10 Custom Outdoor Decking Designs: Practical Ideas for Australian Homeowners
Your deck is more than just a platform. It is an outdoor living space where you cook, relax, and host guests. A few smart design choices can turn a standard deck into something that feels custom-built for the way you actually live.
This guide covers 10 practical deck design ideas. Each one includes what is involved, what it costs roughly, how hard it is to build, and what to watch out for in Australian conditions. Whether you are planning a full build or looking to upgrade an existing deck, these ideas will help you think through the options.
Table of Contents
Create Contrast with Colour Combinations
One of the simplest ways to make a deck stand out is through colour. You do not need to rebuild anything. You just need boards in two or more tones.
A common approach is to use a darker colour for the border and a lighter colour for the main field. This creates a picture-frame effect that looks intentional and polished. Another option is to alternate two colours in stripes or bands to add visual rhythm.
With timber, changing colours means staining or painting, and redoing it every few years. Composite decking comes pre-coloured during manufacturing. The colour goes through the board, so it stays consistent over time.
EVODEK offers a range of composite decking colours including Teak, Walnut, Charcoal, and Silver Grey. Free sample packs are also available so you can see the actual colours in your own outdoor light.
DIY difficulty: Easy. If you can lay a single-colour deck, you can lay a two-colour deck. The key is planning your layout on paper first.
Australian tip: In hot climates like QLD and NT, darker colours absorb more heat. If your deck gets full sun, consider using lighter tones for the main area and reserving darker shades for shaded borders only.
Mix Multiple Board Widths
Using boards of different widths is a subtle trick that makes a simple deck feel designed. The width variation creates visual interest without adding complexity to the structure.
A typical layout might alternate between a standard 138 mm board and a wider 200 mm board. Some homeowners add a narrow accent strip between wider boards. The effect resembles a professionally designed timber floor.
DIY difficulty: Moderate. Different widths may need slightly different clip spacing. Check the installation guide for each board type.
Lay Custom Board Patterns
You do not need a complicated deck shape to create a striking look. The board pattern alone can transform a standard rectangular deck.
Common patterns include:
- Diagonal (45°): Boards run at an angle across the joists. This makes a small deck feel larger. Requires roughly 10-15% more material due to angled cuts.
- Herringbone: Boards form a V-shaped zigzag. It is visually dramatic but requires careful cutting and more joists.
- Picture frame: A border of boards runs perpendicular to the main field. Simple but effective.
- Parquet / basket weave: Square sections alternate direction. Best suited to larger decks where the pattern is visible.
What it costs: Diagonal patterns add 10-15% to material costs due to waste from angled cuts. Herringbone can add 15-20%. Picture frames add minimal extra cost.
DIY difficulty: Diagonal is moderate. Herringbone and parquet require precise measurements and are best left to experienced builders.
Structural note: Herringbone and diagonal patterns may need additional joists or blocking to support boards at different angles. Confirm with your builder that the subframe can handle the chosen pattern.
Use the Space Under an Elevated Deck
If your deck is high up, which is frequent in Queenslander-style homes, sloping blocks, or two-story homes, the space underneath is free real estate.
This under-deck space can become:
- A dry storage area for tools, bikes, and outdoor furniture
- A shaded children’s play zone
- A second entertaining area with outdoor furniture
- A workshop or gym space
The key requirement is waterproofing. Without a drainage system, rain will fall through the deck gaps and make the space below unusable. Under-deck drainage systems (troughs and guttering fitted between the joists) channel water away and keep the lower area dry.
What it costs: Under-deck drainage systems typically cost AUD $50–$100 per square metre, installed. Budget an additional AUD $1,000–$3,000 for a typical 20–30 sqm deck.
DIY difficulty: Hard. The drainage system needs to be installed during or before the deck boards go on. Best done by a professional.
Australian tip: In tropical areas (QLD, NT), moisture and poor ventilation under an enclosed deck can lead to mould. Ensure adequate airflow by leaving at least two sides open or installing ventilation grilles.
