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Decks & Outdoor Living

Decks and Outdoor Living in Christchurch

Sanctus Builders is a Christchurch deck builder that homeowners can actually get hold of when they need one, building decks, pergolas and outdoor living spaces that hold up to a Canterbury winter as well as they look on the day they're finished. Felipe scopes the site, gives a straight price, and builds it properly the first time.

5.0 on Google
Paving and patio work as part of a Christchurch outdoor living project
What's Included

What's Included in a Deck or Outdoor Living Project

"Decks & Outdoor Living" covers four kinds of work, each suited to a different backyard and budget.

Timber Decking

Framed and decked in timber, built to the fall and drainage a Christchurch section actually needs.

Composite Decking

A low-maintenance alternative to timber for homeowners who want the deck without the annual re-oiling.

Pergolas

Freestanding or attached pergolas for shade and structure over a deck, patio or entertaining area.

Outdoor Living & Entertaining Areas

Patios, paving and the broader outdoor space a deck or pergola sits within, built as one connected area.

Our Process

How a Deck or Outdoor Living Project Runs, Start to Finish

Decks look simple from the outside, but getting the framing, fall and fixings right is what decides whether it's still solid in ten years. Here's how Sanctus Builders builds one.

01

Site Assessment

Felipe checks the ground, the fall away from the house, and whatever's already there before pricing the job.

02

Design and Consent Check

Decks over a certain height off the ground need council consent, decks under that threshold often don't. Sanctus Builders checks this at the quote stage.

03

Framing and Foundations

The part nobody sees once it's finished, and the part that decides how long the deck lasts. Set out for Canterbury ground conditions, not a generic spec.

04

Decking, Fixing and Finish

Boards, screws or hidden fixings, and any pergola or balustrade work, finished to sit flush and true.

Deck Care

Caring for a Timber Deck in a Christchurch Backyard

A timber deck needs a bit of upkeep to stay solid through Canterbury's frosts, nor'west winds and wet winters. Re-oil or re-stain it roughly every 12 to 24 months, sooner if it gets full sun or heavy foot traffic.

Keep the gaps between boards clear of leaves and debris so water can actually drain through, rather than sitting on the surface. Hose it down every so often, especially on a shaded deck, before mould or algae get a hold.

If the timber starts greying or a board feels soft underfoot, deal with it early. It's a quick fix at that stage, and a much bigger one once rot sets in. A composite deck sidesteps most of this if low maintenance matters more than the timber look.

Timber deck framing under construction on a Christchurch property
Pricing

What Affects the Cost of a Deck or Outdoor Living Project

Sanctus Builders doesn't publish fixed deck prices, because the real variables change the number too much for a price list to mean anything. These are the things that actually affect cost:

FactorWhat It Affects
Size of the deck or outdoor areaThe core material and labour cost of the build.
Ground conditionsHow much groundwork or levelling is needed before framing starts.
Timber vs composite deckingThe two materials carry different upfront costs.
Council consentBased on the deck's height and design, this adds time and documentation.
Additional structureA pergola or balustrade built alongside the deck adds to the job.

Every deck gets a free, honest quote after Felipe has actually seen the site, not a number pulled off a price list.

Reviews

What Christchurch Homeowners Say

Sanctus Builders holds a five out of five rating across Google and Builders Crack. Here is what some of those customers had to say.

★★★★★ 5.0 across Google and Builders Crack
★★★★★

"Friendly, great communication and great tidy work"

Sophie Buxton
Google review, 5 stars
★★★★★

"Great price. Fantastic professional service! Felipe was super efficient and I was impressed with his knowledge and quality of workmanship. I will definitely keep him on my list for future jobs! Thank you Felipe, and your wonderful assistant!"

Lee Pritchard
Google review, 5 stars
★★★★★

"Reasonable price. Amazingly quick response to request for a builder. A great skilled worker with ability to bring in helpers as required. Nothing appeared to be too difficult, from laying paving to assembling a large kitset workshop shed, in a fast and efficient manner. Would definitely contact for future work."

Bruce Oswin
Google review, 5 stars
★★★★★

"Felipe is an amazing guy, super friendly, helpful, flexible and hardworking. We've loved having him in our house doing renovations. The work looks good and he did exactly what we wanted. Would definitely recommend. We'll be getting him back to do more."

Carolyn Robertson
Google review, 5 stars · Kitchen remodelling
★★★★★

"Tough job completed to a high standard and on time. Would definitely use again."

Verified Builders Crack review
5 stars
FAQs

Common Questions About Decks and Outdoor Living in Christchurch

How much does a deck cost in Christchurch?

It depends on the size of the deck, the ground conditions, and whether you go with timber or composite decking. Sanctus Builders quotes after seeing the site, not off a generic per-square-metre rate that ignores what's actually there.

Do I need council consent for a deck?

It depends on the deck's height off the ground and its design. Decks under a certain height are often exempt, but Sanctus Builders confirms this at the quote stage so there are no surprises once the job's underway.

Do you build decks outside Waltham and Opawa?

Yes. Sanctus Builders builds decks and outdoor living spaces right across Christchurch, not just the inner suburbs.

Should I choose timber or composite decking?

Timber costs less upfront but needs regular oiling to stay in good condition. Composite decking costs more initially but needs very little maintenance. Which one makes sense depends on your budget and how much upkeep you want to do.

Can you build a pergola as part of the same job as the deck?

Yes. Pergolas are usually built alongside a deck or patio as one connected project, priced and built together rather than as two separate jobs.

Service Area

Deck Building Across Christchurch, Based in Waltham

Sanctus Builders is based on Opawa Road in Waltham and builds decks, pergolas and outdoor living spaces right across Christchurch, from inner suburb sections to properties further out. Wherever the deck is going, the same honest price and the same standard of work applies.

Waltham Opawa Sydenham Addington Spreydon Beckenham Cashmere Somerfield Woolston Heathcote Sumner Riccarton Fendalton Merivale St Albans Papanui Shirley Linwood Bishopdale Avonhead Hornby Halswell Redwood New Brighton
Contact

Ready to Start Your Deck or Outdoor Space?

Tell us about the deck, pergola or outdoor area you've got in mind and we'll come back with a straight price, not a guess at what it might cost. Call, message, or fill out the form below.

Monday to Saturday, 8:00am to 5:00pm. Closed Sunday. After-hours callouts available.

Get a Quote

Tell us what needs doing and we'll get back to you with a straight answer.