Decks and Outdoor Living Windsor
Windsor Backyards,
Brought to Life
Decks, pergolas and alfresco areas in Windsor and across Melbourne for over 20 years. Family-run, clear pricing, built to last.
Your Windsor Outdoor Space, Done Properly
At Smarter Home Renovations, we’ve been crafting decks and outdoor living spaces in Windsor 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 Windsor Homes
Outdoor space in Windsor is usually small: paved courtyards behind terraces, balconies on apartments and roof terraces on some townhouses. Tall boundary walls and neighbouring buildings can limit sun, and many homes sit close to busy streets such as Chapel Street, High Street or Dandenong Road, so privacy and noise matter as much as size.
Outdoor projects here usually involve courtyard decks with built-in seating and storage, pergolas and screening for shade and privacy, upgrades to balconies and roof terraces, and planters and lighting. Decks and pergolas can need a building permit, heritage areas can need a planning permit, and balcony work in apartments goes through the owners corporation, so we confirm requirements first.
Windsor at a Glance
- Postcode
- Windsor VIC 3181
- Council
- City of Stonnington (part of Windsor is in the City of Port Phillip)
- From the CBD
- About 5 km south-east
- Typical Homes
- Victorian terraces and workers’ cottages
- Edwardian houses
- 1960s and 1970s walk-up flats
- Apartments and townhouses
- Property Market
- Median house price$1,520,000
- Median unit price$530,000
- House rent$890 a week
- Unit rent$575 a week
Source: CoreLogic via Your Investment Property, prices to July 2026, rents to September 2026
Before You Start
Planning a Courtyard, Balcony or Deck in Windsor
Light
Courtyards With Little Sun
Courtyards behind Windsor terraces may only get direct sun for part of the day, and paving between high walls can stay damp. Lighter decking colours, a polycarbonate or louvred pergola rather than a solid roof, and shade-tolerant planting all help. We look at how the sun moves across your courtyard before choosing materials and a roof type.
Drainage
Drainage Under a Courtyard Deck
Many Windsor courtyards are concreted or paved right up to the house, with a single drain. Building a deck over that surface needs a gap for water to flow, access to the drain and a deck height that keeps clear of the wall vents and damp course of the house. We check where the stormwater goes before designing the frame.
Apartments
Balconies in Apartment Buildings
Balconies in many Windsor apartment buildings are common property or sit over the waterproofing of the unit below. New decking tiles, pedestal decking, screens or heavy planters usually need owners corporation approval, and load limits apply. We check the rules and the existing membrane so the new surface doesn’t cause leaks into the unit underneath.
Privacy
Screening From Overlooking
With apartments and two-storey homes close by, Windsor courtyards are often overlooked. Slatted screens on top of fences, a pergola with a partly closed roof, or tall planters with climbers create privacy. Fence height limits and neighbour agreement may apply to boundary screens, so we check these before building anything on the boundary.
Waterproofing
Roof Terraces on Townhouses
Roof terraces on Windsor townhouses sit over a waterproof membrane and the room below. Replacing tired decking means checking the membrane, drainage outlets and balustrade heights, and planters add load. Structural changes or new balustrades usually need a building permit. We inspect the roof deck before quoting so any hidden leaks are found first.
Get a Free Outdoor Space Estimate in Windsor
Two quick steps. We’ll be in touch within one business day to arrange a visit to your Windsor 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 Windsor
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 Windsor 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 Windsor
Windsor (3181) is about 5 km south-east of the Melbourne CBD, and well within our regular service area. We build decks, pergolas and outdoor living areas in Windsor 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 courtyard deck in Windsor?
A building permit is generally needed if a deck is more than 800 mm above the ground or attached to the house, and roofed pergolas often need one too. In a heritage area, structures visible from the street may also need a planning permit. Because Windsor spans two councils, we confirm the requirements with the right one for your address.
Can you build a deck on my Windsor apartment balcony?
Often, using a pedestal system or tiles that sit above the membrane without fixing through it. The owners corporation usually needs to approve the work, and the building’s engineering and fire safety requirements may limit materials and weight. We check the rules and provide the details the committee needs before ordering anything.
How do materials get into a Windsor courtyard?
Usually through the house, since many terraces have no side passage and limited rear access. We protect floors and doorways, use boards cut to length where possible and plan deliveries around street parking. For roof terraces, materials may go up internal stairs or by hoist, which we confirm during the site visit.
We’re leasing out our Windsor terrace. What should we do with the courtyard?
Tenants mostly want a courtyard that is clean, safe and easy to look after. Repairing uneven paving or loose deck boards, clearing drains, fixing outdoor lights and adding a simple shade option go a long way. Low-maintenance planting suits a rental better than garden beds that need regular care. Bigger changes can wait until your plans are settled.
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.