The best outdoor living spaces aren’t just covered – they’re finished. A deck surface that never warps or splinters, a railing that frames your view without interrupting it, premium finishes that complete your vision and project.
The finishing touches that complete your outdoor space.
A sunroom or pergola gets the spotlight – but it’s the deck surface underfoot, the railing that frames the view, and the clean finished edge where your home meets the outdoors that define how the whole space feels. We’ve spent years finishing outdoor projects across Nova Scotia with products we’d put on our own homes – maintenance-free aluminum decking that outlasts everything else on the market, glass railing systems that disappear into the landscape, and floor to ceiling finishes that make you wonder why you waited so long. At Nova Sunrooms, we handle every detail of your outdoor space with the same care and craftsmanship we bring to every sunroom and pergola we build. Same local team. Same standard of care and detail.
Not all decking is created equal – and the right choice depends on how you live, how much maintenance you want to do, and how long you want it to last. We offer three decking options to suit different budgets, aesthetics, and performance expectations.
There’s a reason wood decking has been the standard for generations – it’s beautiful, familiar, and deeply satisfying to build and stand on. Pressure-treated lumber is the most accessible entry point for Nova Scotia homeowners, offering natural warmth. Wood requires ongoing care to stay at its best, but for homeowners who enjoy maintaining their outdoor space and love the authentic look and feel of real wood, it remains a compelling choice.
Composite decking bridges the gap between the natural look of wood and the reduced maintenance of modern materials. Made from a blend of wood fibre and recycled plastic, composite boards resist fading, staining, and moisture better than natural wood, and never need painting or staining. A popular choice for Nova Scotia homeowners who want a wood-look surface without the annual upkeep
Aluminum decking is in a category of its own. Extruded aluminum boards resist twisting, warping, and fading with zero ongoing maintenance – outlasting wood and composite alternatives indefinitely. The pressure-locked board system creates a fully waterproof, gapless surface with a built-in continuous gutter that keeps the space beneath your deck completely dry. No painting, no staining, no waterproofing, no splinters, ever.
Still deciding? Here’s a side-by-side look at how the three options compare across the details that matter most.
| Wood | Composite | Aluminium | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Maintenance |
High – clean, stain or seal every 2–3 years |
Low – occasional cleaning only |
None – wash with soapy water occasionally |
|
Lifespan |
10-15 years with maintenance |
25-30 years |
50+ years |
|
Waterproofing |
Not waterproof – additional membrane required for underdeck |
Not waterproof – additional membrane required for underdeck |
Fully waterproof – built-in continuous gutter |
|
Heat retention |
Moderate |
High – can get hot in direct sun |
Low – stays cooler than wood or composite |
|
Slip resistance |
Low when wet – treatment required |
Moderate – improves with textured products |
High – non-skid texture embedded in finish |
|
Fire resistance |
Low – combustible |
Moderate |
High – does not ignite or burn |
|
Joist spacing |
16” on centre |
12” on centre |
24” on centre |
|
Colour options |
Unlimited – stain any colour |
Wide range – browns, greys, and naturals |
Sand and Gray |
|
Investment level |
Lower upfront, higher long-term maintenance cost |
Mid-range |
Higher upfront, lowest lifetime cost |
The right railing completes your outdoor space. Our aluminum and glass railing systems are maintenance-free, code-compliant, and designed to complement your home's architecture without competing with your view.Available in three styles, colour-matched to integrate seamlessly with any sunroom, patio cover, or deck project. All systems include Maintenance-free baked-on enamel finish / Tempered safety glass throughout / Optional integrated LED post lighting
Elegant, durable, and maintenance-free. Available in 36" or 42" height with narrow or wide pickets - baked-on enamel finish in White, Desert Sand, Earthstone, or Black. A unique continuous crossover design where the handrail runs unbroken over the posts for a cleaner, stronger look.
Structural glass panels with aluminum framing - clear, tinted, or frosted. Preserves your outdoor views while meeting all code requirements, colour-matched to your project for a seamless appearance.
Our most architectural option. Heavy 1/2" tempered glass panels set in a deep aluminum channel - no top rail, no visible posts, no visual interruption. The statement choice for any deck or terrace with a view worth protecting.
Everything your outdoor space needs to feel complete The difference between a good outdoor room and a great one lives in the finish. The right insulation keeps your space comfortable year-round. A shiplap ceiling transforms how a room feels. Proper lighting sets the mood. A finished floor makes the difference between a space that's functional and one that feels genuinely inviting.
