New decks
Designed to suit the site and the way you will actually use it. Piles, bearers and joists done properly, because that is the bit holding it all up.
Decking & outdoor builds in Nelson, Richmond & Motueka
New decks, repairs, steps and handrails. Built level, built to stay that way.
I build and repair decks across Nelson, Richmond, Motueka, Māpua and the wider Tasman district.
New decks, reboarding, steps, handrails, ramps and pergolas, plus water blasting, oiling and staining to bring a tired one back. Quotes are free.
Scope
What I build
Deck repairs and reboarding
Soft or split boards swapped out, bounce sorted, and old decks reboarded onto a sound frame rather than replaced outright.
Steps and handrails
Steps built to a comfortable rise, and handrails that are solid enough to actually lean on.
Ramps and access
Access ramps for wheelchairs, walkers, prams and wheelbarrows, built at a gradient that works.
Pergolas and shelter
Pergolas, shade structures and covered areas, so the deck is usable in more than three months of the year.
Water blasting and oiling
Grey, furry decking cleaned back and re-oiled or stained. Often the cheapest transformation on a property.
Why it matters
Most deck problems start underneath
A deck that bounces, sags or rots early almost always has a framing problem, not a board problem. Joist spacing, pile depth, fixings and drainage decide how long it lasts, and none of it is visible once the boards go down.
That is also why reboarding is often worth it. If the frame underneath is sound, you can put a new surface on an old deck for a lot less than a rebuild. If the frame has gone, I will tell you, because new boards on a rotten frame is money thrown away.
If your existing deck is structurally fine but looks tired, a water blast and a re-oil usually does more for it than people expect.
Worth knowing
Time to do something about it if
- Boards flex or bounce underfoot, or the whole deck moves when you walk on it.
- Timber has gone grey, furry or splintery underfoot.
- Boards are cupping, splitting or lifting at the fixings.
- There is soft or spongy timber anywhere, particularly around posts and at ground level.
- The steps are an awkward height, or there is no handrail where there should be.
- You avoid using it because it is exposed to wind or sun for most of the day.
Photos
On the job
Reviews
What Tasman locals say
I highly recommend Daniel from Handy Property Care! He helped us with repairs around the house, including some roof work and fixing a shelf in the kitchen. He was efficient, friendly, and punctual, and his prices are reasonable.
We are very pleased with the work that Dan from Handy Property Care has done on our properties. His completed work is of a high standard, whether outside (garden maintenance) or indoors. He recently refurbished a bathroom that had extensive water damage, and again, superb workmanship.
Dan communicates clearly, turns up when he says he will, does a great job and charges appropriately. He's done long grass strimming for me twice now and I'd highly recommend him. I'll be back for all future tasks needing doing!
Can my deck be repaired rather than replaced?
Often, yes. If the framing underneath is sound then reboarding gives you a new deck surface for a lot less than a full rebuild. The frame is the thing that decides it, so that is what I look at first.
How long does a new deck take?
A straightforward residential deck is usually several days to a week, depending on size, access and how much groundwork is involved. Sloping or difficult sites take longer. You will get a realistic timeframe with the quote.
Do I need consent for a deck?
It depends mainly on height above ground. Low decks are often exempt, and higher ones usually are not. Because it turns on your specific site, check with Tasman District Council before starting, and I am happy to talk through where yours is likely to sit.
What timber do you use for decking?
Treated pine for most jobs, with the treatment level matched to how close the timber sits to the ground. If you want a hardwood or something with a different look, tell me and I will price it.
How often should a deck be oiled?
Usually every year or two, depending on how much sun and weather it takes. Doing it before the timber has gone grey and furry is much easier than bringing it back afterwards.
Also available
Other things I do
Gardening & Lawns
Mowing, edging, pruning, hedging, weeding and seasonal tidy-ups. One-off visits or a regular slot.
View serviceFencing & Gates
New timber fences, palings, pickets and post-and-rail, plus repairs, gates, staining and straightening.
View serviceGutters & Spouting
Gutter cleaning and unblocking, spouting repairs and replacement, and Gutter Guard installation.
View serviceRoof Maintenance
Moss and lichen treatment, roof washing, valley and gutter clearing, spouting and roof repairs, roof painting.
View serviceSolar Panel Cleaning
Safe, streak-free panel cleaning that gets your output back up after a season of dust, pollen and bird mess.
View servicePainting & Staining
Interior and exterior painting, deck and furniture oiling, fence staining, roof painting and signage.
View serviceGeneral Repairs
The jobs on your list that never get done. Doors, hinges, weatherboards, shelving, roofs and ground repairs.
View serviceCarpentry & Fit-outs
Built-in joinery, bespoke furniture, container and van fit-outs, sheds, planters and raised beds.
View serviceFree quote
Want a price on this?
Tell me what you need and I'll come back to you. No obligation, and no call centre in between.