Garden Suite Framing Services by CanaStruct Inc — Built Right, Built to Last
Adding a garden suite to your property is one of the smartest investments you can make in the Greater Toronto Area. But it starts with one critical decision: who frames it. CanaStruct Inc delivers expert garden suite framing across Toronto and the surrounding region — on time, on budget, and built to Ontario Building Code.
build@canastruct.ca
Why homeowners and developers choose CanaStruct:
• Precision framing using both wood and steel stud systems
• Full code compliance and permit-ready documentation
• Experienced framing contractors who specialize in garden suite construction
• Transparent quotes with no hidden costs
• Serving Toronto, Etobicoke, North York, Scarborough, East York, Mississauga, Oakville, Markham,
Richmond Hill, and Caledon
Ready to get started?
About CanaStruct Inc
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Your Garden Suite Framing Specialists
CanaStruct Inc is a Toronto-based construction framing company focused exclusively on residential and small-scale multi-unit structures. Our team has built a strong reputation as framing contractors who understand the unique demands of garden suite construction — from tight lot setbacks to load-bearing requirements that keep your structure safe for decades.
We work with homeowners adding rental income suites, developers building multi-lot projects, and general contractors who need a reliable framing subcontractor to hit tight schedules. Our crews bring hands-on experience with both wood frame and steel stud framing systems, and we tailor our approach based on your design, budget, and timeline.
When you hire CanaStruct, you're not getting a generalist. You're getting a construction framing company that has made garden suite framing a core specialty — and it shows in our precision, our process, and our finished product.
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What Is Garden Suite Framing?
Garden suite framing is the structural skeleton-building phase of garden suite construction. Before insulation, drywall, windows, or roofing goes in, a framing crew erects the walls, floors, and roof structure that everything else depends on.
In Ontario, garden suites (sometimes called laneway suites or accessory dwelling units) are standalone residential units built on the same lot as a primary home. They must meet specific structural, fire separation, and height requirements under the Ontario Building Code.
Framing for a garden suite involves:
• Structural wall framing — exterior and interior load-bearing walls
• Floor system framing — joists, beams, and subfloor structure
• Roof framing — rafters, trusses, or engineered roof systems
• Opening framing — precise headers for doors and windows
Depending on the project, framing contractors may work with dimensional lumber, engineered lumber (LVL, I-joists), or steel stud framing systems. Each material has specific applications and advantages, which a qualified framing company will assess based on your plans. -
Types of Garden Suite Framing Services
Wood Frame Garden Suite Framing
Wood framing remains the most common approach for garden suite construction in the GTA. It's cost-effective, well-understood by inspectors, and easy to modify on site. CanaStruct's crews are highly experienced with platform framing — the standard method used in Ontario residential construction.
We handle everything from sill plates to top plates, including accurate header sizing, stud spacing to code, and blocking for fixtures and future finishes.
Wood framing works well for most single-storey and two-storey garden suites and is typically the most economical starting point for homeowners.
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Steel Stud Framing for Garden Suites
Steel stud framing is gaining traction in garden suite construction — and for good reason. Steel doesn't warp, shrink, or settle like wood can. It's dimensionally stable, which means straighter walls and more predictable finishes.
CanaStruct's steel framing contractors are skilled with both load-bearing and non-load-bearing steel stud systems. We source quality material and ensure connections meet structural engineering specifications. If your architect or engineer has specified steel, we execute it accurately.
Steel stud framing is particularly well-suited to:
• Suites requiring tight tolerances for high-end finishes
• Wet climates or situations with higher moisture exposure risk
• Projects where long-term dimensional stability is a priority
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Hybrid Framing Systems
Some garden suite projects benefit from combining wood and steel framing. For example, a wood-framed exterior structure with steel stud interior partitions, or a steel moment frame with wood-infill walls. CanaStruct has the expertise to execute hybrid systems cleanly, ensuring transitions between materials are properly detailed and code-compliant.
Garden Suite Framing vs. Alternative Construction Methods
When planning a garden suite, you may encounter alternatives to traditional site-built framing. Here's how they compare:
Site-Built Framing vs. Modular / Prefab Garden Suites
Prefab garden suites arrive as pre-built modules or panels delivered to your lot. They're faster to install but come with significant trade-offs: limited design flexibility, higher upfront material costs, and potential issues with lot access and crane requirements.
Site-built framing by a qualified construction framing company like CanaStruct gives you full design control, easier permitting in some municipalities, and a structure that integrates naturally with your existing property.
Cost: Prefab units often carry a premium for the factory work. Site-built framing is typically more cost-competitive and allows budget optimization at every stage.
Durability: Both can be highly durable when built to code. Site-built framing allows custom engineering for your specific soil conditions, load requirements, and design.
ROI: A site-built garden suite tailored to your lot and neighbourhood tends to add more appraised value than a standardized module.
Wood Framing vs. ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms)
ICF construction involves stacking foam blocks and filling them with concrete — excellent for below-grade spaces or high-performance building envelopes. However, for typical above-grade garden suite walls, wood or steel stud framing is faster, more cost-effective, and more than adequate to meet Ontario code requirements.
CanaStruct gives you an honest assessment of the best framing approach for your specific project rather than defaulting to a one-size-fits-all answer.
How Garden Suite Framing Works
The Framing Process
Once your foundation is complete and inspected, framing begins. A professional framing crew works from your architectural drawings, translating engineered plans into a physical structure with precision.
