Decks and Outdoor Living Kew
Kew Backyards,
Brought to Life
Decks, pergolas and alfresco areas in Kew and across Melbourne for over 20 years. Family-run, clear pricing, built to last.
Your Kew Outdoor Space, Done Properly
At Smarter Home Renovations, we’ve been crafting decks and outdoor living spaces in Kew 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 Kew Homes
Kew’s large blocks often have deep, established gardens with mature trees, and homes on the Studley Park side can sit on steep slopes falling toward the Yarra. Period homes usually have a front verandah but little connection between the rear rooms and the garden. Shade from established trees is welcome in summer but keeps some decks damp in winter.
That shapes how we approach outdoor projects in Kew: decks and terraces that extend the living level into the garden, roofed alfresco areas with outdoor kitchens, working around canopy trees protected under Boroondara’s local law, and decking around pools. Decks and roofed structures often need a building permit, and heritage, tree and river corridor controls can apply, so we confirm requirements with the City of Boroondara before we start.
Kew at a Glance
- Postcode
- Kew VIC 3101
- Council
- City of Boroondara
- From the CBD
- About 7 km east
- Typical Homes
- Federation and Edwardian homes
- Interwar homes
- Victorian villas
- Apartments and townhouses
- Property Market
- Median house price$2,604,000
- Median unit price$980,000
- House rent$1,200 a week
- Unit rent$650 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 Kew
Layout
Raised Floors and the Garden
Many of Kew’s period homes sit on stumps, so the rear rooms are well above the garden. A deck at floor level, with wide steps down to the lawn, connects the house to the garden. Decks more than 800 mm above the ground, or attached to the house, generally need a building permit, which we arrange.
Slope
Steep Studley Park Blocks
On the steeper streets near Studley Park, a deck can be several metres above the ground at its outer edge. That means engineered footings, bracing and compliant balustrades, and sometimes difficult access for materials. We assess the slope at your property and design the structure to suit it.
Planning
River Corridor and Heritage Controls
Near the Yarra, permanent river corridor overlays can require a planning permit for buildings and works, and much of Kew is also in a Heritage Overlay. A rear deck is often less affected than a front change, but it depends on your address. We check every overlay before the design is finalised.
Trees
Canopy Trees and Shade
Under Boroondara’s Tree Protection Local Law, removing a canopy tree, or working within 2 metres of its trunk, generally needs a permit. In Kew’s established gardens, footing positions and spans often need to work around large trees, and decks under heavy shade need durable timber, good airflow and stainless steel fixings.
Outdoor
Outdoor Kitchens and Roofed Areas
A covered outdoor kitchen off the rear living area suits Kew’s larger homes and gardens. It needs power, sometimes gas and water, and a roof that drains well. Roofed structures generally need a building permit, and in a heritage area the roof form and materials may also be considered.
Get a Free Outdoor Space Estimate in Kew
Two quick steps. We’ll be in touch within one business day to arrange a visit to your Kew 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 Kew
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 Kew 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 Kew
Kew (3101) 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 Kew 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
We’re on a steep Studley Park block. Can we still have a usable deck?
Yes. Steep sites often suit a deck because it creates flat outdoor space where there isn’t any. The structure needs engineering, deeper footings and compliant balustrades, and a building permit is generally required. We assess the slope and access at your property and include everything in your fixed-price quote.
Does a heritage overlay affect a deck at the back of my Kew home?
It can, but rear decks are usually less affected than work visible from the street. Whether a planning permit is needed depends on the controls for your property and how visible the deck is. We check the Boroondara Planning Scheme for your address before the design is finalised.
Can we build a deck near a large tree in our Kew garden?
Often, yes, with care. If it is a canopy tree under Boroondara’s Tree Protection Local Law, works within 2 metres of the trunk generally need a permit. We position footings to avoid major roots and may recommend an arborist’s advice for larger trees.
What decking suits a shady Kew garden?
Hardwoods such as Merbau and spotted gum, or good-quality composite boards, cope well with shade and leaf litter. The frame needs airflow underneath and stainless steel fixings. Regular cleaning and an occasional oil keep timber looking good and reduce slipperiness in damp months.
Should I fix up the garden and deck before selling my Kew home?
Established gardens are part of Kew’s appeal, and on the sloping blocks of Studley Park and near the Yarra, a deck is often the main way to use the outdoor space. Buyers will notice timber that is grey, split or loose, and balustrades that don’t feel solid. Repair or replace the structure first, then tidy the surrounding planting. Skip a large new deck if mature trees nearby could mean an arborist report and permits.
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.