Stand at your back door or look out your back window. What’s stopping you from going outdoors and enjoying the fresh air? Adding decking is one of the most cost-effective ways to enhance your outdoor lifestyle and add value to your home. 

But how much does decking cost to install? 

Read this guide to decking costs to find out about:

• What determines the cost of a deck?
• What materials can my deck be made from?
• How much does decking cost per square metre?
• How decking prices change by size
• What timber should I use for my deck?
• How much does a deck balustrade cost?
• Do I need building or council approval for my deck?
• Hiring a deck builder
• Does my deck builder need to be licensed?

What determines the cost of a deck?

When you get a deck installed, the builder will look at several factors. The total cost of getting your deck will be based off:

• Size of the deck (in square metres)
• Type of timber or other materials used
• Size of timber boards
• Accessories, including timber for bearers and joists, nuts, bolts and posts
• If you include stairs, a balustrade and/or roofing
• Site conditions, including soil type
• Whether the deck is elevated
• Permits and other council fees

An elevated deck is more labour-intensive and requires adherence to stricter specifications. Elevated decks often need council approval to ensure they meet the relevant safety criteria.

What materials can my deck be made from?

Your deck can be made with several different options. Soft, hardwood and composite materials are the most common materials used and they can come in their own varieties. Knowing about the various decking materials and how much they cost can help you to choose what’s right for you. The three most popular types of deck materials are:

• Treated pine: this is the cheapest option, from around $200 per square metre. It’s easy to work with and can be stained or painted.
• Hardwood timber: timber decking is more expensive than treated pine, starting around $320 per square metre, but some hardwood decking costs less than others.
• Composite decking: composite decking, also known as plastic decking, starts from around $350 per square metre. It’s made from a mixture of timber fibre and plastic that are made to look like timber, available in a variety of natural timber and “paint” colours.

The cost of composite decking is usually about the same as a mid-priced hardwood decking material, but has some advantages. While you have to stain and seal natural timber after a number of years, there’s no special maintenance for composite decking after it’s been installed except for occasional cleaning.

For a comparison of natural and composite decking, read our guide: Timber Decking vs. Composite Decking.

How much does decking cost per square metre?

These factors will change the price of your deck but there are some general numbers you can factor in when budgeting for a deck. For supply and installation of decking, expect to pay in the region of (per square metre):

Types of decking:

• Treated pine decking – $200
• Hardwood timber decking – $320+
• Composite decking – $350+
• Decking with roofing and/or stairs – $800+
• Elevated cyclone-rated decking – $1,000+

These costs are estimates and the cost of each deck will be different. You can also use a decking cost calculator to receive a ballpark estimate of your next decking Task, based off material choice and square meterage. 

Read more: Complete deck maintenance checklist

How decking prices change by size 

Other than material, the cost of getting a deck installed will be impacted by the size you want. The larger the deck, the more it will cost. The average deck can cost:

Size of deck (m2):

• 10 – $3,000 – $5,500
• 20 – $3,300 – $5,300
• 30 – $4,00 – $6,800
• 40 – $5,000 – $7,000
• 50 – $5,300 – $7,200
• 50+ – $5,900 – $11,500+

The size of your decking will also change whether or not you will need council approval before construction can start. 

Read more: Should decking be oiled?

What timber should I use for my deck?

When it comes to choosing a type of timber, there’s a range of options to choose from. As well as affecting how much your decking costs, different timber species have distinct colour and hardness characteristics. Some of the most common timber species include:

• Treated pine: the least expensive option, however you need to choose a decent quality timber with an “H” rating, which tells you if it’s suitable for outdoor use.
• Blackbutt: an Australian native species that is also fire resistant, though susceptible to cracking if it’s not sealed.
• Merbau: a relatively affordable and durable hardwood that’s very popular, though you should check it comes from a sustainable source as this species is extensively harvested across Southeast Asia.
• Ironbark: this dense and heavy hardwood timber can be difficult to cut and work with, but is extremely durable for decking.
• Jarrah: a very popular option for decking, Jarrah is durable and fire resistant, available in a wide range of light, dark brown and red hues.
• Spotted Gum: another sensible choice if you live in a bushfire zone, this is a very dense timber which enhances its long-term durability.

Read more: How to choose the best timber for your decking Task

When calculating the cost of decking, expect to pay more if you add stairs, lighting and other features. 

How much does a deck balustrade cost?

If you have elevated decking or your deck surrounds a pool, then balustrade or handrails will be required and these must comply with building regulations in your state. These will add to your overall decking cost.

Expect to pay:

• $180 per metre for a timber and wire balustrade
• $320 per metre for a glass balustrade