We design and build outdoor decks and retaining walls across Frankston and surrounding suburbs. From elevated entertaining decks to functional retaining solutions for sloped blocks, every project is engineered for drainage, stability, and long-term durability in coastal conditions.
Whether you're creating outdoor living space, leveling a sloped yard, or managing erosion, we handle design, council compliance, professional installation, and thorough cleanup.
What We Do
Outdoor Decking
- Elevated decks — Raised platforms (600mm–2.5m height) with bearers, joists, and balustrades; perfect for sloped blocks and second-story access
- Ground-level decks — Low-profile decks (150–400mm) for flat sites; ideal for entertaining areas, pool surrounds, and garden pathways
- Wraparound decks — Multi-level decks connecting house to yard; includes stairs, landings, and feature lighting
- Deck extensions — Extending existing decks to create more outdoor living space; matched to existing materials and finish
Decking Materials
- Merbau (red hardwood) — Premium durability, rich color, naturally resistant to termites and rot; 90×19mm standard boards
- Kapur (yellow hardwood) — Hardwearing, lighter color than merbau, excellent for high-traffic areas
- Treated pine (H3/H4) — Cost-effective option; requires staining/oiling every 2–3 years
- Composite decking — Low-maintenance wood-plastic composite; fade-resistant, no splinters, 25-year warranty; ideal for coastal areas
Retaining Walls
- Timber sleeper walls — Treated pine or hardwood sleepers (200×75mm or 200×100mm); ideal for heights up to 1.2m
- Concrete sleeper walls — Pre-cast concrete sleepers with steel post system; suitable for heights up to 2.0m
- Rock & boulder walls — Natural stone retaining for informal gardens; excellent drainage, blends with coastal landscapes
- Engineered retaining systems — Modular block systems (Besser, Keystone) for walls over 1.2m; includes geofabric, drainage, and professional engineering certification
Additional Services
- Balustrades & handrails — Timber, aluminum, or cable rail systems to meet BCA height requirements (≥1m for decks over 1m height)
- Stairs & steps — Outdoor stairs connecting deck levels or accessing sloped yards; includes treads, risers, stringers, and handrails
- Drainage solutions — Ag-drains, French drains, and drainage gravel behind retaining walls to prevent water buildup and wall failure
Our Process in Frankston
Step 1: Free Consultation & Site Measure
Call 03 4152 7766 or request a quote. We'll visit your property to measure the site, assess slope and drainage, discuss your vision (entertaining, pool access, garden terracing), and explain council requirements. Most quotes emailed within 48 hours with design sketches and itemized costs.
Step 2: Design & Engineering (if required)
For elevated decks over 1m height or retaining walls over 1.2m, we provide engineered designs stamped by a structural engineer (required for council permits). Design fee: $450–$950 depending on complexity; credited back if project proceeds.
Step 3: Council Compliance & Permits
We confirm Frankston City Council requirements and obtain building permits where necessary. Permits typically required for:
- Decks over 1m height (measured from ground to deck surface)
- Decks within 9m of a street or public space
- Retaining walls over 1.0m height (or within 1m of a boundary)
Step 4: Build & Installation
On build day, we:
- Excavate and level the site; install footings (concrete piers or pad footings)
- Build frame: posts, bearers, joists (for decks); set sleepers or blocks (for retaining walls)
- Install decking boards with hidden fixings or stainless screws; apply drainage behind retaining walls
- Fit balustrades, stairs, and handrails if required
- Apply finishing coats: penetrating oil, stain, or clear sealant
Step 5: Final Inspection & Handover
We arrange council final inspection (if permit required), provide care instructions, and hand over warranty documentation. All waste removed; site left clean and landscaping-ready.
Pricing Guide
Decking and retaining costs vary by materials, height, access, and site preparation. Indicative Frankston pricing:
| Service | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground-level deck (merbau) | $350–$500 per m² | Includes frame, boards, finish |
| Elevated deck (merbau, 1.5m height) | $500–$700 per m² | Includes posts, bearers, balustrade |
| Composite decking | $450–$650 per m² | Premium low-maintenance option |
| Timber sleeper retaining (up to 1m) | $280–$420 per linear m | 200×75mm treated pine sleepers |
| Concrete sleeper retaining (1–2m) | $400–$550 per linear m | Includes steel posts, drainage |
| Engineered block wall (over 1.2m) | $550–$850 per linear m | Includes engineering, geofabric |
| Stairs (outdoor timber) | $1,200–$2,400 per flight | 6–12 treads, handrails included |
Price Variables: Sloped sites requiring extensive excavation or engineered footings cost 15–25% more. Difficult access (narrow side paths, no vehicle access) adds $300–$800 to total cost. Rock or tree root removal quoted separately.
Local Considerations for Frankston
Coastal Corrosion
Frankston's proximity to Port Phillip Bay accelerates metal corrosion. We use 316 marine-grade stainless steel fixings for all decking and retaining hardware within 1km of the beach. Standard galvanized fasteners will rust through within 3–5 years in salt-spray zones.
