Our Blog
Expert insights on outdoor living, deck design, and Northern Beaches carpentry.
[AI Draft] Deck Framing Rules in NSW: Joist Spacings, Spans, and How to Avoid a Bouncy Deck
Discover why decks bounce and how to ensure your new Northern Beaches deck is rock-solid. We explain NSW framing rules, joist spacings, and timber spans in plain English.
[AI Draft] Termite-Proofing Your Deck: The NSW Rules for Timber Treatments and Inspection Zones
Learn how to protect your Northern Beaches home from termites when building a new timber deck. We explain the NSW building codes, 75mm inspection zones, and timber treatments.
[AI Draft] Deck Stairs and Steps: The NSW Building Rules for Safety, Spacing, and Slip Resistance
Wondering why some deck stairs feel awkward while others are a breeze to walk up? We break down the exact NSW building rules for stair risers, treads, and slip resistance under the National Construction Code.
[AI Draft] Deck Balustrades and Handrails in NSW: Height Rules and Safety Standards Explained
Wondering if your new Northern Beaches deck needs a balustrade, or how high it has to be? We explain the NCC 2022 rules for handrails, wire, and glass in plain English.
Do I Need Council Approval for a Deck in NSW? The Rules, in Plain English
The honest answer to 'do I need council approval for a deck?' depends on height, size, where it sits on your block, and whether you're in a bushfire zone. Here are the three NSW approval tiers, in plain English, from a local carpenter.
NSW Deck Building Standards: The Construction Code, Explained by a Carpenter
Getting a deck approved and building it to code are two different things. Here are the construction standards a NSW deck has to meet — structural spans, timber durability, termite protection, stair geometry, balustrades and bushfire ratings — explained by a local carpenter.
Congratulations Renato — April Kaizen 1% Winner!
A huge congratulations to Renato Isanan, who has taken out the MJ Leckie Carpentry Kaizen 1% Improvement Award for April 2026.
Pergola Design Ideas: Creating Shade, Privacy, and Style in Your Outdoor Space
A well-designed pergola transforms a backyard. Whether you want shade, privacy, or a focal point, we cover designs that work for Northern Beaches homes.
Project Spotlight: Single Carport the Only Way It Would Work — Freshwater
A single carport in Freshwater where the only viable solution was running the gable on the end. Steel frame, Colorbond Ironstone, and a client who came out to the driveway to say thanks.
Project Spotlight: Triple-Wide Strata Carport — Northern Beaches
A triple-wide carport for a strata complex on the Northern Beaches. The committee had the previous structure removed and brought in MJ Leckie Carpentry to build a proper replacement — steel frame, ceiling panel roof, three bays wide.
MJ Leckie Carpentry is Going the Distance for Gotcha4Life
At MJ Leckie Carpentry, we're joining the Gotcha4Life fundraising campaign with a goal to raise $5,000. Every dollar goes straight to the cause — find out how you can help.
Project Spotlight: Double Carport on an Awkward Block — Killarney Heights
A double carport squeezed into a tricky corner block on the Northern Beaches — protecting the client's cars from overhanging trees while working within a tight site footprint.
Project Spotlight: Composite Deck, Stairs & Bench Seat Over Sandstone — Frenchs Forest
A composite deck and staircase built over sandstone in Frenchs Forest, with an integrated bench seat and louvred pergola designed for a busy family with young children.
Project Spotlight: Blackbutt Pool Deck with Sleeper Protection — Mosman
A 140mm wide Blackbutt pool deck in Mosman, built with extreme joists and timber sleepers to solve a soil washing problem and protect the subframe for decades.
Project Spotlight: Composite Pool Deck with Gable Louvre Pergola — Killarney Heights
Sea Salt Grey composite boards wrap a kidney-shaped pool in Killarney Heights, paired with a gable-roof louvre pergola and frameless glass panels for a stunning all-weather outdoor room.
Project Spotlight: Merbau Pool Deck with Extreme Joist Frame — Killarney Heights
A Merbau pool deck in Killarney Heights built with an extreme joist subframe to outlast the standard pine frame of the previous deck by decades.
Project Spotlight: Spotted Gum Deck with Motorised Louvre Pergola — Mosman
A stunning spotted gum deck with motorised louvre pergola transforms an elevated Mosman property into a year-round outdoor entertaining space.
Project Spotlight: Engineer Designed Balcony & Pool Deck — Church Point
A structurally engineered LVL balcony and pool deck at Church Point on Pittwater, built to handle waterfront conditions with stainless wire rope balustrade and sweeping water views.
