- A standard-size pergola is usually a 3-5 day build once materials are on site. Larger custom structures — outdoor kitchens, multi-level deck-and-pergola combinations — run 2-3 weeks depending on complexity and whether electrical or gas lines are involved.
Next Step
Ready to transform your outdoor space?
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start planning your custom carpentry project.