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Living room with glass doors opening onto a timber deck
Gold Coast, QLD

Burleigh Waters carpenter for kitchens, bathrooms and decks

Decks and renovations for homes on the lakes and canals.

  • QBCC licensed
  • 5.0 stars on Google
  • Free quotes

Homes in Burleigh Waters at the 2021 Census

  • 71.1%separate houses
  • 26.3%townhouses and semis
  • 2.6%flats and units
  • 38.6%owned outright

Burleigh Waters is built around water. It has five named lakes, Lake Heron, Miami Lake, Swan Lake, Pelican Lake and Burleigh Lake, and its canals join the Gold Coast network out to the Broadwater and the ocean. A wetland, Stephens Swamp, covered much of the area into the 1990s.

Building came in stages from the 1970s, and today about seven in ten homes are separate houses. These homes suit work like a timber pool deck, a new kitchen or a full bathroom renovation.

Close by: Burleigh Heads, Miami, Varsity Lakes.

What Brett does in Burleigh Waters

What are Burleigh Waters homes like?

Most people in Burleigh Waters own their home. The 2021 Census found 38.6% of homes owned outright and 39.0% with a mortgage. Only 20.2% were rented. Houses lead, at 71.1%, with 26.3% townhouses or similar and just 2.6% flats. The average home had 3.3 bedrooms, and the median age was 42.

The Burleigh Waters Estate, a canal extension, was developed by Hooker Corporation and BMD Group in the late 1970s. Homes were already going up when Pacific Fair opened in 1977. If your home dates from those early years, its kitchen and wet areas may be ready for a refresh.

Entry with timber steps and landing

What should you plan for on a Burleigh Waters canal home?

Start with the water. The canals are tidal, and in heavy rain or flood years, homes on the canal can face flooding. Check your block on the council's flood maps before you change floor levels.

Next, look at the wall at the water's edge. Gold Coast council says owners are legally responsible for revetment walls on their land or that serve it, and it suggests an engineer check a wall's condition. Ask about the wall before you plan a deck or pool beside it.

Last, think about age. Homes from the first canal stages were built well before 1990, the year QBCC uses as its asbestos warning line. Get old splashbacks and flooring underlay tested before a kitchen comes out.

White poolside cabana with a daybed

Can you build a deck by a Burleigh Waters canal?

Yes, but canal lots come with extra rules. The council marks a waterfront setback area on lots beside a canal or waterway, and checks building there for looks and for flooding. A pool, or a deck more than 1 metre above natural ground, in that area needs a referral agency application to council. Fences there must be an open design. A retaining wall over 1 metre high in that area needs an application too.

Away from the water's edge, the normal council test still applies. Any raised deck of 10 square metres or more, or 1 metre or higher, needs a building approval, which a private certifier issues. In a townhouse, get body corporate approval as well.

What clients say

5.0 on Google

★★★★★

A full reno, two bathrooms and all

He was fantastic to work with and the quality of work was top notch. … Brett is a very good communicator and a great builder.
Toby Black, Ashmore
★★★★★

Deck restored, new steps from scratch

Brett did a bang-up job repairing and restoring our wooden deck … we can't fault his work ethic, craftsmanship, communication or punctuality.
Shaun Rudland
★★★★★

15 years of jobs, still calling Brett

Brett has done several renovation jobs for us over the last 15 years … quality work, great follow-through, and just a great guy to have come into our home
Katrina T-w

What clients say

5.0 on Google

★★★★★
Brett from Field Carpentry completed a renovation for us at our home in Ashmore on the Gold Coast. The project included two bathrooms, some large doors and windows, some brick work repairs, flooring modifications and some other bits. He was fantastic to work with and the quality of work was top notch. He was always very polite and considerate of us while living in the house through the Renos, always working with us to schedule things when it would suit our family movements. Brett is a very good communicator and a great builder. We will definitely use Field Carpentry again and would recommend them to other Gold Coasters.
Toby Black, Ashmore
★★★★★
Brett did a bang-up job repairing and restoring our wooden deck including building a set of fully-enclosed 2 metre wide steps from scratch. He listened to what we wanted to achieve and gave us a range of options to suit different budgets. A pleasure to deal with from go to whoa, we can't fault his work ethic, craftsmanship, communication or punctuality. Would we use him again? We're already writing our "2024 List for Brett"
Shaun Rudland
★★★★★
Brett has done several renovation jobs for us over the last 15 years - timber and stainless steel back deck and railings, timber stairwell railings, refit and installation of cupboard units in laundry and bedrooms, and timber self-close fence side gate. A skilful tradie whose work I highly recommend - quality work, great follow-through, and just a great guy to have come into our home to do the necessary work.
Katrina T-w
★★★★★
Brett has carried out a range of medium to large jobs for us, including a new deck, a daybed, and he was a key part of the team that extended our house (a large reno project). His ability to bring a bespoke idea to life is incredible, as is his attention to detail. Just a great guy to work with, would recommend him to anyone.
Brendan Ritchie
★★★★★
I have hired Brett's expert carpentry services on a couple of occasions and both jobs were carried out in a professional manner. Brett is a perfectionist and takes pride in his workmanship and what he delivers. He carried out a semi kitchen reno job most recently which by no means was straightforward however he tackled it head on and a great result was achieved.
Jodie McDonald
★★★★★
Brett does wonderful work. Would thoroughly recommend him !!!
Tracy London
★★★★★
Brett did a great job on our new deck. Professional, clear communication, attention to detail, and top-tier craftsmanship. Highly recommend Brett to any one seeking a high-quality deck or renovation for a good price.
Taylor Moss
★★★★★
Brett and the team exceeded our expectations with their impeccable work on our kitchen remodel. We're thrilled with the result and grateful for the outstanding craftsmanship that has truly transformed our home.
Channa Cohn

Questions from Burleigh Waters

Can't see your question? Ask Brett.

Who fixes the canal wall behind a Burleigh Waters home?

The owner. Gold Coast council says private owners are legally responsible for revetment walls on their property, or walls that benefit it. The council only builds and maintains walls that protect public areas, like parks and roads. Rebuilding a wall, or changing its shape, spot or materials, will likely need a new approval.

What fixings suit a deck by the water in Burleigh Waters?

Go for more than the basic coating. QBCC says the usual minimum for metal framing brackets, Z275, only suits dry, inside spots. Outdoor decks built from treated timber can speed up rust on brackets and fixings, so they need a higher grade, such as stainless steel. Our decking timber guide covers the boards.

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