Decks and Outdoor Living Strathmore
Strathmore Backyards,
Brought to Life
Decks, pergolas and alfresco areas in Strathmore and across Melbourne for over 20 years. Family-run, clear pricing, built to last.

Your Strathmore Outdoor Space, Done Properly
At Smarter Home Renovations, we’ve been crafting decks and outdoor living spaces in Strathmore 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 Strathmore Homes
Strathmore backyards are generally roomy and flat, with established trees, lawn and space for a pool in some properties. Older homes often have a small concrete patio or a tired pergola outside the back door, and families want a covered area that works for meals and entertaining across the seasons.
Common outdoor projects here are building larger hardwood or composite decks off the family room, adding roofed alfresco areas with lighting and fans, creating pool surrounds and garden paths, and screening side boundaries for privacy. Decks, verandahs and roofed pergolas can need a building permit, and we confirm requirements with the City of Moonee Valley before construction starts.
Strathmore at a Glance
- Postcode
- Strathmore VIC 3041
- Council
- City of Moonee Valley
- From the CBD
- About 10 km north-west
- Typical Homes
- Postwar brick and weatherboard homes
- Interwar bungalows
- Townhouses
- Newer double-storey homes
- Property Market
- Median house price$1,480,000
- Median unit price$840,000
- House rent$815 a week
- Unit rent$655 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 Strathmore
Pools
Decks Around Pools
Some Strathmore backyards have room for a pool, and a deck around it must work with the pool barrier rules. The deck cannot create a climbable spot near the fence, and gates and steps need careful placement. A deck more than 800 mm above the ground, or one that forms part of the pool barrier, generally needs a building permit, which we organise.
Shade
Roofed Alfresco Areas
A flat or gabled roof over a Strathmore deck turns it into a year-round outdoor room. Insulated roof panels keep summer heat out, while a gable with a timber ceiling suits an interwar or postwar house. Gutters and downpipes need to connect to the stormwater system. We match the roof to the house.
Materials
Decking for Large Spaces
Larger Strathmore decks see heavy family use, so board choice matters. Spotted gum and blackbutt are durable hardwoods, while composite boards resist staining and need little upkeep. A well ventilated subfloor and correct board spacing help either option last longer. We show samples on site.
Privacy
Screens on Side Boundaries
Wide Strathmore blocks can still feel exposed when neighbours extend or rebuild. Slatted timber or aluminium screens, a pergola with a privacy wall or planter boxes along the deck edge can block views. Screens close to a boundary must meet height and siting rules, which we check.
Heritage
Outdoor Areas at Heritage Houses
If your Strathmore home is in a Heritage Overlay, such as the Woodland Street precinct, a deck or pergola may need a planning permit, particularly if it is visible from the street. Rear decks hidden behind the house are usually simpler, but we always check the overlay before designing.
Electrical
Lighting and Ceiling Fans
A roofed deck in Strathmore is more usable at night and on hot days with lighting, ceiling fans and weatherproof power points. These need outdoor rated fittings and safety switches, installed by licensed electricians. We plan the wiring before the roof is lined so cables are hidden.
Get a Free Outdoor Space Estimate in Strathmore
Two quick steps. We’ll be in touch within one business day to arrange a visit to your Strathmore 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 Strathmore
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 Strathmore 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 Strathmore
Strathmore (3041) is about 10 km north-west of the Melbourne CBD, and well within our regular service area. We build decks, pergolas and outdoor living areas in Strathmore 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
Does a deck around a pool in Strathmore need a permit?
Usually, yes. Pool barrier rules apply to any deck near or around a pool, and a building permit is generally needed for decks more than 800 mm above the ground, attached to the house or forming part of a pool barrier. We design the deck with the barrier in mind and confirm requirements before building.
Can a roofed pergola be built at our Strathmore heritage house?
Often, if it is at the rear and not visible from the street. In a Heritage Overlay, a planning permit may still be needed, and the design should suit the house. A building permit is generally required for a roofed structure. We check the overlay and permits with the City of Moonee Valley first.
What is the best way to light and heat our Strathmore deck?
LED downlights or strip lights under the roof, a ceiling fan and outdoor heaters or a gas or electric fireplace can make a deck usable all year. Each needs suitable wiring or gas connection by licensed trades. We plan the layout so the heat and light reach where you sit.
Is a new deck worth building before we sell or lease our Strathmore house?
A tidy, safe outdoor area helps buyers and tenants picture life in the home, but a new deck is rarely essential. Repairing loose boards, wobbly balustrades or a tired pergola often makes more sense. If you do build, allow time for permits and choose materials that will look good for years.
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.

