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.

Free Online Outdoor Kitchen Planner — Design & Price Instantly

<h2>Design Your Dream Outdoor Kitchen Online — For Free</h2><p>Planning a custom outdoor kitchen used to mean booking multiple trade visits, waiting on quotes, and trying to visualise a finished space from a flat piece of paper. Not anymore.</p><p>At MJ Leckie Carpentry, we've built a <strong>free online kitchen planner</strong> that puts you in the driver's seat. In minutes, you can design a full outdoor kitchen layout, pick your materials, and see a live price estimate — all before speaking to anyone.</p><img src='https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1600607686527-6fb886090705?w=1200&q=80' alt='Beautiful Sydney outdoor kitchen with stone benchtop and alfresco deck'/><h2>How the Planner Works</h2><ol><li><strong>Browse the cabinet library</strong> — choose from door units, drawer units, corner units, BBQ surrounds, fridge cabinets, and more.</li><li><strong>Drag cabinets onto the canvas</strong> — arrange them exactly how you want.</li><li><strong>Select your finishes</strong> — pick your benchtop material, door style, handle, and kicker colour.</li><li><strong>Add appliances</strong> — drop in a fridge, sink, BBQ, oven, or ice maker.</li><li><strong>See your price update live</strong> — the quote panel calculates your total as you design.</li></ol><img src='https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1570129477492-45c003edd2be?w=1200&q=80' alt='Modern outdoor kitchen on a Sydney Northern Beaches home with timber deck'/><h2>Why Design It Yourself?</h2><h3>You Know Your Space Best</h3><p>No one knows your deck, your backyard, or how you entertain better than you do. Our planner gives you the freedom to experiment.</p><h3>No Obligation, No Rush</h3><p>The planner is completely free to use. Come back to it as many times as you want. There's no pressure to commit until you're ready.</p><h3>Real Prices, Not Guesswork</h3><p>Every cabinet and appliance in the planner has real pricing. The live quote panel gives you an honest estimate based on your actual selections, so there are no surprises later.</p><h2>The Process After You Design</h2><ol><li><strong>Submit for quote</strong> — we review your design and send a formal written quote within 48 hours</li><li><strong>Approval</strong> — review the details, approve digitally, and we lock in your job</li><li><strong>Manufacturing</strong> — your cabinets are custom-built in our Sydney workshop</li><li><strong>Installation</strong> — our team installs your kitchen on-site, ready for your first BBQ</li></ol><p>Most kitchens are completed within 6–10 weeks from approval.</p><p>Visit <strong>customoutdoorkitchensydney.com.au/Planner</strong> to start designing today.</p><p><strong>— The MJ Leckie Carpentry Team</strong></p>

Design Your Dream Outdoor Kitchen Online — For Free

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