Decks and Outdoor Living Toorak
Toorak Backyards,
Brought to Life
Decks, pergolas and alfresco areas in Toorak and across Melbourne for over 20 years. Family-run, clear pricing, built to last.
Your Toorak Outdoor Space, Done Properly
At Smarter Home Renovations, we’ve been crafting decks and outdoor living spaces in Toorak 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 Toorak Homes
Toorak’s gardens are often large and formal, with mature trees, hedges, pools and terraces, while townhouses and apartments rely on courtyards and balconies. Many properties have existing outdoor areas that need updating to suit the house and provide shade, privacy and year-round entertaining. Large trees, high fences and established hedges mean any new work has to sit carefully within an existing garden.
Typical outdoor projects here include stone or hardwood terraces, pool decks and pavilions, pergolas with operable louvres, outdoor kitchens and lighting, and screening for privacy, with garden lighting and heating so terraces are usable on cooler evenings. Decks and pavilions can need a building permit, and heritage areas can need a planning permit, so we confirm requirements with the City of Stonnington before we start.
Toorak at a Glance
- Postcode
- Toorak VIC 3142
- Council
- City of Stonnington
- From the CBD
- About 6 km south-east
- Typical Homes
- Period mansions and family homes
- Interwar and Georgian revival homes
- Luxury apartments
- Townhouses
- Property Market
- Median house price$5,350,000
- Median unit price$987,500
- House rent$1,500 a week
- Unit rent$695 a week
Source: CoreLogic via Your Investment Property, prices to July 2026, rents to September 2026
Before You Start
Planning an Outdoor Area in Toorak
Pools
Pool Decks and Barriers
Decking around a Toorak pool has to stay slip resistant when wet, cope with chlorinated or salt water and keep the pool barrier compliant. Anything that could help a child climb the fence, such as a raised deck edge or planter, must be kept clear of it. We plan deck levels, the fence and gates together and confirm what needs a building permit.
Outdoor
Pavilions and Outdoor Rooms
A freestanding pavilion with a roof, lighting, heating and sometimes a fireplace lets a large Toorak garden be used year round. Roofed structures generally need a building permit, and in a heritage overlay may also need a planning permit if visible from the street. We plan drainage from the roof and the power and gas supply early.
Trees
Building Near Mature Trees
Mature trees and hedges define many Toorak gardens, and plenty of large trees count as significant under Stonnington’s local law. Footings in a tree protection zone may need a Tree Works Permit and an arborist’s advice. Screw piles or a raised frame can reduce root damage. We plan the layout around the trees rather than the other way round.
Materials
Stone, Hardwood or Composite
Formal Toorak gardens often suit stone or porcelain paving near the house, with hardwood decking for pool surrounds or garden pavilions. Hardwood needs regular oiling to keep its colour, while composite boards need less care but can get hot in full sun. We help you choose materials that suit the era of the house and how much upkeep you want.
Electrical
Lighting, Heating and Power
Garden lighting, outdoor heaters and power for audio and appliances need weatherproof circuits, often run underground from the house. For a large Toorak garden we plan lighting for paths, trees and steps as well as the entertaining area, so it is safe and pleasant at night. Our licensed electricians issue a Certificate of Electrical Safety on completion.
Privacy
Privacy From Neighbours and the Street
Toorak homes often sit behind high fences and hedges, but rear terraces can still be overlooked by a neighbour’s upper floor. Pergolas, screens and planting can give privacy without closing the garden in. In a heritage overlay, changes to front fences may need a planning permit, so we check before adding new screening near the street.
Get a Free Outdoor Space Estimate in Toorak
Two quick steps. We’ll be in touch within one business day to arrange a visit to your Toorak 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 Toorak
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 Toorak 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 Toorak
Toorak (3142) is about 6 km south-east of the Melbourne CBD, and well within our regular service area. We build decks, pergolas and outdoor living areas in Toorak and its neighbouring suburbs, with the same team, the same fixed pricing and the same attention to detail.
Decks and Outdoor Living MelbourneDo I need a building permit for a pool deck in Toorak?
Often, yes. Decks more than 800 mm above ground or attached to the house generally need one, and any work near a pool must keep the safety barrier compliant. Victorian pools must be registered with council and barriers certified at regular intervals, so we check your barrier and plan the deck to suit it.
Can we build an outdoor kitchen in our Toorak garden?
Usually. An outdoor kitchen needs a gas or electrical supply, water, a waste and protection from the weather. Many Toorak owners place it in a pavilion or under a pergola close to the house. Licensed plumbers and electricians connect the services, and we confirm whether the roofed structure needs a building permit.
Will heritage controls affect my Toorak garden?
Heritage overlays mostly control what is visible from the street, such as front fences, gates and structures in the front garden. Some overlays also control tree removal. Work behind the house is less likely to need a planning permit, though a building permit may still apply. We check the overlay before design.
Should I improve the outdoor area before putting my Toorak home on the market?
Garden presentation matters for larger Toorak homes, since buyers often inspect the outdoor areas as closely as the house. Repairing worn decking, re-oiling timber, fixing outdoor lighting and tidying the pool surrounds are usually worthwhile. A new pavilion or extensive landscaping takes longer and may need permits, so leave it unless there is 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.