Lake Macquarie · Since 1989
Lake Macquarie Decks
Custom-built timber, composite and steel-framed decks for Lake Mac homes. Built to last, finished to a standard you’ll still be proud of in ten years.
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75+ 5-Star reviews
Authorised Stratco & Stratco Outback Dealer
25-Year Product Warranty
Interest-Free Finance Available
“I can’t speak too highly enough of the Outdoor Leisure Living team.”
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Les Rushbrook
Decks around Lake Mac
Lakeside, hillside, sloping or split-level. We've built them all.
Lake Macquarie blocks come in just about every shape. Lakeside builds at Bonnells Bay and Marks Point. Sloping blocks at Cardiff and Eleebana. Older fibros at Toronto with new owners adding the deck they always wanted. Each one needs a slightly different approach to framing, finish, and how the deck ties into the rest of the home.
For more than 35 years we’ve been building decks for Lake Mac families. We bring the same considered design and quality build standards to decks as we do to our Stratco work, and we work to match the deck to the rest of the outdoor space if you’re planning a patio or pergola over it.
Every deck is custom-built around your block, your home, and how you’ll actually use it.
Built to last
Three ways to build it. We'll help you pick.
The right material for your deck depends on the look you want, the maintenance you’re willing to do, and how exposed the space is. Here’s how the three options compare.
Hardwood Timber
The classic, warm, natural look. Hardwood timber decks have a grain and character that synthetic products can't quite match, and they age beautifully when looked after. We use durable hardwoods rated for the Central Coast climate.
What you’ll love:
- Genuine timber look and feel
- Each board is unique
- Warm underfoot, even in winter
- Can be stained or oiled in different finishes
What to know:
- Needs sealing or oiling every 12 to 24 months to maintain finish
- Can grey naturally over time if left unsealed (some homeowners prefer this look)
- Higher maintenance commitment than composite
Composite Decking
A modern alternative made from recycled timber fibre and plastic. Composite decks look like timber but require almost no ongoing maintenance, making them a popular choice for homeowners who want the look without the upkeep.
What you’ll love:
- Virtually maintenance-free (no sealing, no oiling)
- Won’t splinter, warp or crack
- Consistent colour across boards
- Resistant to mould, mildew and termites
What to know:
- Premium upfront cost
- Doesn’t have the natural grain variation of timber
- Can get warm underfoot in direct summer sun
Steel-Framed Decking
For the structural frame underneath, steel is an option worth considering. Steel beams, joists and bearers give the deck superior strength, longer spans, and immunity to termites and timber rot. The decking boards on top can still be timber or composite. Steel framing just gives you a more reliable foundation.
What you’ll love:
- Stronger and straighter than timber framing
- Termite-proof and rot-proof
- Longer spans, fewer posts
- Suited to elevated or complex builds
What to know:
- Higher upfront cost than timber framing
- Combined with either timber or composite top boards
If you’re not sure which to choose, that’s exactly what the on-site consultation is for. We’ll look at the orientation, the use case, the lifestyle and the budget, and walk through the trade-offs in plain English.
Worth the build
Outdoor space that turns into living space.
The morning coffee where you actually watch the garden wake up. The casual Friday night drink that didn’t need a venue. The kids who came outside without being asked because the deck is now the best room in the house. A deck doesn’t just add square metres. It adds the kind of square metres you’ll actually use.
Cover for year-round use
A deck with a patio overhead is a different deck entirely.
Most of our deck projects include some form of cover, whether that’s a Stratco patio, a pergola or a section of insulated roofing. The protection from sun and rain extends how often the space gets used, especially through summer and the wetter months. And because we build the deck and the cover as one project, the proportions, post placement and finishes work together rather than fighting each other.
Local builds
Outdoor spaces built across Lake Macquarie & the Central Coast.
Blinds
Blue Haven
Ambient Sunblinds & Outdoor Privacy
Carport
Toronto
Flyover Carport with Merbau Posts
Carport
Central Coast
Flyover Carport & Privacy Screen
Patio
Central Coast
Cooldek Insulated Roof
“Highly recommend 5 stars is not enough. Very professional from start to finish and they delivered on everything they promised.”
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Fiona Brown
How it works
Three steps, no surprises
- Free On-Site Consultation: Call 0490 094 020 or fill in the form. We'll come to your home, listen to how you'll use the space, and recommend the right Stratco system for your needs and budget.
