Decks and Outdoor Living Ashburton
Ashburton Backyards,
Brought to Life
Decks, pergolas and alfresco areas in Ashburton and across Melbourne for over 20 years. Family-run, clear pricing, built to last.
Your Ashburton Outdoor Space, Done Properly
At Smarter Home Renovations, we’ve been crafting decks and outdoor living spaces in Ashburton and throughout Melbourne for over 20 years. Since 2002, our family-run business has helped homeowners unlock the full potential of their backyards, creating stylish, functional and inviting spaces for relaxing, entertaining and enjoying the outdoors.
What Our Clients Say
5.0 out of 5 stars, based on 25 reviews
Love our new deck!
“My experience with Smarter Home Renovations has been very positive. I love that it is a family business. Tony and Milan work together very well. They are professional, polite, considerate, they work really hard and they do a great job! I am very happy with their work and highly recommend them.”
Kitchen and outdoor renovations
“Fantastic service and fantastic price. We had our outdoor area fully tiled and our kitchen renovated. They talked me through the process step by step, did what they promised in the time they promised, were always on time and so very friendly. They even went out of their way with additional extras, running around Melbourne buying everything I needed to take the pressure off me. Would recommend you give them a try. The pricing is very reasonable and affordable, and nothing was too big for them to do. Father and son service, fantastic team.”
Outstanding Customer Service
“Absolute pleasure dealing with Tony and his team. His customer service was without a doubt, outstanding! Punctual, always on time, workmanship could not be faulted. He delivered on what he promised and on time. We would not hesitate recommending his services!”
Outdoor Living in Ashburton Homes
Ashburton blocks usually have a proper backyard with lawn, established trees and sometimes a pool, with the house sitting fairly low to the ground. Families here tend to want an outdoor area that feels like part of the house, with shade for summer and enough cover to keep using it through the cooler months.
Common outdoor projects here include timber or composite decks off new rear living, roofed alfresco areas with lighting and heating, pergolas over existing patios, and decking and fencing around pools. Decks and roofed structures can need a building permit and pool barriers must meet safety rules, so we confirm requirements with the City of Boroondara and a building surveyor before we start.
Ashburton at a Glance
- Postcode
- Ashburton VIC 3147
- Council
- City of Boroondara
- From the CBD
- About 12 km south-east
- Typical Homes
- Interwar bungalows near the railway
- Former Housing Commission concrete and brick houses
- Postwar brick and weatherboard homes
- Townhouses and new double-storey homes
- Property Market
- Median house price$1,980,000
- Median unit price$984,000
- House rent$850 a week
- Unit rent$650 a week
Source: CoreLogic via Your Investment Property, prices to July 2026, rents to September 2026
Before You Start
Planning a Deck in Ashburton
Design
Low Decks Off Low Houses
Because many Ashburton houses sit close to the ground, a deck off the back door is often only one step up. Low decks need enough clearance for airflow and framing rated for the conditions, or a tiled slab may suit better. We compare the options so the new floor lines up neatly with the house.
Pools
Pool Barriers and Decks
A deck beside a pool in Ashburton becomes part of the pool area, so the barrier, gates and anything climbable near the fence must comply. Victorian pools and spas must be registered with council, with barrier compliance certificates lodged. We build the deck so the barrier stays compliant.
Trees
Protected Canopy Trees
Boroondara’s Tree Protection Local Law can apply to large trees in Ashburton backyards, including works within their root zone. Deck footings can often be placed to avoid major roots, and the deck shaped around the trunk. We check the tree and any permit requirements before setting out the deck.
Heritage
Decks in the Heritage Precinct
Heritage controls in the interwar precinct near the railway focus on what can be seen from the street, so a low rear deck often raises fewer concerns than a new front verandah, carport or fence. Whether a permit is needed depends on the overlay, which we check with the City of Boroondara first.
Shade
Roofs for Year-Round Use
To use an Ashburton outdoor area through winter, a solid or insulated roof with gutters tied into stormwater, plus screens on the weather side, works better than shade cloth. Lighting, a ceiling fan and an outdoor heater can be wired in at the same time by our licensed electricians.
