Client Success Story: Matt & Vilma Patio & Deck Customers
Location: North MacClean, Logan
Project: Two-storey deck with weatherproof fly up patio, stair reconfiguration, box gutter roofing
Goal: Build a large, functional space for entertaining and family life that blends seamlessly with the house
Matt and Vilma had a clear vision: create an expansive, elevated outdoor space that felt like a natural extension of their home. After 20 years without major upgrades, the house was showing its age. The stairs were rotting.
It was time to do something bold – not just fix what was broken, but reimagine what was possible.
“We knew exactly what we wanted. It was to have that extra space, to have another area.”
Watch their story here;
The Building Challenge
What started as a basic need (replacing unsafe stairs) quickly turned into a full-scale transformation. Matt and Vilma wanted a generous entertaining area that flowed naturally from their kitchen and upper floor. The inside of their home wasn’t large enough to host big family gatherings. The outdoor space had to do the heavy lifting.
But the site had significant issues. The sloping land collected water after every rainfall, creating muddy conditions that made the outdoor area unusable. The existing deck was deteriorating beyond repair, while the old stairs were not only unsafe but also long, exposed, and treacherous in wet weather. With no internal access to the upper floor, they needed a covered external staircase that would provide safe passage in all Queensland weather conditions.
The drainage problems were particularly challenging. Without proper water management, any new structure would face the same issues that had plagued the original deck. The slope of the land meant that conventional drainage solutions wouldn’t be sufficient.
They didn’t just want functionality. They wanted it to look and feel right. Something that matched the character of their home and made the space feel like it belonged.
The Lifestyle Patios Solution
This was never going to be a standard build. Rick, their design consultant, spent hours on-site with Matt and Vilma. He sketched ideas, walked through layout options, and they even brought him inside to compare measurements against real furniture. That helped them make confident decisions about the size and flow of the space.
At first, the deck was going to be smaller. But once they started picturing how they would actually use it, that changed. Between the lounge, dining table and barbecue, it was clear they needed more room. Rick showed them how the measurements would translate inside the home, so they could see what that space would really feel like. What seemed large on paper suddenly felt tight once furniture was factored in.
In the end, they landed on an eight-by-eight-metre layout for the ground-level deck. It was large enough to host gatherings and still feel open. The design wrapped around to connect with the kitchen servery, with a clean angle that opened up the traffic flow. This small detail made the space easier to navigate during parties and family dinners.
Key design choices included:
- A low-to-ground deck positioned to resolve drainage issues and provide a permanently dry, level base
- A large upper deck with comprehensive cover, specifically designed to handle heavy Queensland rain and storms
- A reconfigured staircase with shorter travel distance and full weather protection for safe year-round access
- A sophisticated box gutter system to ensure the entire space stayed watertight in all conditions
- Strategic angled design to improve flow between the kitchen servery, dining space and stairs
Other companies had walked away. Some said the drainage issues were too complex to solve cost-effectively. Others were only willing to work within preset sizes that wouldn’t address Matt and Vilma’s specific needs. Rick took a different approach. He invested the time to design a custom solution that worked with the challenging site conditions and matched the way Matt and Vilma wanted to live.
The approval process was handled smoothly by Lifestyle Patios, taking care of all necessary permits and council requirements so Matt and Vilma could focus on the exciting aspects of their project.
The Result
The final result is a multi-level outdoor living space that feels like part of the home. The stairs are now safe and covered, providing confident access in any weather. The new decks provide generous space for relaxing, dining and entertaining. There’s room to move, plenty of natural light, and effective shelter from the elements when needed. See the difference in in below before and after comparison, it is a day and night transformation.
“Every time we’d come home, we’d say ‘We’re so blessed.’ It’s just so beautiful.” – Vilma
The angled layout means there’s no crowding in high-traffic areas. It connects smoothly to the kitchen, and the top level feels open and peaceful.
Matt explained that before the new patio, deck and stairs they used to sit out on the lawn under a gazebo and it would separate the kids and the adults at parties, now everyone can come together in one beautiful space.
The drainage issues of the past have been completely resolved, with the space remaining dry and functional even during heavy Queensland downpours.
For Future Customers
Matt and Vilma’s build is proof that great design starts with professionals that listen. If you’re considering a project like this, here are some questions to ask:
- Can this company handle large or multi-level builds with complex site challenges?
- Will they spend time on-site with you to understand how you want to use the space?
- Are they experienced with box gutters, drainage solutions and comprehensive waterproofing?
- Do they work with your lifestyle and budget, not just sell a preset kit?
- Will they handle the approval process and council requirements for you?
“Give them a call. Tell them everything: your dreams, your needs, your wants. Let them see what they can do.” – Matt, North McClean, Logan