- Fixed Quote & Design: You get a custom design, a fixed all-inclusive price, and our team handles any council approvals required.
- Manufacture & install: Your Stratco patio is custom-made to spec, then installed by our certified team. We walk you through it, hand over your warranty paperwork, and leave the site spotless.
“From our initial enquiry through to completion, Jack, Laurie, Phil and team provided excellent service and workmanship.”
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Sharon Sutherland
Local approvals
We handle the Lake Macquarie City Council process for you.
Most low-set decks attached to your home and within boundary setbacks qualify as exempt development. Decks above 1 metre off the ground, those close to a boundary, or those built within foreshore zones may need a Complying Development Certificate or formal approval through Lake Macquarie City Council.
We assess the situation during the consultation and handle the paperwork as part of the service.
“We are so happy with the results and it has completely transformed our outdoor space!”
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Tayla Healy
Where we work
From the eastern shore to the western suburbs.
We service homes across the Lake Macquarie LGA, including:
Toronto, Bonnells Bay, Belmont, Warners Bay, Speers Point, Cardiff, Charlestown, Morisset, Wangi Wangi, Dora Creek, Marks Point, Eleebana, Valentine, Caves Beach, Swansea, Fennell Bay, Carey Bay.
If you’re outside these areas, give us a call anyway. We do travel for the right project.
Hear from our customers
75+ five-star reviews from Coast families.
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4.9/5 Avg Rating
Interest-free finance
Start enjoying it now. Pay it off over time.
Interest-free finance is available so the project that suits your home also suits your budget. Specific terms vary depending on current promotions, so get in touch for what’s available right now.
Frequently asked
Your questions, answered.
How much does a custom deck cost in Lake Macquarie?
Pricing varies based on size, materials, framing choice and any extras like balustrading or stairs. Hardwood and composite cost differently. Interest-free finance is available. Every project starts with a free consultation and a fixed-fee quote.
Hardwood, composite or steel framing for a lakeside home?
For lakeside builds, hardwood looks beautiful but needs proper sealing in the humid conditions. Composite handles the climate with very little maintenance. Steel framing is often the smart call for elevated or sloping lakeside blocks because it spans longer and won’t rot. We’ll talk through the trade-offs at the consultation.
Do I need council approval for a deck in Lake Macquarie?
Sometimes yes, through Lake Macquarie City Council. It depends on the height above ground, proximity to boundaries, and whether the property is in a foreshore zone. We handle the approval process for you as part of the service.
Can you build over a sloping or lakeside block?
Yes. Sloping and elevated builds are some of our most common Lake Mac projects. A deck is one of the best ways to extend useful living space out from a sloping home. Steel framing is usually the right choice for these builds.
Can you build the deck and the patio cover as one project?
Yes, and we’d recommend it for most builds. Covered decks get used far more often than uncovered ones, especially through summer and winter. Because we build both, we can design the deck and the cover as one integrated project. Have a look at our patio and pergola pages for the cover options.
How far do you travel within Lake Mac?
The entire Lake Macquarie LGA. Bonnells Bay, Toronto, Belmont, Warners Bay, Speers Point, Cardiff, Charlestown, Morisset, Wangi Wangi, Marks Point and surrounding suburbs.
Can a deck be built over a sloping block?
Yes, often very effectively. A deck is one of the best solutions for a sloping block because it can extend out into space that would otherwise be unusable. Steel framing is often the better choice for elevated builds.
How much maintenance does a deck need?
Depends on the material. Composite needs little more than an occasional clean with mild detergent. Hardwood needs to be sealed or oiled every 12 to 24 months to maintain the finish and protect the wood from UV and moisture. We’ll talk through the maintenance side honestly during the consultation.
Can you build the deck with a patio or pergola overhead?
Yes, and we’d recommend it for most projects. A covered deck extends how often you’ll use the space and adds significant value. Because we build both, we can design the deck and the cover as one integrated project. Have a look at our patios and pergolas pages for the cover options.
How soon can you start?
Start times vary depending on the time of year and our current build schedule. Send an enquiry or give us a call and we’ll let you know our earliest available start date.
Ready when you are
Get your free deck quote.
Book a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll come to you, listen to what you have in mind, and put together a plan.
We’ll never share your details. No spam – just a fast, fair quote.