Decks and Outdoor Living Templestowe
Templestowe Backyards,
Brought to Life
Decks, pergolas and alfresco areas in Templestowe and across Melbourne for over 20 years. Family-run, clear pricing, built to last.
Your Templestowe Outdoor Space, Done Properly
At Smarter Home Renovations, we’ve been crafting decks and outdoor living spaces in Templestowe 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 Templestowe Homes
Templestowe’s sloping blocks often look out over treetops and toward the Yarra Valley, but the slope can leave the back door well above the garden. Many homes have an old timber deck, a pool or a terraced yard with retaining walls, and established trees that owners want to keep. Possums, leaf litter and steep side paths are all part of the picture.
Common outdoor projects here include elevated decks that capture the views, replacing ageing timber decks and stairs, adding roofed alfresco areas off the kitchen, and creating pool decks and terraced garden levels. Elevated decks often need a building permit, and bushfire and landscape controls apply in parts of Templestowe, so we confirm requirements with Manningham City Council before we start.
Templestowe at a Glance
- Postcode
- Templestowe VIC 3106
- Council
- Manningham City Council
- From the CBD
- About 17 km east
- Typical Homes
- 1970s and 1980s brick family homes
- Split-level homes on sloping blocks
- Large modern double-storey homes
- Townhouses
- Property Market
- Median house price$1,569,000
- Median unit price$1,000,944
- House rent$950 a week
- Unit rent$710 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 Templestowe
Bushfire
BAL Rating and Deck Materials
Templestowe appears on Manningham’s list of bushfire prone areas. Where your property is mapped as bushfire prone, an attached deck generally has to suit the site’s BAL rating, which narrows the choice of timber species, board types and subfloor details. A BAL assessment comes before material choices, not after.
Slope
High Decks Above the Garden
Back doors in Templestowe split-level homes can be two or three metres above the yard. A deck at that height generally needs a building permit, engineered posts and bracing, and compliant balustrades. Stairs down to the garden, and how the space under the deck will be used, are planned at the same time.
Trees
Large Trees and Root Zones
Significant Landscape Overlays cover parts of Templestowe and can require a permit for works near protected trees and plantings. Deck footings are positioned outside major root zones where possible, and the outline can step around trunks. We check the overlay schedule for your block before setting out.
Pools
Pool Decks on Terraced Blocks
Pools on Templestowe’s sloping blocks often sit on a terrace held by retaining walls. Surrounding decks must keep the pool barrier compliant and stay clear of the non-climbable zone. Footings near retaining walls and the pool shell need care so new loads don’t affect either.
Structure
Replacing 1980s Decks
Decks built with the original Templestowe homes are now decades old, and bearers, stumps and the ledger fixed to the house are often the first parts to fail. A rebuild can keep a good layout with new footings, galvanised or stainless connectors and better ventilation underneath. We inspect the frame before quoting.
Shade
Roofs That Keep the View
A flat or skillion roof with a slim fascia keeps treetop views open while giving shade and rain cover. On elevated Templestowe decks, wind exposure needs considering in the roof design and fixings. A roofed deck generally needs a building permit, and in bushfire prone areas the roof materials must suit the BAL.
Get a Free Outdoor Space Estimate in Templestowe
Two quick steps. We’ll be in touch within one business day to arrange a visit to your Templestowe 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 Templestowe
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 Templestowe 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.
Our Work Near Templestowe
Decks and Outdoor Living In and Around Templestowe
Templestowe (3106) is about 17 km east of the Melbourne CBD, and well within our regular service area. We build decks, pergolas and outdoor living areas in Templestowe 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 an elevated deck in Templestowe?
Almost certainly a building permit, because elevated decks on Templestowe slopes are usually more than 800 mm above the ground. A planning permit may also be needed where a Bushfire Management Overlay or Significant Landscape Overlay applies. We check with Manningham City Council and a building surveyor before construction.
What decking timber suits a bushfire prone part of Templestowe?
That depends on the BAL. At lower ratings many hardwoods and some composites are acceptable; at higher ratings, bushfire-resisting timbers such as spotted gum or blackbutt, or non-combustible framing, may be required. We match the boards and framing to your assessment and to the look you want.
Can the space under our high Templestowe deck be used?
Often. Under a high deck you can create storage, a sheltered sitting area or a place for bins. A waterproof deck system or under-deck drainage keeps it dry. In bushfire prone areas, enclosing the space or storing combustible material under a deck can be restricted, so we check the BAL requirements first.
How long does a deck rebuild take in Templestowe?
A replacement deck on a steep block takes longer than a ground-level one because of scaffolding, engineered footings and inspections. Permits, and any BAL assessment, add lead time before work starts. Once permits are in place, we give you a written schedule and keep you updated through the build.
Our Templestowe deck is old. Should we fix or replace it before we sell?
Have it inspected first. Building inspectors pay close attention to elevated decks, checking stumps, bracing, balustrade heights and the fixing to the house. If the frame is sound, replacing damaged boards and balustrades and re-oiling may be enough. If the structure has failed, replacement needs a permit, so allow time before listing.
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.