Deck Building & Repair near you in Australia
Known locally as timber decking (decks and pergolas). Compare researched prices and get free quotes from pros wherever you are in Australia.
Typical price: A$300–A$28,000
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What deck building & repair costs in Australia
| Job size | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Repair and re-oil Replace boards, re-fix balustrade, sand and oil | A$300 | A$800 | A$1,500 |
| Small deck (15m²) Low-set treated pine or Merbau deck | A$4,000 | A$7,500 | A$12,000 |
| Large or elevated deck 30m²+ hardwood or composite deck with balustrade and stairs | A$10,000 | A$17,000 | A$28,000 |
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How to hire a deck building & repair pro in Australia
- Check state licensing: in NSW a contractor licence is required for residential building work over $5,000; in QLD a QBCC licence applies over $3,300; in VIC registered building practitioners are required for major domestic work
- Ask whether a building permit/development approval is needed — decks above ~1m or attached to the dwelling usually require one
- Confirm termite management: H3-treated pine or naturally durable hardwood for framing
- Get board species in writing (treated pine, Merbau, Spotted Gum, composite) — prices differ sharply
- Ask for home warranty insurance where the job value triggers it (e.g. over $20,000 in NSW/VIC)
- Request photos and addresses of decks built 3+ years ago
Frequently asked questions
Composite vs timber decking — which is cheaper long-term?
Timber is cheaper to install but needs sanding, staining or oiling every 1-3 years. Composite costs 50-100% more upfront but only needs washing. Over 10-15 years the totals often converge, so the decision usually comes down to upfront budget and how much maintenance you will actually do.
How often should a timber deck be stained or oiled?
Every 12-24 months for oil finishes and 2-4 years for film-forming stains, depending on sun exposure. Re-coating on schedule is the single biggest factor in how long the boards last.
How much does it cost to build a deck?
Deck cost is driven by area, height off the ground, and material. Ground-level softwood decks are the cheapest; elevated decks need engineered footings and balustrades, and composite or hardwood boards can double the board cost. Most quotes are priced per square metre or square foot, with stairs, balustrades and lighting as line items.
Can an old deck be repaired instead of replaced?
If the frame (joists, bearers, posts) is sound, boards and balustrades can be replaced individually and the structure re-stained for a fraction of a rebuild. If posts are rotting at the base or the ledger connection to the house is corroded, replacement is usually safer and not much more expensive than piecemeal repair.
What deck size do most homeowners build?
The most common residential decks fall between 12-25 m² (130-270 sq ft) — enough for a table, chairs and a grill. Costs do not scale perfectly with area: small decks carry fixed costs (access, footings, delivery), so price per square metre drops as size grows.
How long does a deck build take?
A simple ground-level deck takes 2-4 days. An elevated deck with footings, stairs and balustrades typically takes 1-2 weeks, plus any permit or inspection lead time before work can start.
Is Merbau still the default decking timber in Australia?
It remains the most-quoted hardwood because of durability and price, but sustainability concerns push many builders toward Spotted Gum, Blackbutt or composite. Expect treated pine to be cheapest, Merbau mid-range, and Australian hardwoods or premium composite 40-80% above Merbau.
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