Raised Blackbutt Deck + Covered Pergola — Sydney Project Showcase
Location: Sydney Inner Suburbs | Timber: Blackbutt hardwood | Features: Raised first-floor deck, covered alfresco pergola, white aluminium balustrade, sliding door stack
The Brief
This Sydney homeowner had a largely unused back yard — a small paved area at ground level and a first-floor opening that went nowhere. The vision was to transform it into a two-level outdoor living space: a raised Blackbutt timber deck off the first floor, with a fully covered alfresco pergola below creating a sheltered entertaining zone for year-round use.
The challenge? The build needed to work across two levels, integrate seamlessly with new sliding stacker doors, and meet council requirements for a first-floor structure — all while keeping the classic warm timber aesthetic that suits Sydney’s inner suburb homes.
The Build
Our team began with the structural framework — engineered steel posts supporting the first-floor deck platform, with the covered pergola ceiling integrated below. The pergola ceiling uses white aluminium V-groove panels, delivering a clean, modern finish that reflects light beautifully and requires zero maintenance.
For the decking boards we specified Blackbutt hardwood — one of Australia’s premier decking timbers. Blackbutt is prized for its:
- Outstanding natural durability (Class 1 above ground)
- Beautiful warm honey tones that deepen with age
- Excellent hardness and resistance to splintering
- Natural resistance to termites and Lyctus borer
- Suitability for bushfire-prone areas (BAL rated)
The boards were laid in a clean, parallel run across the full deck area, with hidden fixings used wherever possible for a seamless surface finish.
The sliding stacker door installation was coordinated alongside the deck build — the door threshold sits flush with the deck surface, eliminating any trip hazard and creating that seamless indoor-outdoor flow that Sydney homeowners love. Four panels stack completely clear of the opening, throwing the entire living space open to the deck on warm evenings.
The Balustrade
The balustrade is a white powder-coated aluminium system with vertical pickets — a classic choice that complements the warm Blackbutt tones without competing with them. Fully BCA compliant for first-floor applications, the balustrade wraps the entire perimeter of the raised deck, with a return down the side to meet the pergola structure below.
Aluminium balustrade was specified here for good reason:
- Zero maintenance — never needs painting or sanding
- Powder coat finish holds its colour for decades in Sydney’s climate
- Lightweight yet structurally certified for first-floor loads
- Complements both timber and composite decking beautifully
The Finished Result
The finished result is exactly what the client envisioned — a genuinely functional two-level outdoor space that works for everyday living and entertaining alike. The covered pergola below stays dry through winter and provides shade in summer. The raised deck above catches the afternoon sun and the treetop views across the neighbourhood.
And at night? The covered pergola comes alive. Recessed wall lights and the warm glow through the stacker doors turn this space into one of Sydney’s best backyards after dark.
Project 2: WPC Composite Deck — Inner Suburbs Sydney
On the same street, we also completed this compact WPC composite deck — a completely different product and application, but equally impressive in its own right.
The client wanted a low-maintenance solution for a side-of-house access path and small outdoor area. We installed WPC composite decking boards in Deep Mahogany on a black powder-coated steel subframe — a modern, clean combination that requires absolutely zero ongoing maintenance.
WPC composite was the right call here for several reasons:
- Zero maintenance — no oiling, no sanding, no re-coating. Ever.
- Slip resistant — the textured surface stays safe even in Sydney’s wet winters
- 25-year structural warranty — built to outlast any timber alternative
- Consistent colour — no greying, no fading, stays Deep Mahogany year after year
- Termite proof — not a concern with WPC composite
Timber vs Composite — Which is Right for You?
These two projects on the same street tell the full story perfectly. Both are beautiful. Both are built to last. The choice comes down to your priorities:
| Feature | Blackbutt Hardwood | WPC Composite |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance | Oil every 12–18 months | None required |
| Lifespan | 25–40+ years with care | 25-year warranty |
| Aesthetics | Natural warmth, character grain | Consistent, modern look |
| Cost | Lower upfront | Higher upfront, lower lifetime cost |
| Termites | Resistant (Blackbutt) | 100% termite proof |
| Feel underfoot | Warm, natural | Consistent, slip resistant |
Ready to Transform Your Backyard?
Whether you’re after the natural warmth of Australian hardwood or the zero-maintenance appeal of composite — our team will help you choose the right product, design the right layout, and build it to last.
We build decks across all of Sydney — inner west, eastern suburbs, north shore, Hills District, Sutherland Shire and beyond.
📞 Call us: 0410 873 218
🌐 Get a free quote: 5stardecking.com.au
5 Star Decking — Sydney’s trusted deck builders since 2012.