Typical sequence:
1. Sill plate installation and anchor bolt layout
2. First-floor wall framing (exterior walls, load-bearing partitions)
3. Floor system for second storey (if applicable)
4. Second-floor wall framing
5. Roof framing — rafters, ridge, or engineered truss installation
6. Sheathing and blocking
Tools and Materials
Framing requires precision tools — laser levels, framing nailers, structural fasteners, joist hangers, hurricane ties, and engineered connectors. The right hardware matters as much as the lumber or steel. CanaStruct uses manufacturer-specified connectors and follows engineer-stamped details.
Why Hire Professional Framing Contractors
Framing mistakes are expensive. An out-of-plumb wall or an undersized header can cause problems that don't surface until finishing — or after occupancy. Structural issues may require significant remediation.
Professional framing contractors bring code knowledge, structural awareness, and the experience to read and follow engineering drawings accurately. DIY framing for a garden suite is not recommended and may void your building permit.
Why Choose CanaStruct Inc for Garden Suite Framing
Licensed and Insured: CanaStruct carries full liability insurance and WSIB coverage. You're protected on every project.
Code-Compliant Construction: We frame to Ontario Building Code standards and work closely with inspectors to ensure your project passes at every stage.
Experienced Team: Our framing contractors have hands-on experience with garden suite construction across the GTA — they know the common pitfalls and how to avoid them.
Quality Standards: We don't cut corners on blocking, fastener schedules, or sheathing. Our work is built to last and built to finish cleanly.
Realistic Timelines: We provide honest scheduling from day one. Garden suite framing typically takes 5–15 days depending on complexity. We communicate proactively if anything changes.
Transparent Pricing: You'll receive a detailed written estimate before any work begins. No surprises, no scope creep without your approval.
Local Credibility: CanaStruct has earned the trust of homeowners and contractors across Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Markham, Richmond Hill, Scarborough, and beyond. We know local inspection requirements and have relationships in the communities we serve.
Service Areas we Serve
CanaStruct Inc provides custom home framing services throughout Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. Whether you're building in the urban core or developing a property in the outer municipalities, our framing contractors are available to assess your project.
We currently serve:
Toronto (all neighbourhoods)
East York
Etobicoke
North York
Scarborough
Richmond Hill
Markham
Caledon
Mississauga
Oakville
Not sure if we service your area? Contact us, we assess all projects and can often accommodate locations beyond our primary service zone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is garden suite framing?
Garden suite framing is the structural phase of garden suite construction where the walls, floor systems, and roof structure are built. It forms the skeleton that all other building systems are attached to. A qualified framing contractor ensures the structure meets Ontario Building Code requirements and follows engineered drawings.
How much does garden suite framing cost in Toronto?
Framing costs vary based on suite size, storey count, material type (wood vs. steel), and site conditions. For a typical single-storey garden suite in Toronto, framing labour and materials may range from $18,000 to $40,000+. CanaStruct provides detailed written estimates after a site assessment — contact us for accurate pricing specific to your project.
What's the difference between wood framing and steel stud framing for a garden suite?
Wood framing uses dimensional or engineered lumber and is the most common approach in Ontario residential construction. Steel stud framing uses cold-formed steel members and offers superior dimensional stability — walls stay straighter over time. Both are code-compliant; the best choice depends on your design, budget, and long-term goals. CanaStruct works with both systems.
How long does garden suite framing take?
Most garden suite framing projects take between 5 and 15 working days depending on the size, complexity, and storey count of the structure. We provide a realistic schedule in your estimate and communicate proactively throughout the project.
Do I need a permit for garden suite framing in Toronto?
Yes. Garden suite construction in Toronto and across Ontario requires a building permit. The permit process includes structural review, and framing inspections are required at specific stages. CanaStruct frames to pass — we're familiar with local inspection requirements across the GTA municipalities we serve.
Can I do garden suite framing myself (DIY)?
DIY framing on a permitted garden suite is strongly discouraged and may not be permitted under your building permit, which typically requires work to be done by qualified contractors. Structural errors in framing are costly to correct and can create long-term safety and code issues. Hiring professional framing contractors protects your investment.
What framing companies operate in Toronto and the GTA?
CanaStruct Inc is a specialized framing company serving Toronto, East York, Etobicoke, North York, Scarborough, Mississauga, Oakville, Markham, Richmond Hill, and Caledon. We focus specifically on residential framing and garden suite construction — not generalist contracting.
What is steel stud framing and when is it used in garden suites?
Steel stud framing uses cold-formed steel channels instead of lumber for wall and floor framing. It's dimensionally stable, non-combustible, and resistant to moisture-related movement. It's a strong option for garden suites where precision finishing, long-term stability, or specific fire-resistance requirements are priorities.
How do I find reliable framing contractors near me?
Look for licensed, insured framing contractors with experience in garden suite or residential construction specifically. Ask for references, verify insurance, and get detailed written estimates. CanaStruct serves the full GTA — contact us for a free consultation and estimate.
Does CanaStruct handle both framing and other construction phases?
CanaStruct specializes in structural framing. We work alongside your general contractor, designer, and other trades. Our focus on framing — rather than general contracting — means our crews are experts in this specific phase of construction.
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CanaStruct Inc carries full commercial general liability insurance and WSIB coverage. Every project is performed by qualified, supervised tradespeople