Custom Timber Decking & Pergola Structures

Where Inside Meets Outside

A well-designed deck or pergola becomes the heart of outdoor living - a transitional space where the comforts of interior living extend into the garden. At David Claude Landscape Design, we create timber structures that do more than provide a flat surface or shade; they define outdoor rooms, frame views, and fundamentally change how you experience your property.

For over 30 years, we’ve been designing and building decks and pergolas across Melbourne, understanding that these structures must be as considered and crafted as any room in your home.

Custom Timber Decking

Material Selection

The timber you choose sets the tone for your entire outdoor space. We work with a range of species, each offering distinct characteristics:

Spotted Gum - Australia’s most popular decking timber. Naturally durable with beautiful grain variation in warm brown tones. Ages gracefully to silver-grey if left untreated.

Blackbutt - Lighter in colour than Spotted Gum with a more uniform appearance. Excellent hardness and stability.

Merbau - Rich reddish-brown colour that weathers to grey. A hardwood that’s been popular in Melbourne for decades.

Composite Decking - Modern composite materials offer low maintenance alternatives while capturing much of timber’s appeal.

We’ll help you select the material that best suits your design vision, lifestyle, and maintenance expectations.

Design Considerations

Every deck we design considers:

• Connection to the house - How the deck relates to interior spaces and access points
• Level changes - Steps, ramps, and transitions that feel natural rather than abrupt
• Traffic patterns - How people will move through and use the space
• Sun and shade - Positioning for optimal comfort throughout the day and seasons
• Views and privacy - What you want to see and what you want screened

Pergola Structures

Creating the Outdoor Room

A pergola transforms an open deck or patio into a defined space - an outdoor room with character and purpose. Beyond providing shade, pergolas create:

• Vertical interest - Drawing the eye upward and adding dimension
• Planting opportunities - Support for climbing plants like wisteria, jasmine, or grapes
• Lighting integration - Framework for ambient and task lighting
• Defined boundaries - A sense of enclosure without walls

Structural Options

Our pergola designs range from traditional open-beam structures to fully covered outdoor rooms:

Open Pergolas - Classic beam-and-rafter designs that filter light and support climbing plants

Shade Pergolas - With integrated shade cloth, louvres, or retractable awnings for adjustable cover

Covered Structures - Full roofing for year-round use, including options for insulated panels and integrated heating

Material Choices

While timber remains the most popular choice for Melbourne pergolas, we also work with:

• Steel frameworks with timber battening
• Aluminium systems for low maintenance
• Mixed material designs combining timber and metal

Privacy Screens

Privacy is increasingly important in Melbourne’s established suburbs, where houses often sit close together and overlooking can compromise enjoyment of outdoor spaces.

We design privacy solutions that:

• Block sightlines from neighbouring properties
• Filter rather than eliminate light
• Add visual interest through material and pattern
• Support climbing plants for living screens
• Integrate seamlessly with deck and pergola structures

The Integrated Outdoor Room

Today’s outdoor living spaces often incorporate:

• Outdoor Kitchens - From simple BBQ areas to full cooking facilities
• Dining Zones - Protected seating for year-round entertaining
• Lounge Areas - Comfortable furniture arrangements for relaxation
• Fire Features - Fire pits, fireplaces, and gas flame features
• Water Features - Adding sound and movement to the space

We design holistic outdoor rooms that consider all these elements, ensuring everything works together as a cohesive whole.

Building Excellence

Our construction approach emphasises:

Quality Materials - We source timber from reputable suppliers and use hardware rated for outdoor use

Structural Integrity - All structures meet or exceed building code requirements

Attention to Detail - From concealed fixings to precise joins, the details matter

Weather Protection - Proper finishing and detailing to ensure longevity in Melbourne’s variable climate

Transform Your Outdoor Living

Ready to create the outdoor room you’ve been dreaming of? Contact us to discuss your vision and discover how custom timber structures can transform your relationship with your garden.