Decks and Outdoor Living Hawthorn
Hawthorn Backyards,
Brought to Life
Decks, pergolas and alfresco areas in Hawthorn and across Melbourne for over 20 years. Family-run, clear pricing, built to last.
Your Hawthorn Outdoor Space, Done Properly
At Smarter Home Renovations, we’ve been crafting decks and outdoor living spaces in Hawthorn 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 Hawthorn Homes
Many Hawthorn homes sit on generous blocks with established gardens, mature trees and in some cases pools or tennis courts, while terraces and flats have smaller courtyards. Older houses often step down to the garden from a back verandah, and owners want outdoor areas that connect better with modern kitchens and family rooms.
That shapes most of our Hawthorn outdoor projects: building decks and terraces that sit level with new rear living areas, adding pergolas and covered alfresco spaces, working around pools, trees and heritage features, and creating private courtyards for townhouses and flats. Decks and roofed structures often need a building permit, and heritage controls can apply, so we confirm the requirements with the City of Boroondara before we start.
Hawthorn at a Glance
- Postcode
- Hawthorn VIC 3122
- Council
- City of Boroondara
- From the CBD
- About 7 km east
- Typical Homes
- Victorian and Edwardian homes
- Interwar and art deco flats
- Apartments
- Townhouses
- Property Market
- Median house price$2,632,500
- Median unit price$572,500
- House rent$1,100 a week
- Unit rent$570 a week
Source: CoreLogic via Your Investment Property, prices to July 2026, rents to September 2026
Before You Start
Planning a Deck or Outdoor Area in Hawthorn
Heritage
Heritage Gardens and Fences
In Boroondara’s Heritage Overlay, fences visible from the street and external structures can need a planning permit, and some precinct citations mention gardens and front fences as part of a property’s character. Rear decks and pergolas are usually less affected than anything at the front. We check your property’s citation first.
Pools
Decks Beside Pools
Some larger Hawthorn properties have pools that a new deck needs to wrap around. Pool barrier rules affect how close climbable objects, planters and steps can be to the fence, and timber near pool water needs to suit splashing and chlorine. We design the deck with the barrier requirements in mind.
Trees
Mature Trees on Large Blocks
Established Hawthorn gardens often have large trees, and Boroondara’s Tree Protection Local Law protects larger canopy trees on private land. Removing one needs a permit, even if it is dead, and footings must avoid main roots. A raised deck on spread footings is often gentler on roots than a slab.
Layout
Linking Old Verandahs to New Living
Victorian and Edwardian homes in Hawthorn often have a back verandah a few steps above the garden. A new rear extension with a deck at floor level can replace that step, but a deck more than 800 mm above ground or attached to the house generally needs a building permit and balustrades.
Apartments
Small Courtyards in Flats and Townhouses
Ground floor flats and townhouses in Hawthorn often have small courtyards between walls. Low-level decking, a slatted pergola, built-in seating and planter boxes can make them usable. In flats the courtyard may be common property or have owners corporation rules, so we check approval requirements first.
Get a Free Outdoor Space Estimate in Hawthorn
Two quick steps. We’ll be in touch within one business day to arrange a visit to your Hawthorn 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 Hawthorn
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 Hawthorn 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 Hawthorn
Hawthorn (3122) is about 7 km east of the Melbourne CBD, and well within our regular service area. We build decks, pergolas and outdoor living areas in Hawthorn 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 Hawthorn?
A building permit is generally needed if the deck is more than 800 mm above ground or attached to the house, and roofed pergolas often need one too. In Boroondara’s Heritage Overlay, structures visible from the street and some fences may also need a planning permit. We confirm requirements with the City of Boroondara.
Can I remove a tree to build a deck in my Hawthorn garden?
Possibly not without a permit. Boroondara’s Tree Protection Local Law requires a permit to remove larger canopy trees on private land, and trees in a Heritage Overlay may also need a planning permit. It is worth checking before planning a deck around removing a tree. We can often design the deck around it instead.
Can a pergola go on a heritage home in Hawthorn?
At the rear of the house, usually yes, provided it meets building rules and is not prominent from the street. Pergolas on the front or side of a heritage house are more likely to need a planning permit. We check your overlay and grading before finalising the design.
I have a ground floor flat in Hawthorn. Can I deck the courtyard?
Often, if the courtyard is part of your lot or you have the owners corporation’s approval to use it. Low decks that do not change drainage or attach to common walls are simplest. We check the plan of subdivision and the building rules before quoting.
Is it worth upgrading the garden and deck of my Hawthorn home before selling or leasing?
Hawthorn gardens behind period homes are often shaded by established trees, and old timber decks there can be mossy, slippery and soft. Buyers of family homes in Hawthorn look for an outdoor area that connects easily to the kitchen and living rooms. Replacing failed boards, making steps safe and adding some lighting are usually the priorities. Skip new structures visible from the street, which can need a heritage permit in parts of Hawthorn.
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.