Get to know your builder, Ryan
Choosing the right team is crucial when entrusting your project and investment to a builder. Take a moment to meet Ryan, the owner, project manager, and lead builder at Deck Boys, and gain the confidence you need to build with peace of mind.
How long have you been in the building industry?
I’ve been in the building industry for over 20 years. Growing up, I was always in the shed with my grandfather, tinkering and building cubby houses. At school, I expanded on that by making wooden furniture—things like tables, veggie boxes, chicken coops, and chopping boards. I’d sell them to fund my fishing trips and buy new gear.
What led you to become a Brisbane deck builder?
There’s something incredibly rewarding about the process of building a deck. In just 7 to 10 days, we can completely transform how a client lives. Watching their excitement as the deck comes together and seeing them imagine their morning coffee or their kids playing on the deck is truly fulfilling.
I also enjoy the simplicity of deck construction compared to larger-scale building projects. We’re very selective with the trades we work with, like electrical and plumbing, and there are fewer building phases, which keeps things streamlined and enjoyable for both our team and our clients.
Where can we find you on the weekends?
You’ll most likely find me wetting a line fishing on the river or out in the hinterland working on my off-grid cabin.
What’s the best thing about your crew?
We’ve been working together for years, and they’re more than just colleagues—they’re close friends. I know they genuinely care about Deck Boys and each project, which is important because it means I can trust them to deliver top-notch work every time.
What’s your favourite timber to work with?
Red Ironbark is my favourite—it’s native to Australia, particularly Queensland, and it’s as tough as it gets. I used it to build my off-grid cabin and love using it for feature timber structures. It’s strong, durable, and has a beautiful finish.
What’s one of the trickiest decks you’ve built?
In late 2024, we completed a herringbone deck within a pool cabana in Bald Hills. It required a great deal of time and precision to prepare the framing and spacing for a perfectly symmetrical pattern. The attention to detail in the early stages really pays off when laying the boards, and it’s amazing to see the final result.
Tells us about a project that stands out over the years.
We’ve built decks of all sizes, but one of the largest was a deck over 100m², standing 6m high, in McDowell. The logistics were also complex because of the slope and height, requiring extra care to ensure the site was accessible and the team’s safety was a priority. But the views from the top made it all worth it!
What advice would you give someone planning their deck?
Always opt for the best materials your budget allows. If you’re going to spend time on your deck, you want it to be something you love. Many clients ask whether they should choose composite or timber, and I always recommend checking out samples before making a decision. During the quote phase, I bring material samples to help clients really get a feel for what’s underfoot.
Get in touch with Ryan if you want to start planning your dream deck!