Add Built-in Bench Seating
Built-in benches serve two purposes at once. They provide seating without separate furniture, and they finish the deck edges cleanly.
On low-level decks (under 600 mm above ground), benches can replace railings entirely. This opens up the deck visually and creates more usable space. On higher decks, benches can be integrated into the railing structure.
Benches can also hide services like garden hose connections, irrigation valves, or electrical conduit. A hinged bench seat with internal storage is a practical upgrade.
EVODEK composite decking boards work well for bench construction because they do not splinter. Timber benches eventually develop rough edges that catch skin and clothing. Composite stays smooth over its full lifespan.
What it costs: AUD $500–$1,500 per bench, depending on length and whether it includes storage.
DIY difficulty: Moderate. Requires basic framing skills. The bench frame needs to be structurally tied to the deck subframe.
Define Zones with Level Changes
A small step up or down — even just 100-150 mm — can visually separate one area of a deck from another. This is the simplest form of multi-level design.
For example, a dining area might sit one step higher than a lounging area. The level change tells people “this is a different space” without any walls or barriers. Adding a different board colour or direction to the raised zone makes the distinction even stronger.
What it costs: A single-step level change adds roughly AUD $30–$60 per linear metre to the build, due to the additional joist frame and fascia board.
DIY difficulty: Moderate. The step needs its own joist frame. Get the step height right — Australian Building Code (NCC) requires handrails when a deck is more than 1,000 mm above ground level.
Build a Multi-Level Deck
A full multi-level deck takes zone definition further. Two or three platforms at different heights create distinct outdoor “rooms” connected by steps or transitions.
This design works especially well on sloping blocks. Instead of building one large flat platform on tall posts, you step the deck down the slope. Each level follows the natural grade. This reduces the height of the structure, lowers costs, and looks more natural.
Typical zone uses:
- Upper level: dining area (close to the kitchen door)
- Middle level: lounge or conversation area
- Lower level: garden transition, fire pit zone, or children’s play area
What it costs: Multi-level decks cost 30-50% more than a single-level deck of the same total area. The extra cost comes from additional subframe, steps, and fascia.
DIY difficulty: Hard. Multi-level designs need proper engineering, especially for the transitions between levels. Council approval may be required if any platform exceeds 1,000 mm above ground. Engage a licensed builder and check your local council requirements before starting.
EVODEK tip: Use the EVODEK Decking Calculator to estimate material quantities for each level separately. Then request a combined quote through Get Quote.
Install a Fire Pit (Safely)
A fire pit turns a deck from a warm-weather space into a year-round gathering point. It extends the usable hours of your outdoor area, especially during the cooler months in Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra, and Hobart.
However, fire pits on composite decks require serious planning.
Critical safety information:
- Never place a wood-burning fire pit directly on composite decking. Composite boards contain plastic (typically HDPE) and will melt, warp, or ignite under sustained high heat. This applies to all WPC products, including EVODEK boards.
- Gas fire pits (LPG or natural gas) are the safer option for composite decks. They produce less radiant heat and can be fitted with a protective heat shield underneath.
- Use a fire pit pad or heat-resistant barrier. A non-combustible pad (concrete pavers, steel plate, or a purpose-made fire pit mat) should be placed under and around the fire pit. Allow at least 600 mm clearance on all sides.
- Check your local fire regulations. Many Australian councils have restrictions on open fires in residential areas. Total fire ban days apply in most states during summer. Some councils prohibit fire pits entirely on elevated timber or composite decks.
- Bushfire zones: If your property is in a designated BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) area, additional restrictions apply. Check with your local Rural Fire Service or council.
What it costs: A gas fire pit suitable for deck use costs AUD $800–$3,000 installed. Add AUD $200–$500 for a proper heat-resistant base pad.
DIY difficulty: Gas connection must be done by a licensed gasfitter. The fire pit itself is typically a drop-in unit. Overall: moderate with professional help.
Add Privacy Walls or Screens
An open deck feels spacious but exposed. Privacy walls or screens let you control what neighbours and passers-by can see.