Drainage
Water and Overland Flow
Where water collects in an Ashburton backyard after heavy rain, or the land is on an overland flow path covered by a Special Building Overlay, a deck must not block the flow. A new roof also adds runoff that needs a legal point of discharge. We check overlays and site drainage before design.
Get a Free Outdoor Space Estimate in Ashburton
Two quick steps. We’ll be in touch within one business day to arrange a visit to your Ashburton home.
- 1Tell us about your project
Two quick steps. It takes about two minutes.
- 2We call you back
Tony will be in touch within one business day to talk through your ideas.
- 3Free on-site consultation
We visit, measure up and listen to how you want the space to work.
- 4Fixed-price quote
A detailed, itemised quote. What we quote is what you pay.
No obligation, no pressure
Family-run since 2002. Your estimate is free and your details are never shared with third parties.
Your Decks and Outdoor Living in Ashburton
Decks & Decking
Hardwood, spotted gum, merbau or composite decking, designed to your site's specific conditions, council requirements, and your personal style.
Pergolas & Roof Systems
Freestanding and attached pergolas, louvred roof systems, and shade sails, giving you a covered outdoor space you can use year-round.
Alfresco & Patio Areas
Concreted, paved or tiled alfresco areas integrated with your home, designed to complement your architecture and maximise usable space.
Outdoor Kitchens & BBQ
Built-in BBQ benches, outdoor sinks, bar fridges and cabinetry: everything you need to make entertaining in your backyard effortless.
Privacy Screens & Fencing
Timber battens, steel screens and feature walls that give you privacy from neighbours without sacrificing the look of your outdoor space.
Lighting & Electrical
Deck lighting, downlights under pergolas, weatherproof power points and garden lighting, all installed by licensed electricians.
Your Ashburton Outdoor Space in 5 Steps
Meet & Greet
We get to know you and your specific needs. And you find out more about us to make sure we are a good fit.
Consult & Design
We ask lots of questions to understand your ideal outcome for your project. We discuss layout, budget, colours and more.
Quote
A comprehensive quotation outlining all the details, costs and timelines to complete your project.
Construct & Manage
Time to get to work with all our suppliers and trades to construct your project and deliver it as promised.
Deliver
We strive to deliver your project on time and on budget. We believe in 100% customer satisfaction from start to finish.
Decks and Outdoor Living In and Around Ashburton
Ashburton (3147) is about 12 km south-east of the Melbourne CBD, and well within our regular service area. We build decks, pergolas and outdoor living areas in Ashburton and its neighbouring suburbs, with the same team, the same fixed pricing and the same attention to detail.
Decks and Outdoor Living MelbourneNearby suburbs we service
Do I need a permit for a deck in Ashburton?
A deck more than 800 mm above ground, or a roofed deck attached to the house, generally needs a building permit. Heritage, flood or other overlays on your land can also trigger a planning permit from the City of Boroondara. Many low, unroofed decks need neither, but we check your address before quoting.
Can you build a deck around our pool in Ashburton?
Yes. Pool decks need slip resistant boards, durable framing and careful detailing so the barrier stays compliant and nothing climbable sits within the non-climbable zone. The barrier must be inspected and certified under Victoria’s pool registration rules. We work with your building surveyor on the barrier.
Timber or composite for an Ashburton deck?
Both work. Hardwood such as spotted gum looks natural and can be sanded and refinished, but needs regular oiling. Composite boards need less maintenance and suit pool surrounds, but can get hot in direct sun. Under large trees, some composites resist leaf staining better. We bring samples to your home.
Can we add an outdoor kitchen to our Ashburton alfresco?
Yes. A barbecue bench with a sink and fridge needs water, drainage, power and sometimes gas, all installed by licensed trades. Under a roof, ventilation and clearances for the barbecue matter. We plan the services while designing the alfresco so nothing has to be added later.
Is it worth fixing up the deck before selling or leasing in Ashburton?
A deck in poor condition stands out in an Ashburton family home, and a building inspection will note loose boards, rot and unsafe balustrades. Repairing those, cleaning and oiling the timber and tidying the pergola is often enough. If there is a pool, make sure its barrier certificate is current and the gate self-closes.
Ready to Start Your Renovation?
No matter the project, our team has the right solution. Get in touch today for a free, no-obligation quote, and let's get your renovation underway.