Adding decking or a pergola to your outdoor living space is one of the smartest ways to add value, style, and functionality to your home. In Sydney, especially across the Inner West, Sutherland Shire, Eastern Suburbs and the illawarra, well-designed outdoor areas are no longer a luxury; they are an essential part of modern living.
At Pattern Construction Co, we design and build premium timber and composite decks, and pergolas that are functional, compliant, and tailored to your unique conditions. This guide explains what homeowners need to know before starting a project, including design considerations, materials, costs, approvals, and common mistakes.
Why Experience Matters for Decking and Pergolas
Constructing a deck or pergola may seem simple, but several factors affect durability and compliance:
- Structural load and support requirements
- Waterproofing and adequate drainage
- Bushfire zones (BAL – Bushfire Attack Level)
- Coastal exposure and corrosion
- Council approvals and planning requirements
Choosing licensed, experienced deck builders ensures your project is safe, compliant, and built to last. Poor construction can result in movement, water damage, council issues, and expensive repairs.
Choosing the Right Decking Material
Timber decking continues to be a popular choice for its warmth and natural beauty. Common options include Spotted Gum, Blackbutt, and Merbau. Timber is ideal for Inner West homes, extensions, and architect-led renovations, but requires ongoing maintenance and correct detailing for airflow and sub structure drainage.
Composite decking is low-maintenance, durable, and ideal for coastal homes exposed to sun and salt air. Even so, it still requires proper structure and spacing to perform well over time. Composite decking is commonly chosen in the Eastern Suburbs and Sutherland Shire.
Key benefits of composite decking:
- Minimal maintenance required
- Long-lasting and durable
- Consistent appearance
Designing a Pergola That Fits Your Home
A pergola should complement your home rather than be an afterthought. We build
- Fixed roof pergolas
- Open slatted pergolas
- Integrated pergola and decking structures
When designing a pergola, it is essential to consider
- Council approvals and planning requirements
- Tie-downs and secure connections
- Roof drainage and weatherproofing
- Integration with existing structures
Early advice and planning can save time and costs while avoiding common mistakes that compromise durability and safety.
Understanding Approvals
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is underestimating the approval process. Depending on the project, a decking or pergola structure may be
- Exempt from approval
- Require a Complying Development Certificate (CDC)
- Require a full Development Application (DA)
Area-specific considerations include
- Inner West: Heritage overlays and setback requirements
- Eastern Suburbs: Coastal exposure, height, and privacy impacts
- Sutherland Shire: Bushfire and termite zones, sloping sites
Working with experienced deck builders ensures the correct approval pathway is followed, saving time and unnecessary expense.
Costs of Decking and Pergolas in Sydney
Costs vary depending on materials, design, approvals, and site conditions. Indicative ranges are
| Material / Structure | Cost Range (per square metre/project) |
| Timber decking | $600 – $1,200 per square metre |
| Composite decking | $700 – $1,400 per square metre |
| Pergolas | $15,000 – $50,000+, depending on design and finish |
Factors that influence cost include
- Site access and structural complexity
- Level of finish and integration with the home
- Council approvals and documentation requirements
Extremely low quotes may indicate substandard workmanship, incorrect materials or missing structural work, so caution is advised.
Why Choose Pattern Construction Co
Homeowners choose us for our certainty and expertise. We provide
- Clear guidance early in the process
- Honest advice on feasibility and costs
- Complete documentation and approvals
- High-quality workmanship backed by almost 2 decades of experience
As an award-winning builder, we treat decking and pergolas with the same care as full home extensions.
We regularly work across the Inner West, Sutherland Shire, and Eastern Suburbs, including Stanmore, Marrickville, Newtown, Cronulla, Caringbah, Gymea, Randwick, Clovelly, and Bronte all the way to the illawarra. Our local knowledge ensures smooth project execution and compliance.
Ready to Build Your Deck or Pergola?
Whether you are starting with ideas or have approved plans, our team can provide practical, expert advice. Book a consultation with Pattern Construction Co and take the guesswork out of your decking or pergola project today.