DECK & PATIOS

Deck and patio design by Mellan Consulting Engineers

Deck and Patio Engineer – Gold Coast Structural Services

Trusted Deck and Patio Engineer for Safe, Compliant Outdoor Structures

At Mellan Consulting Engineers, we provide professional structural engineering services tailored specifically for residential decks and patios. Our consultancy is led by James Mellan, a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ #27512) and listed on the National Engineering Register (NER). We ensure your outdoor living space is not only visually impressive but also structurally compliant, safe, and built to last. As a trusted deck and patio engineer in the Gold Coast region, James brings deep understanding of local building conditions and structural codes.

Whether you’re planning a new timber deck, upgrading an existing patio, or constructing an elevated outdoor area, our expertise ensures your project meets all requirements under the National Construction Code and relevant Australian Standards. We provide structural design services across the Gold Coast that take into account unique site challenges such as bushfire zoning, high winds, slope gradients, and pool proximity.

Types of Decks & Patios We Engineer

As a highly experienced deck and patio engineer on the Gold Coast, we provide structural solutions for a wide range of outdoor configurations:

Timber Decks: Lightweight, renewable, and versatile. Suitable for backyard decks and entry platforms.
Steel-Framed Decks: Ideal for long-span, elevated, or high-wind sites where rigidity and strength are essential.
Elevated Decks: Multi-storey designs and sloping block solutions with engineered piers, joist spans, and bracing systems.
Patios, Pergolas, and Verandahs: Engineered to withstand Gold Coast wind loads and ensure long-term durability.
Integrated Retaining Walls: Where decks intersect with changes in ground level, we design retaining walls that anchor safely into your structure.

Each project is unique, and our role as your deck and patio engineer is to ensure all structural components are correctly specified, cost-effective, and constructible. We deliver tailored engineering solutions for coastal, urban, and rural sites throughout the Gold Coast.

Structural Engineering Services We Provide

We offer end-to-end support for deck and patio projects, with services including:

1. Site Inspections & Load Assessments
We conduct site inspections to assess existing conditions to determine soil characteristics, site gradients, and foundation constraints. For existing structures, we investigate any visible distress, timber decay, or frame inadequacies.

2. Custom Structural Design
We develop structural plans that suit your layout, aesthetic preferences, and material choices. We include member sizing, connection detailing, footing systems, and framing spans based on AS1170, AS1720, AS2870, and AS4100.

3. Engineering Documentation for Council Approval
We prepare engineering drawings and Form 15 or Form 12 certificates to ensure fast-track approval with local Gold Coast certifiers.

4. Material Selection and Advice
We advise on appropriate materials — from hardwood timber to galvanised steel and composite frames — balancing durability, cost, and compliance with fire, wind, and exposure class ratings.

5. Construction Stage Support
We conduct site inspections to verify that the structure has been built as per the engineering drawings and provide the required compliance forms.

Council Approval for Decks and Patios on the Gold Coast

In Queensland, council approval is typically required for decks or patios that:

Exceed 1 metre in height above ground
Are greater than 10m² in size
Are attached to a dwelling
Require structural support from footings or bearers

Our licensed and insured engineers design your structure with council compliance in mind from the start, avoiding delays or rework. A qualified deck and patio engineer familiar with Gold Coast regional requirements can streamline your approval process and minimise costly errors.

Why Choose Mellan Consulting Engineers?

Specialist Experience: We’ve engineered dozens of decks and patios across the Gold Coast.
Code Compliance Guaranteed: We work to AS1170, AS1720, AS2870, AS3600, and AS3700.
Gold Coast Focus: We understand the local environment and council processes.
Collaborative Workflow: We work with builders, designers, and homeowners.
Insurance Support: We provide storm damage reports and support for insurance claims.

Your outdoor space deserves engineering expertise that delivers strength, safety, and value. Our team is committed to being your preferred deck and patio engineer throughout the Gold Coast.

What Makes a Safe and Compliant Deck or Patio?

A structurally sound deck or patio depends on:

Live Loads (e.g. foot traffic)
Dead Loads (e.g. decking material)
Wind Loads (especially for elevated areas)
Connection Detailing (e.g. bolts, joist hangers, fixings)
Durability (resistance to rot, corrosion, termites)
Serviceability (e.g. deflection and long-term performance)

We evaluate all of these to ensure safety, compliance, and longevity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need engineering if my deck is under 1 metre?
Yes. Engineering is still recommended to ensure long-term safety, especially for structures near retaining walls or supporting a roof.

Can you help with certification for an existing patio?
Yes. We offer retrospective inspections and provide the documentation required for council or sale.

What materials do you recommend?
It depends on your budget and site. We often use H3/H4 treated pine for low decks, galvanised steel for height, and composite decking for premium builds.

Our Experience with Challenging Deck and Patio Projects

Our team has encountered a wide variety of deck and patio engineering scenarios across the Gold Coast. From sloping terrain in hinterland suburbs to high-wind coastal environments, we understand how to approach complex structural issues with precision. Whether it’s designing long-span steel frames for second-storey decks or retrofitting support systems under older patios, we tailor every design to site-specific constraints.

We frequently assist clients who are extending or modifying older outdoor structures that were originally built without engineering input. These cases often require detailed inspections and structural upgrades to meet current safety standards and council requirements. As your deck and patio engineer, we ensure all retrofit designs are practical and compliant with AS/NZS codes.

In the context of new builds, we work closely with homeowners, builders, and certifiers to avoid unnecessary delays. Our streamlined process includes digital plan delivery, builder-ready documentation, and fast turnaround of Form 15 or Form 12 compliance certificates.

We’ve also provided engineering services for properties in bushfire-prone areas, ensuring material selection and detailing align with BAL ratings. For decks constructed near pools or over retaining walls, we incorporate waterproofing and load path continuity to protect long-term structural performance.

Our involvement doesn’t stop at the design phase — we’re committed to supporting your project through to completion. With onsite verification, inspection reports, and direct communication with your builder, we help ensure a high standard of construction is maintained at every stage.

Request a Quote Today

If you’re building a new deck or patio, choose a qualified, experienced team that understands Gold Coast conditions.

Contact Mellan Consulting Engineers

Let’s make your outdoor space safe, compliant, and structurally sound. Work with Mellan Consulting Engineers — your trusted deck and patio engineer..