Common privacy options:
- Full-height composite screen panels: Block the view completely. Best for sides facing neighbours or streets.
- Slatted screens: Horizontal or vertical slats with gaps allow airflow and filtered light while still providing visual separation. The gap width controls the degree of privacy.
- Planting screens: Tall hedges, bamboo, or climbing plants on a trellis. These take time to grow but look the most natural.
- Combination designs: A solid lower section (for privacy when seated) with a slatted upper section (for airflow and light).
EVODEK offers both fencing panels and screen products designed to complement their decking range. The Composite Privacy Fence provides full visual blockout at 1,800 mm height. The Composite Screen (Timber Tube, 73 mm × 15 mm slats) creates a modern slatted look. Using the same composite material for both your deck and your privacy screen gives a unified, coordinated appearance.
DIY difficulty: Moderate. Screen panels need posts set in concrete. EVODEK’s modular panel system allows slats to be slid into place between posts without heavy lifting.
Australian tip: Check your council’s fence height limits before building a privacy wall. In most states, side and rear boundary fences can be up to 2.0 m without a permit. Front fences and fences in heritage areas often have stricter rules.
Install Deck Lighting
Deck lighting extends your outdoor living hours well into the evening. It also improves safety by illuminating steps, edges, and level changes.
Types of deck lighting:
- Recessed step lights: Small LED fixtures set into the riser of each step. They mark the step edge clearly for safe foot placement at night.
- Post cap lights: Sit on top of railing posts. Provide ambient light at standing height.
- Under-rail strip lights: LED strips run along the underside of the top rail. They cast a soft downward glow.
- In-deck spotlights: Flush-mounted into the deck surface. Useful for highlighting pathways or specific features.
- Festoon or string lights: Strung overhead between posts or attachment points. They create a warm, social atmosphere.
Planning tip: Most deck lights run on 12V or 24V low-voltage systems. The transformer and wiring should be installed during the deck build, not after. Retrofitting is possible but harder.
What it costs: A basic low-voltage LED lighting kit for a 20 sqm deck costs AUD $300–$800. Professional installation adds AUD $500–$1,500 depending on complexity.
DIY difficulty: Easy for solar and plug-in lights. Low-voltage wired systems are moderate. Any work involving mains voltage (240V) must be done by a licensed electrician in Australia.
Summary
A unique deck doesn’t have to be hard to build. Some of the best design options, such colour combinations, board patterns, lighting, and built-in seating, are easy to make and can be done by any good builder or skilled DIYer.
For bigger projects like multi-level decks, fire pits, and hot tub installations, professional help is essential. Safety, structural integrity, and council compliance should always come before aesthetics.
Whatever design direction you choose, the material you start with matters. Low-maintenance composite decking lets you spend your weekends enjoying the deck instead of sanding and staining it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need council approval to build a deck in Australia?
It depends on the deck’s size, height, and location. In most states, a deck under 10 sqm and less than 600 mm above ground does not need a building permit. Larger or higher decks typically do require approval. Decks attached to the house, near boundaries, or in bushfire zones almost always need permits. Check with your local council before you start.
How much does a custom deck cost in Australia?
A standard composite deck costs roughly AUD $300–$600 per square metre fully installed. Custom features like multi-level designs, built-in seating, and integrated lighting add to this. A typical 30 sqm custom deck runs AUD $12,000–$25,000 total. Get multiple quotes from local builders and compare materials on a like-for-like basis.
Can I build a deck myself, or do I need a builder?
Simple, low-level, single-platform decks are achievable as DIY projects. EVODEK offers DIY Solutions with installation guides and support. However, any deck that involves elevated structures, stairs, railings, plumbing (hot tubs), or gas (fire pits) should involve licensed professionals. Structural work may also require an engineer’s certification.
How long does composite decking last?
Quality composite decking lasts 25 to 30 years. EVODEK boards carry a 25-year residential warranty. The actual lifespan depends on installation quality, climate exposure, and basic maintenance (occasional washing). Over this period, some gradual colour fading is normal, especially for darker shades.
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