Decks and Outdoor Living McKinnon
McKinnon Backyards,
Brought to Life
Decks, pergolas and alfresco areas in McKinnon and across Melbourne for over 20 years. Family-run, clear pricing, built to last.
Your McKinnon Outdoor Space, Done Properly
At Smarter Home Renovations, we’ve been crafting decks and outdoor living spaces in McKinnon 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 McKinnon Homes
McKinnon’s blocks are mostly flat with good-sized backyards, often with an older concrete patio and mature trees towards the rear. Newer homes usually have a smaller yard with an alfresco area under the main roof. Owners typically want an outdoor space that works for kids, entertaining and summer evenings, with shade from the afternoon sun and an easy step out from the kitchen.
Common outdoor projects here include replacing concrete patios with decks level with the living area, adding pergolas and roofed alfresco spaces, building decking around pools, and creating privacy where new double-storey homes overlook the yard. Lighting and fans for evening use are common additions. Decks and roofed structures can need a building permit, so we confirm requirements with Glen Eira City Council before we start.
McKinnon at a Glance
- Postcode
- McKinnon VIC 3204
- Council
- Glen Eira City Council
- From the CBD
- About 13 km south-east
- Typical Homes
- Interwar Californian bungalows
- Postwar brick homes
- New double-storey homes
- Townhouses
- Property Market
- Median house price$1,877,500
- Median unit price$876,000
- House rent$900 a week
- Unit rent$800 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 McKinnon
Trees
Decks Near Protected Trees
Many McKinnon backyards have mature trees towards the rear. Under Glen Eira’s canopy tree local law, digging footings or building within a larger tree’s protection zone may need a permit. We plan the deck shape and footing positions around the trees, and use screw piles or bridging where needed.
Pools
Pool Surrounds
Decking around a pool in a McKinnon backyard needs boards suited to wet feet and chlorine, and the deck must not create a climbable step near the pool fence. Pool barrier rules apply to any changes around the pool. We check the fence clearances and the barrier requirements before building.
Privacy
Privacy From Double Storeys
New double-storey homes in McKinnon can overlook neighbouring backyards. Screens, a pergola with louvres and planting along the boundary can restore privacy. Screen height and how close it sits to the fence may need a building permit, which we check before work starts. We design screens that still let breeze and some light through.
Drainage
Overland Flow
Parts of McKinnon are in the Elster Creek catchment and may be covered by a Special Building Overlay. A deck shouldn’t block overland flow paths or trap water against the house. Where an overlay applies, council may need to approve the design. We check before building.
Electrical
Lighting and Fans
For summer evenings in a McKinnon backyard, a pergola or alfresco area needs good lighting, a ceiling fan and weatherproof power points. Running cables during the build is far simpler than later. Our licensed electricians install outdoor rated fittings and provide a Certificate of Electrical Safety.
Get a Free Outdoor Space Estimate in McKinnon
Two quick steps. We’ll be in touch within one business day to arrange a visit to your McKinnon 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 McKinnon
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 McKinnon 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 McKinnon
McKinnon (3204) is about 13 km south-east of the Melbourne CBD, and well within our regular service area. We build decks, pergolas and outdoor living areas in McKinnon 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 McKinnon?
A deck more than 800 mm above ground or attached to the house generally needs a building permit, as do most roofed pergolas. In McKinnon, overlays and the canopy tree local law may also apply. We confirm the requirements with Glen Eira City Council before building and organise any permits.
Can a deck be built around our McKinnon pool?
Yes. A pool deck needs slip-resistant boards suited to chlorine, proper drainage and footings that don’t affect the pool shell. The pool barrier must remain compliant, so we check that the deck doesn’t create a climbable step near the fence. We plan this before construction.
What shade options suit a McKinnon backyard?
A pergola with adjustable louvres, a solid insulated roof or a retractable awning all work. For afternoon sun, a roof extending further out or a side screen helps. We align the roof with the house so it doesn’t darken the living room and check permit needs.
Should I replace our old McKinnon deck before we sell?
Buyers and their building inspectors check decks closely, and soft boards or a loose balustrade will end up in the report. If the frame of an older McKinnon deck is sound, replacing damaged boards, tightening balustrades and re-oiling may be enough. A full rebuild before sale makes sense mainly when the structure is failing. A new pergola or alfresco suits owners staying put.
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.