How much does a deck cost in Sydney?

A timber deck in Sydney typically costs between $8,000 and $65,000 depending on size, material, and complexity. A small treated pine deck starts around $8,000–$18,000, while a large composite deck with multiple levels can reach $35,000–$65,000. Factors like site access, height above ground, and council requirements all affect the final price. We recommend getting a free site measure for an accurate written quote.

Do I need council approval for a deck in NSW?

Under NSW planning rules, a deck can be built as exempt development — with no DA or CDC required — if it is no more than 25m² in area, no more than 1m above existing ground level, and located behind the building line. Any deck that exceeds these standards requires either a Complying Development Certificate (CDC) or a full Development Application (DA) to your local council.

How do I know if my builder is licensed in NSW?

In NSW, any building work valued over $5,000 must be carried out by a licensed carpenter/contractor. You can verify any licence at fairtrading.nsw.gov.au using the licence number. MJ Leckie Carpentry holds NSW Contractor Licence 353438C. Always ask for the licence number before signing any contract.

What is the best decking material for coastal Sydney?

For coastal areas like the Northern Beaches, hardwood species such as Spotted Gum and Merbau perform well due to their natural durability and resistance to moisture. Composite decking is also an excellent choice for low maintenance. All fixings should be 316-grade marine stainless steel — standard galvanised fixings corrode rapidly in salt air environments within 1km of the coast.

How long does it take to build a deck?

Most residential decks take between 1 and 3 weeks to complete depending on size and complexity. A simple ground-level deck may be finished in 5–7 working days, while a large elevated deck with stairs and balustrades could take 3–4 weeks. Council approval timelines are separate and can add 2–8 weeks depending on the application type.

What is joist tape and why is it important?

Joist tape is a self-adhesive waterproof membrane applied to the top of deck joists before the decking boards are laid. It prevents water from pooling where screws penetrate the timber — one of the most common causes of premature joist rot in Australian conditions. At MJ Leckie Carpentry, we tape every joist on every deck as a standard inclusion.

How much does a pergola cost in Sydney?

In 2025, the average cost to build a pergola in Sydney ranges from $3,000 for a basic kit structure up to $75,000+ for a large custom insulated roofed pergola. A professionally built timber or steel pergola with a quality roof system typically sits between $15,000–$45,000. Material choice, roofing type, size, and council approval requirements all affect the final cost.

Do pergolas and carports need council approval in NSW?

Under the NSW Exempt Development rules, a pergola or carport can be built without council approval if it does not exceed 25m² in area, is no more than 3m at its highest point, and is located at least 900mm from any side boundary. Any structure exceeding these limits requires a CDC or DA.

How do I get a free quote from MJ Leckie Carpentry?

You can request a free site measure and written quote by calling us on 0482 088 410, emailing admin@mjleckiecarpentry.com.au, or filling out the contact form on this website. We'll arrange a convenient time to visit your property, discuss your project, and provide an accurate quote in writing. There's no obligation and no hard sell.

Congratulations Renato Isanan — MJ Leckie Carpentry April Kaizen Winner

Congratulations Renato Isanan — April Kaizen 1% Winner!

The MJ Leckie Carpentry team is thrilled to congratulate Renato Isanan on winning the Kaizen 1% Improvement Award for April 2026.

The Kaizen philosophy is simple: small, consistent improvements every day add up to big results over time. It's a principle we take seriously at MJ Leckie Carpentry — not just in the quality of our builds, but in the way we run our business and look after each other on site.

Why Renato?

Renato has stood out this month for his genuine commitment to making things better. He has been actively suggesting practical improvements to the way our projects run — from smarter workflows to better on-site communication — and importantly, he hasn't just talked about it. Renato has been putting those ideas into practice and sharing clear, constructive feedback along the way.

That combination of initiative, follow-through, and team spirit is exactly what the Kaizen award is all about.

A Team Effort

While Renato takes the award for April, it's worth recognising that the whole team contributed this month. Everyone brought energy, ideas, and a willingness to improve — and that collective effort makes MJ Leckie Carpentry a better business and a better place to work.

We're proud of every one of you.

Looking Ahead

We're already looking forward to May and seeing what new ideas the team brings to the table. The Kaizen 1% Award is open to everyone — all it takes is the drive to spot an opportunity and the courage to act on it.

Keep it up, team. One percent better, every day.

— MJ Leckie Carpentry

Congratulations Renato — April Kaizen 1% Winner!

Congratulations Renato Isanan — April Kaizen 1% Winner!

Why Renato?

A Team Effort

Looking Ahead

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