Outdoor Living Areas
Decks, pergolas, alfresco areas and outdoor kitchens. The part of the house everyone ends up in — built to survive a Melbourne summer and a Melbourne winter.
Decks & Paving
Getting the levels right first
Most outdoor areas fail on levels and drainage rather than on materials. Water needs somewhere to go, the deck needs to meet the door threshold properly, and the step down to the lawn needs to be a step you don't trip on.
We set out the levels before anything is ordered, so the finished area drains away from the house and reads as one continuous floor with the inside.
- Levels set out against door thresholds and drainage falls
- Hardwood, composite and merbau decking
- Bluestone, granite and porcelain paving
- Retaining walls and level changes
- Subfloor framing and footings sized for the span
Pergolas & Alfresco
Shade in February, shelter in July
An uncovered deck in Melbourne gets used about four weekends a year. Roofed or louvred, it gets used most of them.
We build pergolas, verandahs and fully roofed alfresco areas that tie into the existing roofline rather than looking bolted on — including the permits, because anything attached to the house and over a certain size needs one.
- Pergolas, verandahs and roofed alfresco areas
- Operable louvre and retractable roof systems
- Roof lines detailed to match the house
- Outdoor heating, lighting and ceiling fans wired in
- Permits and setback compliance handled
Outdoor Kitchens
Cooking outside without carrying everything out
An outdoor kitchen is the difference between entertaining outside and running back and forth to the fridge all afternoon. Even a modest run of bench, sink and BBQ changes how the space gets used.
The trick is specifying materials that survive being rained on — marine-grade cabinetry, stone that won't stain, and drainage under everything.
- Built-in BBQ, bench and storage runs
- Weatherproof cabinetry and stone tops
- Sink, water and drainage connections
- Screening and privacy from neighbours
- Power, lighting and weatherproof outlets
Why us
Why clients choose us for this work.
Built for the weather
Materials and detailing chosen to survive UV, driving rain and a hundred years of Melbourne doing all four seasons in a day.
Levels planned first
Falls, thresholds and drainage set out before materials are ordered — not adjusted afterwards.
Permits sorted
Anything attached to the house or over the size threshold needs a permit. We handle the application.
One team, inside and out
If the deck ties into an extension or new doors, the same crew does both — so the junction actually lines up.
FAQ
Questions we get asked.
Do I need a permit for a deck or pergola?
It depends on height, size and how close it sits to a boundary. Low freestanding decks often don't need one; anything raised, roofed, attached to the house or near a boundary usually does. We assess yours before quoting and handle the application if it's required.
What decking material lasts longest in Melbourne?
Hardwoods like spotted gum and merbau look best and last decades if they're oiled; composite costs more up front and needs almost nothing afterwards. The right answer depends on how much maintenance you're realistically going to do. We'll give you an honest comparison rather than pushing the higher-margin option.
Can you roof an existing deck?
Usually yes, provided the existing structure can carry the additional load and the roof line can be resolved against the house. We check the footings and framing first — sometimes they need upgrading, and it's better to know that before the roof is on order.
How long does an outdoor area take to build?
A straightforward deck is a couple of weeks. A roofed alfresco with an outdoor kitchen, power and drainage takes considerably longer, plus permit time beforehand. We give you a programme with dates before we start.
Will it match the rest of the house?
That's the intention. We match roof pitch, fascia detail and materials so the outdoor area reads as part of the house. It's the difference between an addition and an afterthought.
Free quote
Get a quote for your outdoor living areas project.
Tell us what you're planning. Paul will come back to you, book a site visit and put an itemised quote in writing.
- No obligation, and no charge for the site visit
- An itemised quote in writing
- Paul runs the job he quotes
Get a free quote
Four quick questions. Paul will come back to you to book a site visit.
More services
What else we take on.
Extensions & Additions
Rear extensions, second storeys and reconfigured floor plans that add the space your family actually needs.
Learn moreHome Renovations
Whole-home and room-by-room renovations — structural changes, new joinery, fresh services throughout.
Learn moreKitchen & Bathroom Upgrades
The two rooms that make or break a house. Custom joinery, stone, tiling and waterproofing done properly.
Learn more