Decks and Outdoor Living Canterbury
Canterbury Backyards,
Brought to Life
Decks, pergolas and alfresco areas in Canterbury and across Melbourne for over 20 years. Family-run, clear pricing, built to last.
Your Canterbury Outdoor Space, Done Properly
At Smarter Home Renovations, we’ve been crafting decks and outdoor living spaces in Canterbury 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 Canterbury Homes
Canterbury’s large blocks often have deep rear gardens with established trees, some with pools or tennis courts, and gentle slopes can leave a noticeable drop from the back of the house. Period homes usually have a small rear verandah, while earlier renovations may have created a living area without a real outdoor room beside it.
Outdoor projects here usually involve decks that resolve level changes from the rear living room, covered alfresco areas and pergolas that suit the period of the home, decking and screening around pools, and careful building around mature trees. Decks and roofed structures often need a building permit, and heritage or tree controls can apply, so we check requirements with the City of Boroondara before starting.
Canterbury at a Glance
- Postcode
- Canterbury VIC 3126
- Council
- City of Boroondara
- From the CBD
- About 10 km east
- Typical Homes
- Federation Queen Anne and Edwardian villas
- Late Victorian houses
- Interwar homes
- Townhouses and apartments
- Property Market
- Median house price$3,260,000
- Median unit price$1,050,000
- House rent$1,295 a week
- Unit rent$695 a week
Source: CoreLogic via Your Investment Property, prices to July 2026, rents to September 2026
Before You Start
Planning a Deck or Alfresco Area in Canterbury
Slope
Level Changes at the Back
Where a Canterbury garden falls away from the house, the deck may sit well above the ground at its outer edge, which generally means a building permit, engineered footings and balustrades. Broad steps or a second, lower level can bring the deck down to the lawn gradually. We measure the levels across the yard before design.
Pools
Decking Around a Pool
Decking around a pool in a Canterbury garden should be slip resistant and cool underfoot, with gaps that drain splashes. Pool barriers must meet Victorian safety requirements, and a new deck or step near the fence can create a climbable point. We design the deck and the barrier together so the finished area complies.
Design
Alfresco Areas Beside Period Homes
A roofed alfresco area off a Federation or Edwardian house can mirror the existing verandah with timber posts and a pitched roof, or contrast as a lighter modern structure. In a heritage precinct, a structure visible from the street may need a planning permit. We sketch both approaches against your home before you choose.
Trees
Building Near Canopy Trees
Large trees in Canterbury gardens may be protected under Boroondara’s Tree Protection Local Law, and footings dug into the root zone can harm them. Screw piles, bridging beams and low-impact footing layouts keep digging to a minimum. Where a deck comes close to a protected tree, we involve an arborist before finalising the design.
Electrical
Heating and Lighting Outdoors
A Canterbury deck used on cool evenings benefits from electric radiant heaters, step lighting and outdoor power points. These need weatherproof fittings and circuits installed by licensed electricians, with a Certificate of Electrical Safety at the end. Planning the cabling before the decking goes down saves lifting boards later.
Get a Free Outdoor Space Estimate in Canterbury
Two quick steps. We’ll be in touch within one business day to arrange a visit to your Canterbury 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 Canterbury
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 Canterbury 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.
Our Work Near Canterbury
Decks and Outdoor Living In and Around Canterbury
Canterbury (3126) is about 10 km east of the Melbourne CBD, and well within our regular service area. We build decks, pergolas and outdoor living areas in Canterbury and its neighbouring suburbs, with the same team, the same fixed pricing and the same attention to detail.
Decks and Outdoor Living MelbourneDo we need a permit for a deck in Canterbury?
A deck more than 800 mm above the ground or attached to the house generally needs a building permit, as do many roofed pergolas and verandahs. In a heritage precinct, a structure visible from the street may need a planning permit, and work near a protected tree may need approval. We check all of these with the City of Boroondara.
What decking suits a Canterbury period home?
Hardwoods such as spotted gum, blackbutt or merbau suit Federation and Edwardian homes and can be oiled to a warm colour, while composite boards need less upkeep. Painted timber balustrades and posts that echo the house’s verandah details help the deck look as if it belongs. We bring samples to your home.
Can a deck go over our old tennis court or paving?
Sometimes. A deck can sit on a frame over existing paving if drainage and ventilation underneath are maintained. An old court may be better replaced with lawn, garden and a smaller deck. We assess the surface, levels and drainage, and check any asbestos risk in old structures, before quoting.
We’re preparing our Canterbury home for sale. What should we do outside?
Start with safety and presentation: replace rotten boards, tighten balustrades, oil or stain the deck and clean the paving. Pruning, fresh mulch and outdoor lighting help buyers picture evenings in the garden. If there is a pool, check the barrier is compliant and registered. A new alfresco structure involves permits and lead time, so it suits owners staying on.
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.