GTA Childcare Play Space Upgrade: Aluminum-Framed Sheds, Cedar Stage Deck
Delta Decks upgraded a Toronto childcare terrace with three fire-rated sheds, three clear-cedar tipi structures with benches, a compact cedar stage deck, and a heavy 10×10 hemlock bench. The space also features an aluminum art wall and rubber safety surfaces installed by others—coming together as a durable, code-conscious play area built for everyday use.
✨ Key Features & Design Elements
- Fire-Resistant ShedsThree custom sheds upgraded from wood to aluminum framing with gypsum sheathing, clad in Cobblestone Hardie Board with steel roofing and steel doors for longevity and code compliance.
- Cedar Tipi StructuresThree playful clear-cedar tipis with integrated benches and galvanized steel cross-bars to evoke the traditional silhouette.
- Stage Deck & Resilient StepA small clear-cedar stage deck paired with a timber stepping pad set on a rubber base to soften landings during play.
- Heavy Timber BenchSeating crafted from substantial 10x10 hemlock members for a robust, architectural look.
đź› Materials Used in This Project
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Aluminum framing (2×4, 2×6, 2×8), brackets, self-tapping screws
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Gypsum sheathing and Hardie Board cladding in Cobblestone finish
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Steel roofing and steel doors for all sheds
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Clear cedar for tipi structures and stage deck; galvanized steel bars at tipi peaks
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Hemlock 10×10 timbers for the bench
đź•’ Approximate Project Duration
- ~6 weeks total — ~2 weeks prefabrication, ~4 weeks on-site installation and coordination with other trades.
📍 Project Location
- Toronto, Ontario (rooftop daycare terrace within a larger commercial development)
⚙️ Challenges & Solutions
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Fire-Safety Requirements – The original cedar shed concept was replaced with non-combustible aluminum frames, gypsum sheathing, fiber-cement (Hardie Board) cladding, and steel roofs/doors to satisfy stringent safety criteria.
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Durability in a High-Traffic Play Area – We balanced warm natural materials (clear cedar, hemlock) with low-maintenance, weather-resistant components (aluminum, fiber-cement, steel) for long service life.
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Complex, Confined Work Zone – Coordinating multiple elements on an elevated terrace demanded precise prefabrication; bracketed connections and custom cuts accelerated installation and ensured accuracy.
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Child-Centred Design – Play features and seating were detailed for comfort and safety, including the rubber-based stepping pad to reduce impact during active use.
âś… Project Outcome
The daycare terrace was transformed into a safe, engaging, and highly durable outdoor environment. Fire-rated sheds provide organized storage, while the cedar tipis, stage deck, and heavy timber bench encourage imaginative play and group activities.
The mix of fiber-cement and metal with warm cedar delivers a refined, modern aesthetic that complements commercial architecture and minimizes maintenance—ideal for property managers and childcare operators seeking reliable, long-term performance.
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