Why Proper Deck Drainage Matters (And How to Get It Right)
Poor drainage is the silent killer of decks. Water pooling underneath causes rot, mould, and structural failure. Here's how to design drainage that lasts.
Porcelain vs Stone Benchtops for Outdoor Kitchens: Which Lasts Longer?
Your benchtop is the hardest-working surface in your outdoor kitchen. It faces UV, rain, salt air, heat from the BBQ, and whatever your guests put down on it. Here's how porcelain and stone stack up.
How to Choose the Right Decking Material: Composite vs Timber vs Treated Pine
Timber, composite, treated pine—which material is right for your deck? We break down durability, cost, maintenance, and looks so you can make an informed choice.
Alloy Frame vs Stylex Doors: What's the Difference and Which Should You Choose?
Two of our most popular door styles, two very different looks. Here's a side-by-side breakdown of Alloy Frame and Stylex outdoor kitchen doors to help you decide.
Why Winter is the Best Time for Deck Renovations — Beat the Spring Rush Before Christmas
Winter is prime time for deck renovations. Avoid the spring rush, get better pricing, faster scheduling, and have your deck ready for Christmas entertaining.
The Brave Design That Paid Off: A Mosman Client's Bold Outdoor Kitchen
When a Mosman client came to us with an unconventional vision — rust-toned cabinetry, dramatic marble-look benchtop, integrated wine fridge — we had one job: trust the brief and build it beautifully.
Spring Rush for Outdoor Decks: Why Starting Now is Your Best Move
Spring is deck season. Here's why starting your outdoor deck project now—before the summer rush—puts you ahead and saves you money, time, and frustration.
5 Outdoor Kitchen Layouts That Work Perfectly on a Sydney Deck
Not all outdoor kitchens are created equal — and neither are Sydney decks. From narrow courtyard strips to sprawling Pittwater terraces, here are five layouts that make the most of your space.
What Does a Custom Outdoor Kitchen Actually Cost in Sydney? (Honest Numbers)
Pricing for outdoor kitchens online is vague at best and misleading at worst. Here are honest, current figures for custom outdoor kitchens in Sydney — from entry-level to premium.
How to Keep Your Outdoor Kitchen Looking Brand New (Maintenance Guide)
A well-maintained outdoor kitchen can look as good at ten years as it did on day one. Here's our simple, practical maintenance guide for Sydney's coastal climate.
Outdoor Kitchens in Small Spaces: What You Can Achieve with 2 Metres
Think your deck is too small for an outdoor kitchen? Think again. Some of our most satisfying projects have been the most compact ones. Here's what's possible in 2 metres.
Does an Outdoor Kitchen Add Value to Your Sydney Home?
It's the question every homeowner asks before committing: will this actually add value to my property? The short answer is yes. Here's the longer answer.
Case Study: A Collaroy Couple's Dream Kitchen, Built in 6 Weeks
When a Collaroy couple came to us with a narrow deck, a tight brief, and a very clear vision, we had six weeks to deliver. Here's how it came together.
7 Mistakes People Make When Planning an Outdoor Kitchen (And How to Avoid Them)
After building custom outdoor kitchens across Sydney's Northern Beaches, we've seen the same planning mistakes come up again and again. Here's how to avoid them before your project starts.
Broil King BI 690 Built-In BBQ Review: Is It Worth It for Your Outdoor Kitchen?
The Broil King BI 690 is becoming one of the most popular built-in BBQs for luxury outdoor kitchens in Sydney. We break down exactly why — and what to consider before you install one.
Sick of Being Trumped by the Trump? Install an MJ Leckie Outdoor Kitchen This Easter
Every Easter someone else hosts and you're driving to theirs. Not this year. Install an MJ Leckie Carpentry outdoor kitchen and your friends will be driving to you next Easter.
How to Design an Outdoor Kitchen: The Complete Guide for Sydney Homeowners
From layout planning to benchtop selection, this complete guide walks you through every step of designing a stunning outdoor kitchen for your Sydney home.
Planning Your Outdoor Kitchen? Here's Everything You Need to Think About First
Before you spend a single dollar, there are 10 crucial things every Sydney homeowner needs to consider when planning an outdoor kitchen. Get these right and you'll love it forever.
Design Your Dream Outdoor Kitchen Online — For Free
Imagine planning your entire custom outdoor kitchen from your couch — choosing cabinets, benchtops, appliances, and finishes — and seeing the price update in real time. That's exactly what our free online planner lets you do.