The Coogee Coastal Retreat
How It Came Together
The Walk-Up. The first time I climbed up to the proposed site, I genuinely questioned my life choices — it's a steep one. Then I met the clients, and the whole thing turned around. Wonderful people, who I now consider friends. None more so than Henry — Henry's the dog, just so we're clear, and the love is mutual.
The Vision. The clients walked me through the garden, up to the pool level and the existing Merbau pool deck. I assumed we'd been called in to replace it, possibly in composite. The brief was something more interesting: a weed-patch above the pool retaining wall, with one of the most spectacular Coogee-and-ocean lookouts you'll ever stand on. Sunsets up there are heaven. The challenge was making it an oasis — not a passage deck with an ugly platform tacked on the end.
The Design. We landed on a series of floating landing steps winding around the retaining wall, leading up to a 25 m² platform deck at the top. Council capped us at 25 m², but with the right shape it works comfortably for entertaining. To match the existing Merbau pool deck we stayed in Merbau — but stepped up from 90 mm boards to 140 mm. The transition reads as one continuous deck.
The Build. Engineering and approvals tick. Post anchors in concrete footings. All framing cuts sealed for water and termite protection. Bearer and joist protection applied. Floating steps near future soil treated with in-ground bitumen. Deck framing in standard treated pine H3 MGP10 — height and ventilation were ample, no need to wrap.
The Balustrade. Stainless steel cable balustrade, for two reasons. One, the deck is all about the view — minimalist cables keep it unobstructed. Two, we're metres from the coast; we always specify stainless near salt air.
The Outdoor Kitchen Surround. Stud wall clad in FC sheeting, insulated panel roofing. Shiplap and Blackbutt hardwood battens to clad the kitchen. LED strip lighting to the kitchen and the floating steps. Integrated fridge, sink and stainless BBQ.
The Job Nobody Wanted. Engineering required stabilising the existing retaining wall — a project on its own. We installed five galvanised I-beams as additional posts, excavating under the wall to fill back together with new 1.8 m deep × 500 mm wide footings. Once cured we framed around the structure with a stud wall, FC clad and tile-ready. The clients arranged their own tiler for the finish. Pool fence adjusted to suit.
The Sign-Off. Been invited back for a beer and grabbed these photos. Happy days. Not sure how much more we can do up there. Going to miss Henry.
Stage 1: Engineering the Ascent
December 2024
Technical Specifications
Materials: Premium Merbau decking to match the existing pool area.
Protection: Each step was treated with in-ground timber protection and G-Tape to ensure a 25+ year lifespan against the coastal salt air.
The Result: A “floating” effect that makes the climb part of the experience.
Before: The Wasted View
Stage 2: Safety Meets Style — Coogee's Best View, Unobstructed
Early 2025
Technical Specifications
Balustrade: Marine-grade Stainless Steel cable balustrading. This provides essential safety for the height of the hill without “cutting” the view of Coogee Beach.
Ambience: Integrated LED strip lighting under the floating stairs to guide the way at night.
Before: The Chosen Path
After: Strip Lights & Landscaping
Stage 3: The Outdoor Entertaining Station
Technical Specifications
The Kitchen: Built with a stud wall cladded in FC sheets and finished with Spotted Gum/Hardwood features.
Amenities: Fully integrated BBQ, bar fridge, and a working sink with hot and cold water.
Feature Wall: We used internal timber cladding to create a high-end, “indoor” feel in an outdoor setting.
“The view made every heavy lift worth it. Bringing materials up the far back side of a complex at the top of a hill is the kind of ‘impossible’ job we thrive on.”
— The Decksmith Team
Stage 4: The Job Nobody Wanted (Structural Reinforcement)
Technical Specifications
The Challenge: Digging 1.8m deep footings into river sand.
The Solution: Installing massive galvanized steel beams into huge concrete footings to provide permanent support to the hillside.
The Finish: Once the skeleton was rock-solid, we cladded the area, ready for custom tiling to match the aesthetic of the upper retreat.
The Total Transformation
Stage 2 Complete (After)
Why Choose The Decksmith for Your Coogee Project?
Building in the Eastern Suburbs requires an understanding of coastal weather, steep blocks, and high-end finishes.
🌊 Local Expertise: We know the council requirements and the salt-spray durability needs of Coogee and surrounding suburbs like Clovelly and Randwick.
🔧 Problem Solvers: Whether it’s 1.8m deep footings or difficult site access, we don’t cut corners.
✅ Full Service: From the first Merbau plank to the final LED light in your outdoor kitchen.
Five-Star Reviews From Sydney Homeowners
★★★★★Greg was an absolute professional from start to finish. His flexibility, attention to detail and problem-solving is a credit to him and his team. We couldn't be more thrilled with the end product. I highly recommend Greg to anyone wanting a high-quality deck.
★★★★★The Decksmith is true to their name — expert and tradespeople in the way you rarely find. Greg is from the first approachable and knowledgeable. The way they crafted our deck was truly a thing of beauty with hard work, precision and care. These guys were just so good with all aspects of the job and more.
★★★★★Greg and his team did an amazing job installing a beautiful Millboard deck for us in a difficult outdoor space. His craftsmanship is next to none — professional, friendly and a true expert in his field. We dealt with many trades during a large renovation; Greg stands out as one of the best experiences we've had. I'd give 10 stars if I could.
New Feature coming soon. See some of our portfolio of works in our gallery.