Deck Builders Nelson & Tasman
Decks for Outdoor Living. More room for long lunches, quiet mornings and evenings outside. Sherlock Landscaping designs and builds timber decks and connected outdoor living spaces that suit your home, your site and the way you want to live.
A deck should feel like part of your home
A good deck does more than add square metres. It creates an easy connection between inside and outside and gives you somewhere genuinely useful to spend time.
As experienced deck builders Nelson and Tasman, we create everything from straightforward family decks to multi-level outdoor areas on sloping sections. Every project is shaped around how you will use the space, how it connects with your home, and what the site requires beneath the surface.
Built around your home and site
No two decks need to work in quite the same way. Door heights, ground levels, sun, privacy, drainage and how people move through the property all influence the final design.
Sherlock Landscaping considers those details from the beginning. We can build new decks, replace tired or unsafe decking, extend existing outdoor areas, and incorporate the deck into a wider landscape project.
Services include:
Ground-level timber decks
Elevated and multi-level decks
Deck extensions and replacements
Steps and access
Pergolas and shade structures
Privacy screens
Integrated seating and planter boxes
Gates and adjoining fencing
Choosing the right decking timber
Kwila decking
Kwila is a durable hardwood with a rich, warm colour. It is stable, pleasant to work with and well suited to clean detailing, including mitred edges that need to remain tight. Wider 140 mm boards can also create a calmer, less busy-looking deck surface.
Treated pine decking
Treated pine is a practical option for budget-conscious projects. It is softer than hardwood and generally requires more care over time, but it can provide a solid and cost-effective deck when it is detailed and maintained properly.
What about composite decking?
Composite decking can suit homeowners who prioritise lower ongoing maintenance. Sherlock Landscaping generally prefers the warmth and character of natural timber, but we can discuss the right option for your site, budget and expectations.
Read our guide to choosing decking for a Nelson home
More than just the deck
The best outdoor spaces are considered as a whole. Your deck may also need shade, privacy, safer access or a stronger connection with the surrounding garden.
We can incorporate pergolas, privacy screens, steps, gates, fencing, planting and custom timber details so the finished space feels complete rather than pieced together over time.
Built for Nelson and Tasman conditions
Local conditions matter when you are building outside. Sloping ground, coastal air, strong sun, heavy rain and variable soils can all affect how a deck needs to be designed and constructed.
We consider site stability, drainage, ventilation, timber movement, fixings and long-term exposure so the finished deck performs properly, not just on completion day but for years afterward.
How your deck project comes together
On-site consultation
We discuss how you want to use the space and assess access, levels and site conditions.
Layout and material direction
We develop a practical deck concept and help you choose materials and finishing details.
Clear estimate and planning
You receive an estimate and an explanation of how the project will be completed.
Construction and finishing
Our team builds the deck, manages the site and completes the details that connect it with the wider landscape.
Deck building FAQs
How high can I build a fence without council consent in NZ?
Most fences up to 2 metres high don’t require building consent, but it’s always worth checking with Nelson or Tasman Council — especially if your fence sits on a boundary, slope, or retaining wall.
What’s the best fence material for coastal Nelson properties?
Treated timber, composite panels, ColorSteel, and powder-coated aluminium all perform well in salt air and high winds. Aluminium is especially low-maintenance, making it ideal for coastal and poolside areas.
Do you install pool fencing?
Yes — we supply and install compliant pool fencing to NZ safety standards, including glass, aluminium, ColorSteel, and timber options.
We’ll also help you understand the building consent requirements before installation.
Can you replace or extend an existing fence?
Absolutely. We can safely remove your old fencing, rebuild it with fresh materials, or extend an existing boundary to match your property’s style.
Do you handle sloping or uneven sections?
Yes — our fences are designed to follow the natural contours of your site. We integrate steps or level changes where needed for a smooth, professional finish.
What’s the cost to build a fence in Nelson & Tasman?
Every property is different — costs depend on size, materials, access, and ground conditions.
We’re happy to provide a detailed quote after a free on-site consultation so you know exactly what to expect.
Can you include gates or entrances in a fencing project?
Yes — we design and build custom gates and entrances that match your fence style, layout, and materials, including timber, aluminium, and ColorSteel options.
How long does a timber fence last in Nelson’s climate?
A well-built timber fence can last 15–20 years in Nelson’s climate when built with quality treated timber and maintained properly. We use locally suited materials to ensure strength, longevity, and minimal upkeep.
Related services
Ready to create more room outside?
Let’s build a deck that feels connected to your home and is made for the way you want to live.
Call 021 121 1006 to book your free deck consultation in Nelson or Tasman.

















