Decks and Outdoor Living Elsternwick
Elsternwick Backyards,
Brought to Life
Decks, pergolas and alfresco areas in Elsternwick and across Melbourne for over 20 years. Family-run, clear pricing, built to last.
Your Elsternwick Outdoor Space, Done Properly
At Smarter Home Renovations, we’ve been crafting decks and outdoor living spaces in Elsternwick 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 Elsternwick Homes
Elsternwick’s older homes tend to sit on wide, flat blocks with established trees, deep backyards and an original verandah at the front. The rear garden is often cut off from the house by a step down or a small back door, and many owners want somewhere covered to eat outside. Flats and townhouses usually have a courtyard or balcony where privacy matters most.
Popular projects here include a level deck running straight out from new rear living, a pergola or covered alfresco area, outdoor areas planned around established trees and fences, and courtyard screening for privacy from neighbours. Decks and roofed structures often need a building permit, and in heritage areas a planning permit can also apply, so we confirm the requirements with Glen Eira City Council before we start.
Elsternwick at a Glance
- Postcode
- Elsternwick VIC 3185
- Council
- Glen Eira City Council
- From the CBD
- About 9 km south-east
- Typical Homes
- Victorian and Edwardian villas
- Federation and interwar homes
- Art deco and postwar flats
- Apartments near Glen Huntly Road
- Property Market
- Median house price$2,100,000
- Median unit price$768,750
- House rent$978 a week
- Unit rent$612 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 Elsternwick
Outdoor
Covered Alfresco Dining
With deep, flat backyards, many Elsternwick owners want a covered area for eating outside most of the year. A pergola with a solid or louvred roof, an outdoor heater and lighting extends the season. Roofed structures generally need a building permit, and their downpipes need to connect to stormwater. We size it around your table and barbecue.
Trees
Building Under Canopy Trees
Elsternwick gardens often have established trees, and Glen Eira’s tree local law protects canopy and classified trees, including works in their tree protection zones. Deck footings close to a protected tree may need a permit and an arborist’s advice, and a raised frame with fewer footings can bridge over roots. We check trees before designing.
Heritage
Original Front Fences
The Elsternwick Estate and Environs heritage precinct is noted for its original front fences as well as its houses. Replacing or altering a front fence in a heritage overlay may need a planning permit from Glen Eira City Council, and a new design should suit the era of the house. Work behind the house is less likely to be affected.
Permits
The Step Down From the Back Door
Many Elsternwick period homes sit well above the garden, with steps down from a small back door. A deck that runs level from the house removes the step but may end up more than 800 mm above ground, which generally needs a building permit and balustrades. A lower deck with wide steps is another option.
Privacy
Townhouse and Flat Courtyards
Townhouses and flats in Elsternwick often have a small courtyard close to neighbouring windows. Screens, a pergola with climbing plants and raised planters give privacy without blocking light. In a strata property the owners corporation may need to approve changes to fences or common areas, so we check before building.
Materials
Decking and Paving Together
In large Elsternwick backyards, decking near the house with paving or lawn beyond often works better than one big deck. Hardwood boards suit period homes, and paving around the barbecue is easier to clean. We plan levels and drainage across both, so water runs away from the house rather than under it.
Get a Free Outdoor Space Estimate in Elsternwick
Two quick steps. We’ll be in touch within one business day to arrange a visit to your Elsternwick 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 Elsternwick
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 Elsternwick 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 Elsternwick
Decks and Outdoor Living In and Around Elsternwick
Elsternwick (3185) is about 9 km south-east of the Melbourne CBD, and well within our regular service area. We build decks, pergolas and outdoor living areas in Elsternwick and its neighbouring suburbs, with the same team, the same fixed pricing and the same attention to detail.
Decks and Outdoor Living MelbourneDo I need a permit for a pergola in my Elsternwick backyard?
A pergola with a roof, or one attached to the house, generally needs a building permit. In a heritage overlay, a planning permit from Glen Eira City Council may also apply if it is visible from the street, and nearby trees may need a tree permit. We confirm what applies before construction.
Can I build a deck around a big tree in my Elsternwick garden?
Sometimes. Glen Eira’s tree local law may require a permit for works within the tree protection zone of a canopy or classified tree. Building around a trunk needs a gap for growth and footings placed clear of main roots. An arborist may need to assess the tree first, which we allow for in the timeline.
What is the best way to shade a north-facing Elsternwick deck?
Operable louvres let you choose sun in winter and shade in summer, while a deciduous vine over a pergola does a similar job more simply. A fixed roof gives rain cover but can darken the rooms behind, which matters in period homes with small back windows. We look at the light in the house before suggesting an option.
Should I fix the deck or garden before selling my Elsternwick home?
Families looking at Elsternwick homes often focus on the backyard, since deep gardens are part of the appeal. Replacing loose boards, re-oiling, repairing a sagging pergola and making the step down from the house safe help the outdoor area present well. A new alfresco structure takes time for permits, so leave it unless the sale is some way off.
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.