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Introduction

An outdoor deck extends your living space into the garden and gives you a flat, usable area for dining, lounging, cooking and entertaining. The right deck design considers the slope of the site, the orientation for sun and shade, privacy from neighbours, and how you actually want to use the space.

Below are five outdoor deck and pergola projects we completed across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. From a compact courtyard deck to a sunset dining platform with a built-in BBQ, these projects show what is possible across different block sizes, budgets and lifestyles.

Outdoor Deck and Pergola Projects

This Tecoma property sits on a hillside with views across the Dandenong Ranges foothills. The homeowners wanted a covered outdoor area for all-weather use.

A compact rear yard in Upwey was transformed with a 20sqm hardwood timber deck built flush with the interior floor for a seamless transition through the existing sliding glass door. Dark-stained Merbau in 90mm boards creates an L-shaped entertaining zone defined by the house walls on two sides.

This Lysterfield property has a north-west orientation with sunset views. The homeowners wanted an outdoor dining deck that would capture the evening light.

A small rear courtyard in Mountain Gate was given new life with a compact 14sqm Merbau deck built over existing concrete pavers using an adjustable pedestal system. This avoided excavation and kept costs down.

This property in The Basin backs onto bushland and the homeowners wanted a private, relaxed outdoor lounge. The 22sqm deck is natural hardwood with a light oil finish.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a timber deck cost in Melbourne?

A Merbau hardwood deck typically costs between $320 and $550 per sqm depending on site conditions and subframe requirements. Adding a covered pergola increases the total by $8,000 to $20,000 for timber or $12,000 to $30,000 for steel. The five projects on this page ranged from $16,000 to $35,000.
Decks under 800mm above ground level generally do not require a building permit in most Melbourne council areas. Covered decks with a roof attached to the dwelling typically do require a building permit. Properties in hillside areas (Tecoma, The Basin, Upper Ferntree Gully) may also have vegetation or bushfire overlays. VICO Renovations confirms all permit requirements before work begins.

A standard residential deck takes 1 to 3 weeks depending on the size, slope and whether a pergola is included. A simple 15-20sqm deck can be completed in 2 weeks. A larger deck with a covered pergola, built-in BBQ or fireplace may take 3 weeks.

Merbau is the most popular decking timber in Melbourne for its balance of durability, appearance and price. Spotted Gum is a premium Australian hardwood with a higher durability rating. Blackbutt is a lighter-toned alternative. All hardwood decks should be oiled every 6 to 12 months to maintain their appearance and protect against Melbourne’s UV exposure.

Ready to build your deck?

Contact us for a free quote. We service Tecoma, Upwey, Lysterfield, Mountain Gate, The Basin and all surrounding suburbs in Melbourne’s east.

Every deck project starts with a site visit to assess the slope, orientation, access and soil conditions. We provide a detailed quote with material specifications, a fixed timeline and a clear scope.