Clean aluminum panels close off underdeck space Creates additional living space beneath a raised deck Porch conversion option into a 3- or 4-season space with any of our manufacturers’ products Improves curb appeal and adds functional square footage without a full home renovation Custom-fit to your existing structure - no gaps, no standard-size compromises Low-maintenance aluminum framing - never needs painting or sealing
The right railing completes your outdoor space. Our aluminum and glass railing systems are maintenance-free, code-compliant, and designed to complement your home’s architecture without competing with your view.Available in three styles, colour-matched to integrate seamlessly with any sunroom, patio cover, or deck project. All systems include Maintenance-free baked-on enamel finish / Tempered safety glass throughout / Optional integrated LED post lighting
Elegant, durable, and maintenance-free. Available in 36″ or 42″ height with narrow or wide pickets – baked-on enamel finish in White, Desert Sand, Earthstone, or Black. A unique continuous crossover design where the handrail runs unbroken over the posts for a cleaner, stronger look.
Structural glass panels with aluminum framing – clear, tinted, or frosted. Preserves your outdoor views while meeting all code requirements, colour-matched to your project for a seamless appearance.
Our most architectural option. Heavy 1/2″ tempered glass panels set in a deep aluminum channel – no top rail, no visible posts, no visual interruption. The statement choice for any deck or terrace with a view worth protecting.
The difference between a good outdoor room and a great one lives in the finish. The rightinsulation keeps your space comfortable year-round. A shiplap ceiling transforms how a roomfeels. Proper lighting sets the mood. A finished floor makes the difference between a spacethat functional and one that feels genuinely inviting.
At Nova Sunrooms, we handle every finishing detail that complete your space, from floor to ceiling.
The difference between a good outdoor room and a great one lives in the finish. The right
insulation keeps your space comfortable year-round. A shiplap ceiling transforms how a room
feels. Proper lighting sets the mood. A finished floor makes the difference between a space
that functional and one that feels genuinely inviting.
At Nova Sunrooms, we handle every finishing detail that complete your space, from floor to ceiling.
We measure, design, and install to fit your exact outdoor space. Every cover is built specifically for your home.
Every product is selected for durability and performance in Nova Scotia's real conditions, year after year.
The same local team handles your consultation, design, and installation for a clean result.
Essentially none. Aluminum decking does not warp, splinter, rot, crack, or fade. An occasional wash with soapy water is all it needs. No painting, staining, sealing, or waterproofing – ever.
Yes – unlike wood and composite alternatives, aluminum does not ignite or burn, making it one of the safest decking options for spaces with outdoor grills, fire pits, or built-in kitchen areas. It also stays significantly cooler underfoot in direct sunlight than composite or wood surfaces, which is an added comfort benefit on warm summer days.
Our aluminum decking is available in two colours – Sand and Gray – both with a non-skid powder-coated finish that suits most home exteriors. During your consultation, we’ll bring samples so you can see how each option looks alongside your existing siding, railing, and trim before making a decision.
In most cases, yes – aluminum decking installs directly on existing wood joists in the same timeframe as standard decking. We’ll assess your current structure during the consultation to confirm it meets the load and spacing requirements. If any joist reinforcement is needed, we’ll include that in your quote upfront with no surprises.
Yes. We regularly install railing as a standalone upgrade – replacing aging wood, cable, or composite railing on an existing deck. We also coordinate railing as part of a larger sunroom, patio cover, or deck project.
Framed glass railing uses aluminum posts and a top rail to hold the glass panels in place – it’s a clean, modern look that suits most homes and meets all code requirements. Frameless topless glass railing eliminates the top rail entirely, using a deep aluminum channel at the base to secure heavy 1/2″ tempered glass panels – giving you completely unobstructed sightlines from any seating position. If you have a view worth protecting, frameless is the one to consider.
Yes. All our railing systems are custom-built on-site to meet local building code height and structural requirements. We’ll confirm the correct specification for your project during the consultation.
Most standalone railing installations are completed in a couple of days, depending on the length of the run and the style chosen. Frameless glass systems may take slightly longer due to the precision required during installation. We’ll give you a clear timeline at your consultation.
Yes. All our railing systems are available with optional integrated LED post lighting – a popular upgrade that adds both safety and ambiance after dark. The lighting is discreet, built into the post caps, and available in warm or cool tones to suit your preference. It’s a small detail that makes a noticeable difference to how your outdoor space feels in the evening.
