Melbourne's climate is made for outdoor living. We get enough warm months to justify a proper outdoor space, and the cooler months just mean adding a fire pit or outdoor heater. Here are some ideas for making the most of your backyard, drawn from projects we have built across the western suburbs, Bayside, and the Mornington Peninsula.
The alfresco dining area
An alfresco dining area is the most common outdoor living request we receive, and for good reason. A covered deck or patio with space for a dining table transforms how your family uses the home. We typically recommend a minimum size of 4 metres by 5 metres for a comfortable dining area with room to move around the table.
A pergola with an insulated roof panel provides year-round comfort, keeping you cool in summer and dry in winter. Add downlights for evening dining and a ceiling fan for air circulation, and you have a space that gets used every day.
Multi-level decking
For sloping blocks, multi-level decking creates distinct zones for different activities. A raised level for dining, a lower level for a lounge area, and perhaps a ground-level section leading to the garden. Steps, integrated seating, and lighting tie the levels together.
Our Hoppers Crossing deck project featured over 4km of jarrah timber boards across multiple levels with lighting throughout. The key to a successful multi-level deck is getting the subfloor right, which is where our carpentry expertise makes the difference.
Privacy and screening
Outdoor living areas need privacy to feel like a true retreat. Timber screening, planting, and strategic fencing can all create a sense of enclosure without making the space feel boxed in.
We install horizontal and vertical timber screening in a range of spacings to suit your privacy needs. Hardwood screens in merbau or spotted gum look stunning and weather beautifully. For a softer approach, we can combine screening with planting pockets for climbers or ornamental grasses.
Have an outdoor living idea you want to bring to life? We would love to discuss it.
Schedule a CallExtending the seasons
Melbourne's outdoor living season can run from September through to May with the right setup. Gas or wood fire pits add warmth and atmosphere. Outdoor heaters, both gas and electric, provide focused heat for dining areas.
We can integrate fire pit areas into your landscaping design and install the hardscaping around gas fire features. For a permanent installation, gas fire tables sit beautifully on a deck or patio and provide reliable heat with minimal maintenance.