Decks and Outdoor Living Preston
Preston Backyards,
Brought to Life
Decks, pergolas and alfresco areas in Preston and across Melbourne for over 20 years. Family-run, clear pricing, built to last.
Your Preston Outdoor Space, Done Properly
At Smarter Home Renovations, we’ve been crafting decks and outdoor living spaces in Preston 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 Preston Homes
Many Preston homes sit on wide, deep blocks with large backyards, fruit trees, vegetable gardens and sheds, often left largely unchanged for decades. The ground is mostly flat, and a lot of houses have a back step or a small concrete landing instead of a real outdoor living area, while townhouses and units have small courtyards close to their neighbours.
Typical Preston outdoor projects include decks that flow from new kitchen and living areas, pergolas, verandahs and covered alfresco spaces, a defined entertaining area that keeps room for the garden, and privacy screening where townhouses overlook the yard. Decks and pergolas can need a building permit, and requirements are confirmed with Darebin City Council before work starts.
Preston at a Glance
- Postcode
- Preston VIC 3072
- Council
- Darebin City Council
- From the CBD
- About 8 km north-east
- Typical Homes
- Californian bungalows
- Post-war weatherboards and brick homes
- Edwardian homes
- Townhouses and units
- Property Market
- Median house price$1,212,500
- Median unit price$625,000
- House rent$700 a week
- Unit rent$600 a week
Source: CoreLogic via Your Investment Property, prices to July 2026, rents to September 2026
Before You Start
Planning a Deck or Pergola in Preston
Access
Replacing Concrete Landings
Many Preston houses have a small concrete landing and a few steps at the back door. Replacing it with a deck at floor level gives a usable outdoor room, but the old slab may need breaking out and the steps rebuilt with even risers. We include safe steps, handrails where needed and lighting in the design.
Outdoor
Room for Growing Food
Long Preston backyards often have vegetable beds, fruit trees and a shed. A deck placed closer to the house, with paths leading out to the garden, keeps growing space while giving you somewhere to sit. Raised garden beds can be built along the deck edge using the same timber, so the two feel planned together.
Shade
Shade for Western Sun
Where a Preston backyard faces west, afternoon sun can make a deck too hot to use through summer. A pergola with adjustable louvres, a shaded polycarbonate roof or a deciduous vine on a frame each work differently. We look at the orientation and suggest the roof type that suits how and when you will use the space.
Heritage
Front Gardens in Heritage Precincts
In Preston’s heritage precincts, such as the War Service Homes or Mary Street precincts, front verandahs and fences are part of what makes the streetscape. Rear decks are usually less of a concern, but a carport, front deck or verandah change may need a planning permit. We check before suggesting anything visible from the street.
Neighbours
Pergolas Near Boundaries
With units built behind many Preston houses, a pergola or deck near the rear or side fence can affect a neighbour’s light and privacy. Siting rules limit the height and length of structures on boundaries. We check setbacks, and where a structure needs a building permit or neighbour consent, we arrange it before building.
Get a Free Outdoor Space Estimate in Preston
Two quick steps. We’ll be in touch within one business day to arrange a visit to your Preston 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 Preston
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 Preston 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 Preston
Preston (3072) is about 8 km north-east of the Melbourne CBD, and well within our regular service area. We build decks, pergolas and outdoor living areas in Preston and its neighbouring suburbs, with the same team, the same fixed pricing and the same attention to detail.
Decks and Outdoor Living MelbourneWhich outdoor structures need a permit in Preston?
A deck more than 800 mm off the ground, or attached to the house, generally needs a building permit. Roofed pergolas, verandahs and carports often do too, depending on size and position. Front structures in a Preston heritage precinct may need a planning permit as well. We confirm which approvals apply before quoting.
What deck materials suit a large family backyard?
Hardwoods such as spotted gum or merbau give a natural look and last well with regular oiling. Composite boards need less upkeep and suit families who would rather not re-oil. On Preston’s mostly flat backyards, low decks need good airflow underneath to keep the frame dry. We show you samples of each.
Can you build a roof over our existing concrete patio?
Often, yes. If the slab is sound, a pergola or verandah can be built over it with posts on new footings. Some owners also lay decking over the slab for a warmer surface underfoot. We make sure water from the new roof is piped to the stormwater system rather than pooling on the patio.
Does adding a deck help when selling or leasing a Preston house?
A tidy outdoor area helps buyers and tenants see how they would use a large Preston backyard. Repair unsafe steps, loose balustrades and rotten boards first, as these show up in inspections. A simple deck off the living area can be built fairly quickly if no permit is needed, while a roofed structure takes longer to approve, so allow time.
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.