Project Spotlight: Composite Deck, Stairs & Bench Seat Over Sandstone — Frenchs Forest

Location: Frenchs Forest, 2087 NSW
Year: 2025
Materials: Composite decking, treated pine subframe, integrated bench seat, louvred pergola

The Brief: Make the Backyard Work for a Family

The owners of this Frenchs Forest property had a backyard that wasn't working. There was a pool the kids loved, a sandstone ledge that divided the yard awkwardly, and no real outdoor living space for the parents to relax while keeping an eye on the children.

The brief was practical: maximise the usable backyard, keep rear access to the house clear, give the parents somewhere to sit, and complete the outdoor space with a weather-protected area.

Building Over Sandstone

Frenchs Forest sits on Sydney sandstone, and this backyard was no exception. The deck had to be built over an existing sandstone ledge — a common challenge in Northern Beaches properties.

Building over sandstone requires careful footing design. You can't simply drive screw piles into rock. The solution here was concrete footings cast into drilled holes in the sandstone, providing a secure, non-moving base for the deck posts. This approach is engineer-preferred and provides a rock-solid foundation that won't shift or settle over time.

Composite Decking: The Right Choice for a Pool Family

With young children using the pool daily in summer, the owners needed a decking surface that was:

• Slip-resistant when wet — composite has a textured surface grip
• Splinter-free — no barefoot hazards for running kids
• Low maintenance — no annual oiling or sanding required
• Colourfast — won't fade, silver, or stain from pool chemicals

Composite ticked every box. It's a premium choice that's particularly popular with families who want a beautiful deck without the annual maintenance commitment.

Stair Design: Keeping Access Clear

One of the key design requirements was keeping rear access to the house clear. The stairs were carefully positioned and angled to maintain a clear path between the back door and the side gate — something the owners had identified as a daily frustration with the old layout.

Well-designed deck stairs do more than connect levels. They direct movement through the space and can either create or solve traffic problems. Getting this right early in the design process saved headaches later.

Integrated Bench Seat

The integrated bench seat was a considered addition. Built into the deck structure (not bolted on as an afterthought), it gives the parents a permanent, stable spot to sit while watching the kids in the pool.

Built-in seating:

• Is structurally part of the deck — no wobbly legs
• Defines the pool-viewing zone naturally
• Saves money on outdoor furniture
• Doesn't blow away in a storm

Louvred Pergola to Complete the Space

A louvred pergola over the main entertaining area completed the project. The adjustable louvres allow the family to:

• Block afternoon sun during summer
• Shelter from light rain without closing off the space entirely
• Fully open on perfect days for an alfresco feel

The pergola transforms what would be a purely outdoor space into a sheltered living area — extending the usable season significantly.

The Result

A family-oriented outdoor space that's genuinely functional: the pool is accessible and safely supervised, the stairs don't interrupt movement, and the parents have a comfortable spot to enjoy the yard. Built on solid footings that will last as long as the house.

Planning a Deck Over Sandstone in Frenchs Forest or the Northern Beaches?

Building over sandstone is something we do regularly across the Northern Beaches and North Shore. It's not complicated if you've done it before — and we have.

Call us on 0468 093 569 or get a free quote.

MJ Leckie Carpentry — Licensed Carpenters, Lic 353438C