The Central Coast is built for outdoor living. From Wamberal to Terrigal to Norah Head, the way homes get used is as much about what happens outside as what happens inside. The right deck, alfresco or pool surround becomes the room your family uses most.
Outdoor living is one of Ace Building Co’s genuine points of difference. We have delivered decks, pergolas, alfrescos, cabanas, pool surrounds and full outdoor entertainment areas across the Coast for over a decade. This guide covers what to build, what to build it out of, and what it costs.
The outdoor scopes we build most often
- Hardwood or composite decks. A simple deck off the back of the home extends living space cheaply and quickly.
- Pergolas and covered alfrescos. A roof over a deck or paved area transforms outdoor space into a year-round room.
- Outdoor kitchens and BBQ areas. Bespoke joinery, stone benchtops and integrated BBQs turn the yard into the entertaining heart of the home.
- Pool surrounds and coping. The paving, deck and finish around a pool is often where the biggest visual impact happens.
- Cabanas and garden rooms. Detached spaces that add functionality without extending the main house.
What outdoor projects cost (2026)
- Deck: $25,000 to $80,000 depending on size, height off ground, substructure and material.
- Pergola: $20,000 to $60,000.
- Covered alfresco with engineered roof: $45,000 to $150,000.
- Outdoor kitchen or BBQ area: $25,000 to $90,000 depending on joinery, benchtops and appliances.
- Pool surround, coping, glass balustrade: $40,000 to $150,000.
- Full outdoor transformation (deck, alfresco, BBQ, pool surround, landscaping coordination): $200,000 and up.
Choosing materials for the Central Coast climate
Salt air, coastal wind, UV and rain drive material choice. What we recommend most on the Coast:
- Decks: Spotted gum and blackbutt for premium hardwood. Accoya for stability, particularly near the water. Composite boards for low-maintenance where the deck is high-use.
- Pergola and roof structure: Powder-coated steel framing paired with polycarbonate or insulated Colorbond for weather resilience. Painted hardwood battens for the ceiling finish underneath.
- Fixings: Coastal-rated stainless-steel fixings and Class 4 corrosion-rated bolts. Standard galvanised is not enough within 5 km of the beach.
- Pool surround: Travertine or granite copings for premium projects; large-format porcelain for lower maintenance.
Approvals for outdoor projects
Many decks and pergolas qualify as Exempt or Complying Development under the NSW Codes SEPP, provided they meet setbacks and heights. Larger structures, structures attached to the main house, and pool surrounds that involve significant excavation may need a DA. We handle certifier liaison as part of the quote.
Timelines
- Simple deck: 2 to 4 weeks on site.
- Deck plus pergola: 3 to 6 weeks on site.
- Covered alfresco with engineered roof and lighting: 4 to 8 weeks on site.
- Full outdoor transformation: 8 to 16 weeks on site.
Design and any required approvals add 4 to 12 weeks ahead of construction, so plan accordingly if you want to be enjoying it over the summer.
The Ace outdoor approach
Outdoor living is not an add-on for us. It is a core capability, treated with the same care we bring to a renovation or extension.
Every outdoor project we deliver is on a fixed-price contract, with coastal-rated materials specified as standard, and a single point of contact through the build. We also coordinate the pool installer, electrician and landscaper where required so the whole scope lands together.
Where to start
The best outdoor projects start with an honest walk of the yard. Come to us with a rough idea or nothing at all, and we will help shape the brief around how your family actually wants to use the space.
Ready to build the outdoor room you actually use?
Tell us about your yard and what you want to build. A real person will reply in writing within one business day.
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