Deck Builders Highland Park

Residential and commercial decking around Highland Park

Alongside home decks, we take on decking for managed and commercial properties: outdoor customer areas for cafes and retail, office break-out decks, body corporate common areas, and replacement decks on investment properties for landlords and property managers. Commercial work can be timber or composite, and is scoped and quoted the same way: measure, assess what is there, then a fixed written price.

When the ground falls away gradually from the house, a single deck at floor height ends up tall at the far end. That means a balustrade, a long stair, bigger posts and possibly approval. Stepping the deck down in two or three levels can keep each section low, closer to the ground, and often under the height where a balustrade is needed.

Planning the levels

The top level usually sits at, or one step below, the house floor. Each lower level drops by one or two steps. We look at what each area is for. The top level is usually for dining, close to the kitchen. A middle level might hold a lounge setting. The bottom level can lead onto the lawn, the pool or a garden path.

Steps between levels

Wide steps between levels work as seating as well as a way down. A step running the full width of the deck looks generous and is easy to walk. Every rise must be the same height, so the levels are designed to suit a consistent step. We fit a contrasting nosing or lighting where the steps are used at night.

Fewer approvals, simpler build

Keeping each level close to the ground can mean no balustrade, simpler footings and, in some cases, no building approval. That depends on the final heights and size, so we confirm it with you before quoting.

Retaining at the edges

Where the deck levels step down, the ground beside them may need a small retaining wall or garden edge to hold soil back from the frame. Soil sitting against timber causes rot. We leave a gap or add a sleeper edge. For larger retaining work, see retaining walls.

Boards across levels

Using the same board on all levels ties the design together. Changing board direction on each level can define zones. Hardwood, composite from Ekodeck and Ezy Decking, and treated pine all work.

Supply, install and cost

As a general guide, timber decking runs roughly $350 to $550 per m² and composite $450 to $700 per m² supplied and installed, depending on height, access, framing and finishes. Multi-level decks have more edges and steps, which add cost, but they can save on posts and balustrades. We also install boards you supply. See the decking cost guide.