Termite Risk
Frankston has moderate–high termite activity. We recommend:
- H4-treated pine (minimum) for ground-contact framing and retaining sleepers
- Physical termite barriers (stainless steel mesh or graded stone) around deck posts
- Regular inspections every 12 months by licensed pest controllers
Drainage & Soil Conditions
Frankston's mix of sandy and reactive clay soils creates drainage challenges. We install:
- Ag-drains behind retaining walls (100mm slotted pipe in drainage gravel)
- Geofabric membranes to separate soil from drainage layer and prevent clogging
- Proper deck-to-house flashing to prevent water intrusion where decks attach to buildings
Council Height Limits
Frankston City Council typically requires building permits for:
- Decks over 1.0m height (measured from lowest ground point)
- Retaining walls over 1.0m height within 1m of a boundary
- Any structure within 9m of a street (setback rules apply)
Recent Frankston Projects
Elevated Deck – Frankston Heights
Brief: Build 28m² entertaining deck at rear of house; 1.2m elevation to match doorway height. Sloped block, ocean views.
Solution: Merbau deck with stainless steel cable balustrade (maintains views), integrated LED step lighting, stairs to backyard. Marine-grade fixings throughout.
Timeline: 6 days (permit approved in 6 weeks).
Cost: $16,800.
Tiered Retaining Walls – Seaford
Brief: Steep sloped backyard (3m fall over 10m); needed terraced garden beds and level lawn area.
Solution: Two-tier concrete sleeper retaining (1.2m lower, 0.8m upper) with ag-drain behind each wall. Created 40m² usable flat area.
Timeline: 8 days (heavy excavation, engineer certification required).
Cost: $12,400.
Pool Deck Extension – Karingal
Brief: Extend existing timber deck around new pool; match original merbau boards (10 years old).
Solution: Added 18m² merbau decking, matched board profile and finish. Installed pool-compliant balustrade (1.2m height, non-climbable).
Timeline: 4 days.
Cost: $8,200.
Why Choose The South East Fencer
- Local Frankston expertise — We understand coastal conditions, council requirements, and drainage challenges specific to Frankston & surrounding suburbs
- Engineered designs — All elevated decks and tall retaining walls designed by qualified structural engineers; fully compliant with BCA and AS standards
- Quality materials — Marine-grade fixings, H4-treated timber, premium hardwoods, and proper drainage systems for lasting results
- Licensed & insured — Registered building practitioners with $20M public liability insurance and WorkCover coverage
- Transparent pricing — Fixed-price quotes with no hidden fees. Payment terms: 50% deposit, 50% on completion
- 5-year workmanship warranty — Structural defects, footing failures, and installation faults covered for 5 years
Service Area
We provide decking and retaining wall services throughout Frankston and surrounding suburbs: Frankston South, Frankston Heights, Seaford, Karingal, Langwarrin, Carrum Downs, Skye, Sandhurst. Also servicing Mount Eliza, Mornington, and Carrum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need council approval for a deck in Frankston?
Decks over 1.0m height (measured from lowest ground point to deck surface) require a building permit. Decks within 9m of a street frontage or on corner blocks may also need permits regardless of height. Ground-level decks under 1.0m are typically exempt. We confirm requirements during the site visit.
How high can I build a retaining wall without a permit?
Frankston City Council allows retaining walls up to 1.0m height if they're more than 1m from the boundary. Walls over 1.0m or within 1m of a boundary require engineering and a building permit. Walls over 1.5m always require permits.
What's the best timber for coastal decks in Frankston?
For coastal areas (within 1km of beach), we recommend merbau or composite decking. Merbau is naturally durable and termite-resistant; composite is virtually maintenance-free. Both handle salt spray better than treated pine, which requires regular oiling/staining in coastal environments.
How long does decking last in Frankston?
Merbau decks last 25–40 years with proper maintenance (annual cleaning, oiling every 2–3 years). Composite decking lasts 25+ years with minimal maintenance (just wash annually). Treated pine lasts 15–25 years but requires more frequent re-oiling and board replacement.
What drainage do I need behind a retaining wall?
All retaining walls over 600mm height require drainage: 100mm ag-drain (slotted pipe) laid in 200–300mm of drainage gravel, wrapped in geofabric to prevent soil clogging. Drainage outlets at low points every 6–10m. Without drainage, water pressure builds up behind walls causing failure.
Can you match an existing deck for an extension?
Yes. We match timber species, board profiles, fixing methods, and finishes. For older decks (10+ years), new boards will be lighter in color initially but weather to match within 6–12 months. We can pre-weather new timber or apply stain to blend immediately.
Do decks need termite protection in Frankston?
Yes. Frankston is a termite-prone area. We install physical termite barriers (stainless steel mesh or graded stone) around deck posts that penetrate soil, use H4-treated pine for all ground-contact framing, and maintain 400mm clearance between soil and untreated timber. Annual termite inspections recommended.
How much fall (slope) do you need for deck drainage?
Decks should have a minimum 1:100 fall (10mm per metre) away from the house to prevent water pooling. For Frankston's heavy winter rains, we recommend 1:80 fall (12–15mm per metre). Proper drainage prevents rot and extends deck life.
Ready to Build Your Deck or Retaining Wall?
Call us today for a free site consultation in Frankston & surrounding suburbs.
03 4152 7766Request Free Quote