Merbau Deck, Privacy Screening and Feature Gate — Petersham Heritage Terrace Project
Heritage terraces in Sydney’s Inner West come with a specific set of challenges: narrow side passages, shared boundaries, awkward service points, and the need to respect the character of the original red-brick architecture. This project in Petersham is a textbook example of how merbau hardwood can solve all of those problems in a single, cohesive build. NSW Contractor Licence 395250C.
The Brief: A Full Side-Passage Transformation
The homeowner wanted to turn an underused, weathered side passage into a functional outdoor living space. The scope included:
- ◆ Full merbau hardwood decking across the side passage
- ◆ Horizontal-slat privacy screening on both boundary walls
- ◆ A matching merbau feature gate at the rear entry
- ◆ Rebuilt timber-clad stairs connecting the deck to the existing concrete landing
- ◆ Two coats of penetrating hardwood oil for a deep, even finish
The result is a complete transformation — from a bare concrete strip to a warm, private, architectural space that reads as a designed extension of the home rather than a bolt-on addition.
Why Merbau for Narrow Terrace Spaces
Merbau (Kwila) was the natural choice for this Petersham build for three reasons:
1. Density and durability. With a density of 850 kg/m³ and a Class 2 durability rating above ground, merbau handles heavy foot traffic, bikes, outdoor furniture and the general wear-and-tear of a narrow access passage without denting or splintering. It shrugs off the humidity and UV exposure that Sydney summers throw at it.
2. Colour consistency. Merbau’s deep red-brown tone ages gracefully to a warm honey colour over time. On this build, we used two coats of penetrating hardwood oil to lock in the initial colour and bring out the natural grain variation across the boards.
3. Workability around obstacles. Narrow terrace passages always have service points — AC condensers, meter boxes, downpipes, gas connections. Merbau cuts cleanly and takes fixings without splitting, which makes framing around these obstacles far simpler than with denser hardwoods like Spotted Gum.
Working Around the Obstacles
This Petersham terrace had more than its fair share of service points to navigate. The deck framing was built around an AC condenser unit, a meter box, a rear stairwell, and a boundary gate — all without losing usable deck surface. The finished merbau boards read as one continuous run, with clean cuts and concealed stainless fixings throughout. No visible screws, no gaps around obstacles, no awkward transitions.
Privacy Screening and Feature Gate
The horizontal-slat screening runs the full length of both boundary walls, providing total privacy from neighbouring townhouses. The merbau slats are fixed to a treated pine framework for structural strength and long-term stability. At the internal corner, the slats are mitred and butted cleanly with zero gapping — the kind of joinery that separates a designed screen from a fence kit.
The feature gate at the rear entry was built to match: same board width, same fixing pattern, same oil finish. It’s a small detail, but it’s what makes the whole space feel designed rather than assembled. The gate ties the deck, the screening and the stairs together into a single cohesive build.
Stair Access and Safety
New timber-clad stairs were built to connect the deck down to the existing concrete landing. Finished in matching merbau boards, the stairs avoid the bolted-on look that pre-fabricated metal steps create. The existing handrail was retained and cleaned up to maintain safety compliance without disrupting the aesthetic.
The Oil Finish
Two coats of penetrating hardwood oil were applied — thin, back-brushed, with no pooling or streaking. This is the application method that separates a professional finish from a DIY job that fails within six months. The oil penetrates the timber fibres rather than sitting on the surface, which means it won’t peel, flake or go sticky. It brings out the natural grain depth and gives the merbau an even, rich colour that will age gracefully over the next 12–18 months before its first re-coat.
Project Summary
- ◆ Location: Petersham, Inner West Sydney
- ◆ Materials: Merbau hardwood decking, horizontal-slat screening, feature gate
- ◆ Fixings: Concealed stainless steel throughout
- ◆ Framework: Treated pine substructure
- ◆ Finish: Two coats penetrating hardwood oil
- ◆ Stairs: Rebuilt timber-clad, merbau boards
- ◆ Builder: 5 Star Decking — NSW Contractor Licence 395250C
Thinking About a Similar Project?
If you have a narrow terrace side passage, a shared boundary, or an underused outdoor space that needs a complete transformation, we can help. We build custom merbau decks, privacy screens, gates and stairs across Petersham, Marrickville, Stanmore, Lewisham, Summer Hill, Ashfield and the wider Inner West.
Call us on 0433 334 415 or request a free on-site quote and we’ll be in touch within 24 hours. All quotes are written, detailed and obligation-free.
5 Star Decking — NSW Contractor Licence 395250C. Serving Sydney’s Inner West and beyond.
