Decks and Outdoor Living Kensington
Kensington Backyards,
Brought to Life
Decks, pergolas and alfresco areas in Kensington and across Melbourne for over 20 years. Family-run, clear pricing, built to last.
Your Kensington Outdoor Space, Done Properly
At Smarter Home Renovations, we’ve been crafting decks and outdoor living spaces in Kensington 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 Kensington Homes
Outdoor space in Kensington is usually small: a paved courtyard behind a cottage, a narrow side passage, or a balcony or roof terrace on a townhouse or apartment. Neighbours are close on every side, so privacy and sunlight matter as much as size. Kensington Banks townhouses add small private courtyards, some opening onto shared parkland and paths.
Common outdoor projects here are decking a small rear courtyard level with the kitchen floor, adding a pergola or retractable shade, building privacy screens and planter boxes, and reworking side passages for bins and bikes. Structures near boundaries and in heritage areas can need a building permit or planning permit, so we confirm requirements with the City of Melbourne before we start.
Kensington at a Glance
- Postcode
- Kensington VIC 3031
- Council
- City of Melbourne
- From the CBD
- About 4 km north-west
- Typical Homes
- Victorian and Edwardian workers’ cottages
- Brick and timber terraces
- Kensington Banks townhouses from the 1990s
- Apartments
- Property Market
- Median house price$1,094,000
- Median unit price$505,000
- House rent$750 a week
- Unit rent$615 a week
Source: CoreLogic via Your Investment Property, prices to July 2026, rents to September 2026
Before You Start
Before You Build a Deck in Kensington
Estates
Courtyards in Kensington Banks
Kensington Banks courtyards are often walled and paved, with fences or gates facing shared paths and parks. Before adding a deck or pergola, it is worth checking whether an owners corporation or a restriction on your title sets rules about structures, heights or colours. We look at the title and any rules with you before design.
Privacy
Overlooking From Upstairs Neighbours
Two-storey townhouses and apartments look down into many Kensington cottage courtyards. A pergola with angled battens, a shade sail or a small tree in a large planter can screen the view from above without darkening the kitchen. We set the height of any screens to suit the fence and boundary rules.
Drainage
Low Ground and Drainage
Parts of Kensington are low-lying near the river and the creek, and some courtyards hold water after heavy rain. A deck frame should sit clear of wet ground on adjustable pedestals or stumps with good airflow, and surface water needs somewhere to go. We check the drainage and any flood overlay before fixing the deck height.
Structure
Roof Terraces and Balconies
Some Kensington townhouses and apartments have a roof terrace or a large balcony over a room below. Decking here sits on pedestals over the waterproof membrane, so the membrane must be sound and accessible. The load, drainage outlets and balustrade height are all checked, and owners corporation approval is usually needed. We assess the structure before quoting.
Storage
Side Passages for Bins and Bikes
In narrow Kensington cottages the side passage is often the only route for bins, bikes and garden tools to reach the lane or street. A slim bike rack, a lockable store and a gate that swings clear of the bins can make this strip work hard. We design it at the same time as the courtyard deck.
Get a Free Outdoor Space Estimate in Kensington
Two quick steps. We’ll be in touch within one business day to arrange a visit to your Kensington 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 Kensington
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 Kensington 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 Kensington
Kensington (3031) is about 4 km north-west of the Melbourne CBD, and well within our regular service area. We build decks, pergolas and outdoor living areas in Kensington 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 Kensington?
In Kensington, a building permit is generally needed for a deck that is attached to the house or stands more than 800 mm off the ground. In a heritage overlay, a structure visible from the street may also need a planning permit from the City of Melbourne. Most Kensington courtyard decks sit low at the rear, but we confirm the requirements for your address before building.
What shade works best for a Kensington courtyard?
That depends on which way it faces. A north-facing Kensington courtyard benefits from a louvred roof or retractable awning that lets in winter sun, while a south-facing one may only need a sail for summer afternoons. Fixing into old brick walls needs care, so we check the masonry before attaching any structure to it.
Can you deck over my existing concrete courtyard?
Usually, yes. Many Kensington courtyards have old concrete or brick paving, and a low deck can be laid over it on a timber or aluminium subframe, provided water can still drain away underneath. We check the slab for cracks and the falls to the drain, and match the deck height to the back door.
Is it worth refreshing my Kensington courtyard before I sell or lease?
Small outdoor spaces matter in Kensington because many homes have little else. Cleaning and oiling the deck, replacing broken boards, tightening loose pergola fixings, adding outdoor lighting and tidying planters can help the courtyard read as usable living space. A larger rebuild needs time and possibly permits, so it suits owners who will use it themselves.
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.