Decking & Pergolas
Decks and pergolas built to the same structural standard as the main frame — because a deck that moves is a deck that fails.
A deck is not complicated. Two people can build one in a weekend. Whether it holds up for two years or twenty depends almost entirely on what happens in the first few hours — the post sizing, the beam spans, the joist connections, the bearer bearings.
Most decks fail at the connections. Posts notched incorrectly. Bearers undersized for the span. Joists toenailed rather than properly bracketed. Hardware that's the wrong grade for the exposure. None of it is visible once the decking boards go down. You find out at year three when something starts moving.
We apply the same specification to outdoor structures as we do internally: level, square, and properly connected at every junction. Posts are sized for the load. Beams are sized for the span. Joists are bracketed, not toenailed. Hardware is rated for the exposure. Footings and connection details follow engineering where the span or load requires it.
Pergolas get the same treatment. Rafters, purlins, and secondary members are fixed with structural fixings — not just nailed — and connections at posts are bolted rather than hoped for.
What's Included
- Hardwood decking — spotted gum, blackbutt, ironbark, merbau
- Treated pine and composite decking systems
- Freestanding and attached pergola structures
- Post footings and connection details to engineering where required
- Joists bracketed, not toenailed — hardware rated for exposure
- Beam spans sized for the load, not the minimum
- Handrail and balustrade framing
- Alfresco and outdoor room structures
We provide decking & pergolas across Sydney. Select your area for local information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need council approval for a deck or pergola in Sydney?
In NSW, most decks and pergolas qualify as exempt development if they're under certain size and height thresholds. The specific limits vary by council LEP. We can advise what's typical, but confirm with your council or a private certifier before building — getting it wrong is your problem, not ours.
What timber species do you recommend for decking?
Spotted gum and blackbutt for hardwood — both durable, both widely available, both look good. Treated pine if budget is the main constraint. Composite decking if you want minimal maintenance and are happy with the look. Merbau is an option but has sustainability concerns we'd steer you away from.
How long does a deck take to build?
A straightforward freestanding deck of 30–40 m² takes three to four days for a crew. Larger structures, elevated decks, or those requiring engineering take longer. We'll confirm the timeline when we quote.
How long will a hardwood deck last?
A properly constructed hardwood deck in Sydney — correct footings, correct hardware for the exposure, correct species — should last twenty to thirty years with basic oiling. Most decks fail earlier because the connections weren't right. You don't find out until year three when something shifts.
Do you build pergolas without a deck underneath?
Yes. Freestanding pergolas over concrete or pavers, attached pergolas over an existing outdoor area, alfresco roofing structures. The pergola frame is designed and built as a standalone structure where required.
Other Services
View AllWall Framing
Structural wall framing where every stud is checked, every plate is straight, and every fixing is done twice.
Subfloor Framing
Squeak-free subfloors built on a level datum — because squeaking floors are a construction failure, not a maintenance issue.
Roof Framing
Roof structures framed straight, set with controlled pre-camber, and fixed so they stay that way under load.