Deck Building & Repair in Gladstone

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.

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.

Ask for photos and addresses of decks built 3+ years ago (new decks all look good), proof of insurance, and whether they or a subcontractor do the footings. In Gladstone, also check any licence or registration your local rules require for structural outdoor work before signing.

A complete quote lists demolition/removal of any old structure, footings, framing timber and spans, board type and grade, fixings (hidden vs face-screwed), balustrades, stairs, waste removal, and whether permit fees and engineering are included. Missing line items are where cheap quotes grow.

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.

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.