Custom Timber Decks & Alfresco Builds | Northern Beaches | Podology
Custom Timber Decks, Built for the Northern Beaches
A cheap deck fails in five years. A properly-built one holds up for twenty. We engineer and build merbau, spotted gum, blackbutt and composite decks for exposed coastal Sydney conditions — with the structural detail that separates a landscape build from a carpentry build.
- Merbau, spotted gum, blackbutt & composite decking
- Multi-level, poolside & alfresco integrations
- Structural engineering & council approvals in-house
- Full-time in-house crew — no rotating subbies
- 5-year workmanship guarantee on every build
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Recent projects across Sydney’s Northern Beaches.
Decking work across the Northern Beaches, suburb-tagged so you can see the range. Timber, composite and poolside — every deck engineered, drained and built to last. Tap any image to view full size.
Sydney Homeowners on Podology
Real reviews from real projects across the Northern Beaches, North Shore & wider Sydney.
We would like to thank you for the work you undertook at our place. You were well organised and professional. You scoped the project closely and estimated the work involved with accuracy. Your team demonstrated close attention to detail and acted at all times with consideration and courtesy. We are very pleased with the end result and would not hesitate to recommend Podology.
Friendly, flexible and creative landscapers who produced a wonderful garden for us. The team’s structural work is where their real expertise shows — everything is properly engineered and built to last.
Podology offered great advice in the planning stage and on the job were efficient, timely and delivered a quality product. The retaining wall and deck work is exceptional — you can see the engineering-first approach in every detail.
Nick and the team turned a sloped, unusable backyard into a proper structural build — retaining walls, integrated deck, planting. Every stage on time, on budget, and the finish is furniture-grade. This is what proper structural landscaping looks like.
We interviewed three landscapers. Podology were the only ones who talked about drainage, ag-lines, engineering sign-off, and long-term stability before they talked about aesthetics. That’s why we chose them — and why we’d choose them again.
Detailed quote, honest timeline, and everything delivered exactly as promised. No variation claims, no surprises. The wall has been in for two years now — zero movement, perfect drainage. Cannot recommend Podology highly enough.
Every deck spec’d for the site — not off a menu
From coastal alfresco decks to multi-level pool surrounds, we build in the materials that hold up to Sydney’s climate and the structural detail that makes them last.
Merbau & Hardwood Decks
Merbau, blackbutt or ironbark, fixed with concealed clip systems and sealed for coastal exposure. Long-life, minimal maintenance.
Spotted Gum Feature Decks
Premium Australian hardwood, sanded, oiled and sealed onsite to a furniture-grade finish. For clients who want a hero deck.
Composite Decking
Trex, ModWood, NewTechWood. Zero maintenance, modern profile, resists fade and rot. Ideal for exposed positions.
Multi-Level & Alfresco
Integrated stairs, balustrades, and alfresco kitchen zones. Engineered subframes with steel where the site demands it.
Pool Deck Surrounds
Slip-graded coastal-tolerant decking around pools. Coping, edge details and drainage properly engineered.
Repairs & Rebuilds
Failed deck? We assess, quote, and rebuild it properly. Most rebuilds cost less than you’d expect — because we do it once and do it right.
Why Sydney homeowners choose Podology for decking
Construction-First, Not Design-First
Most landscapers lead with mood boards and sub the build. We do it the other way around — structural detail, subframe, coastal-grade fixings first. That’s what makes a deck last twenty years.
Fixed Price. No Surprises.
Detailed scope before we start. What you’re quoted is what you pay. No variation claims mid-build. If we hit something unexpected, we absorb it — that’s on us.
On Time, No Ghosting
Weekly progress. One point of contact. If the schedule slips, you know why and by how much — before it happens. No disappearing acts.
Owner-Led, Every Job
Liz and Nick are on every project from scope to handover. Not a large outfit sending whoever’s free. Same team, start to finish.
Licensed & Insured
Full public liability, workers compensation, structural engineer sign-off where required. You’re covered — unlike unlicensed operators.
5-Star Reviewed
Every review mentions the same things: organised, professional, detailed, honest. Consistent across every type of project — not just the easy ones.
Not sure what kind of deck suits your site?
Liz or Nick will come out, assess the site, listen to how you want to use the space, and recommend the right build — before you commit to anything.
From site visit to finished build
Five clear stages — no guessing, no delays, no surprises.
Consultation
Talk through your vision, the site, materials, and rough budget.
Site Visit
We come out. Measure levels, check access, look at drainage and exposure.
Fixed Quote
Detailed scope and price in writing. Materials, timeline, everything.
Build
In-house crew, weekly updates, one contact. Photo-documented throughout.
Handover
Final walkthrough, sealed and finished. Written maintenance guide.
Serving Sydney’s Northern Beaches, North Shore & beyond
Based on the Northern Beaches, working across Sydney’s most established residential suburbs.
Not sure if we cover your suburb? Call us directly — if we can’t help we’ll point you to someone who can.
The Podology crew
Landscape architects, horticulturalists, structural landscapers, tradesmen and gardeners — united by one thing: building outdoor spaces that outlast the trends. Every project led by directors Liz Horton-Short and Nick Short.
Liz Horton-Short
Nineteen years’ experience in Landscape Architecture across resort, golf course, civic and residential projects for some of Australasia’s most highly regarded firms.
Registered member of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects. Liz leads design and project management on every Podology build.
Nick Short
Twenty-one years’ hands-on landscape construction, starting in London and returning to Sydney to complete his structural landscaping licence.
Nick runs the crew and the tools. Every Podology deck is built under his direct supervision on the ground.
What clients ask before we start
How much does a custom deck cost?
Every deck is priced from a site visit — the honest answer is it depends on size, height, materials and access. Most of our decking projects sit in the $50k+ range once you factor in engineering, permits and premium hardwood finish. We give you a fixed price after we’ve seen the site, not before.
Do you handle council approvals?
Yes. Structural engineering, complying development paperwork, or full DA lodgement if the site needs it — we manage the whole compliance pathway so you don’t have to.
How long does a deck build take?
Most residential decks are on-site 3–6 weeks depending on complexity and weather. Multi-level or integrated alfresco builds run longer. We give you a written schedule before we start and update you weekly.
What warranty do you offer?
5-year workmanship guarantee on every deck we build. Structural elements are engineered to Australian Standards. We stand behind every job — that’s why we don’t sub the work out.
Do you build on sloping or difficult sites?
Yes — a lot of Northern Beaches sites are sloped, coastal or difficult access. Steel-framed subframes, cantilevered decks, cliff-edge builds — we’ve done them all.
Can I extend or repair an existing deck?
Yes. We assess the existing structure, tell you honestly whether it’s worth repairing or better to rebuild, and quote both. Sometimes a rebuild is actually cheaper long-term.
Ready to talk about your project?
Tell us about your site — Liz or Nick will call you back within one business day, book a scope visit, and come back to you with a fixed quote.