Decks and Outdoor Living Ivanhoe
Ivanhoe Backyards,
Brought to Life
Decks, pergolas and alfresco areas in Ivanhoe and across Melbourne for over 20 years. Family-run, clear pricing, built to last.
Your Ivanhoe Outdoor Space, Done Properly
At Smarter Home Renovations, we’ve been crafting decks and outdoor living spaces in Ivanhoe 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 Ivanhoe Homes
Ivanhoe’s blocks are rarely flat, and many backyards step down towards the creek or river with established trees, rockeries and old retaining walls. Period homes often have a small back verandah with steps down to the lawn, and the indoor living area sits well above the garden, so the connection outside is awkward.
Ivanhoe outdoor projects tend to involve raised decks that bring the living level out to the garden, pergolas or roofed alfresco areas for shade, steps and landings that terrace the slope, and privacy screening where homes overlook neighbours. Raised decks and roofed structures often need a building permit, and heritage overlays or tree controls can apply, so we confirm requirements with Banyule City Council before we start.
Ivanhoe at a Glance
- Postcode
- Ivanhoe VIC 3079
- Council
- Banyule City Council
- From the CBD
- About 9 km north-east
- Typical Homes
- Edwardian and Federation villas
- Californian bungalows
- Interwar brick and Spanish Mission homes
- Townhouses and apartments near Upper Heidelberg Road
- Property Market
- Median house price$1,884,500
- Median unit price$777,500
- House rent$798 a week
- Unit rent$625 a week
Source: CoreLogic via Your Investment Property, prices to July 2026, rents to September 2026
Before You Start
Planning a Deck in Ivanhoe
Slope
Decks at Floor Level
Because many Ivanhoe houses sit on stumps with the back door well above the lawn, a deck built at floor level can easily be more than 800 mm above the ground. That generally means a building permit, a compliant balustrade and engineered footings. Wide steps or a landing partway down make the drop to the garden feel gentle rather than steep.
Heritage
Verandahs on Period Homes
Some Edwardian and interwar homes in Ivanhoe still have their original rear verandah. Extending it, or building a new deck alongside, works best when the posts, roof pitch and detailing match the house. In a heritage precinct, rear decks are often not visible from the street, but anything that is visible may need a planning permit.
Privacy
Overlooking and Screening
A raised deck on a sloping Ivanhoe block can look straight into a neighbour’s yard or windows. Victorian building rules limit overlooking from decks, so screens or planter boxes are often needed on the sides facing neighbours. We design screening into the deck from the start so it looks intentional rather than added later.
Trees
Established Trees
Ivanhoe gardens often have large, established trees, and some properties have vegetation or tree controls under the Banyule Planning Scheme. Deck footings near a big tree need to avoid the main roots, and some trees need a permit before they are removed or pruned. We check what applies and lay out the footings to suit.
Structure
Old Retaining Walls
Many Ivanhoe backyards were terraced decades ago with rock or timber sleeper walls that are now leaning. Building a deck next to or over them means checking whether they still hold the soil. Where they don’t, replacing them as part of the project with engineered retaining is safer than building a new deck on top.
Get a Free Outdoor Space Estimate in Ivanhoe
Two quick steps. We’ll be in touch within one business day to arrange a visit to your Ivanhoe 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 Ivanhoe
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 Ivanhoe 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 Ivanhoe
Ivanhoe (3079) is about 9 km north-east of the Melbourne CBD, and well within our regular service area. We build decks, pergolas and outdoor living areas in Ivanhoe 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 on my Ivanhoe property?
A deck more than 800 mm above the ground, or one attached to the house with a roof, generally needs a building permit. In a Heritage Overlay, a deck or pergola visible from the street may also need a planning permit from Banyule City Council. We check both the building and planning side for your address before you commit.
What timber suits a deck on an Ivanhoe period home?
Hardwoods such as spotted gum or blackbutt suit the look of Edwardian and interwar houses and weather to a soft grey if left unoiled. Composite boards need less upkeep and come in timber tones. Under a period verandah, painted posts and a simple balustrade usually sit best with the house.
Can a pergola go over our raised Ivanhoe deck?
Usually, yes. A pergola or roof over a deck generally needs a building permit, and the posts and footings are designed for the extra load, especially when the deck is high off the ground on a slope. In a heritage precinct, a structure visible from the street may also need planning approval.
Is it worth fixing the deck before selling or renting out my Ivanhoe house?
On Ivanhoe’s sloping blocks, the back deck is often the link between the house and the garden, so a soft, rotting or wobbly deck is noticed quickly by buyers, building inspectors and tenants. Replacing damaged boards, re-fixing balustrades and making the steps safe is usually the priority. If the frame or stumps are failing, a rebuild may be the sensible choice, and that can need a building permit.
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.