How to build a stepped deck

Make a mature tree the feature of your outdoor living space.

Photography Sue Ferris

If you have a mature tree in your garden and not much else, use it to create an alfresco living area. If the lawn has been struggling in the shade of your tree, rip it out and landscape from scratch, building a deck and using shade-loving plants to landscape the surrounds of your new designer-look outdoor space.

Get the project sheet

Download the step-by-step instructions to this backyard makeover

Landscaped garden with pavers and stepped deck

Build a stepped deck with bench seats for lounging around under the dappled light, a few cushions and stools are all you need.

Deck with bistro setting — *(Credit: Photography Sue Ferris)* *(Credit: Photography Sue Ferris)*

Native ad body.

Sponsored by %%sponsor_name%%

mater home lottery prize home with pete colquhoun

What’s Pete up to this week?

beef and black bean stir fry with snap peas and chili on top in scalloped pink bowl

Clarissa’s beef and black bean stir fry

Native ad body.

Sponsored by %%sponsor_name%%

picture of four slices of eggplant cooked with miso sauce and asian greens on top. One blue plate with flowers around the edge

Colin’s spiced miso eggplant

side by side picture of clarissa's head shot in red dress and her recipe black bean and beef stir fry on pink plate with scalloped edges

What are Colin and Clarissa cooking this week?

Native ad body.

Sponsored by %%sponsor_name%%

What’s Joh up to this week?

tray bake with pork chops, bruseel sprouts and apple sauce in a bowl on it

Colin’s BBQ pork chops with Brussels sprouts, apple sauce and walnuts

Native ad body.

Sponsored by %%sponsor_name%%

5 steps to DIY a herb and flower drying rack

Colin’s easy-peasy peas

Dim Sim Lim’s General Tao Chicken

wooden gate with metal frame surrounded by green plants

How to build a new side gate using a metal frame

A simple bistro setting is ideal for alfresco dining and drinks, or if you want to cater for more than two people and have the space then consider a four- or six-seater outdoor setting.

Paving stepping stones — *(Credit: Photography Sue Ferris)* *(Credit: Photography Sue Ferris)*

Lay rows of pavers to lead you to your new deck, using pebbles, bark mulch and groundcovers in between the staggered paving.

Stepped deck and paving stepping stones — *(Credit: Photography Sue Ferris)* *(Credit: Photography Sue Ferris)*

For more DIY and landscaping projects, pick up a copy of the latest issue of Better Homes and Gardens magazine in selected newsagents and supermarkets or buy online today!

Better Homes and Gardens

Better Homes and Gardens promotes inspired living for home loving Australians. With a total audience reach of over six million, Better Homes and Gardens is the country’s original and most successful multi-platform brand, combining a TV show, power-house print magazine and thriving digital and social platforms.

Instagram Facebook

Get the project sheet

Related stories