How Much Does Decking Installation Cost? [2025]

Comprehensive Guide to Decking Costs - Explore Material Prices, Installation Fees, and Budget-Friendly Tips for Your Next Outdoor Project

Decking is a popular way to enhance your property by creating a stylish and functional outdoor space. If you're wondering about the cost to build a deck or asking, "how much to build a deck Australia?", it’s important to consider both materials and installation. Whether you're looking into decking Perth prices or composite decking Brisbane prices, costs can vary significantly depending on your location, the materials used, and the complexity of your design.
Timber options are common, with timber decking cost typically ranging from $200 to $500 per square meter. If you prefer low-maintenance options, the composite deck cost is generally higher, but may offer better long-term value. To get a better idea of your expenses, use our Decking Cost Calculator — an easy-to-use deck cost calculator Australia designed to help you estimate your budget accurately.

Whether you’re after a deck cost calculator, decking cost calculator, or a decking price calculator, these tools can help you plan effectively. The average deck cost can range from $200 to over $1,000 per square meter depending on the materials and layout. Understanding your options and associated costs upfront ensures a smoother and more budget-friendly deck-building experience.

• $200 for decking made of treated pine


• Over $320 per square meter for hardwood timber decking


• More than $350 per square meter of composite decking costs


• Over $1,000 for high decking certified for cyclones

One of the most affordable methods to improve your outdoor living and boost the value of your house is to add decking.

What Factors Affect A Deck's Price?

When calculating how much does decking cost the contractor will consider many things. Your deck's overall cost will be determined by:

• The deck's size, measured in square meters


• Kind of wood or other materials utilized


• Dimensions of wooden boards


• Additives, such as wood for joists and bearers, bolts, nuts, and posts


• If you incorporate roofing, a balustrade, and stairs


• Site characteristics, such as the kind of soil


• If the deck is raised


• Licenses and other council costs

A raised deck necessitates tighter specifications and more labour-intensive construction. Council permission is frequently required for elevated decks to fulfil the necessary safety standards.

How Much Does Decking Cost Per Square Meter?

Although the decking cost may vary depending on various aspects, there are some basic figures you can take into account when planning how much does it cost to build a deck. The cost to supply and install decking is estimated to be about (per square meter):

Deck types:

• $200 for treated wood decking


• More than $320 for hardwood


• $350+ for composite decking


• More than $800 for decking with steps and/or a roof


• Over $1,000 elevated decking rated for cyclones

The price of each deck will vary, and these are only estimates.

How Much Does A New Deck Cost?

The size you choose will determine the cost of having a deck erected, aside from material. The cost of a deck increases with its size. The typical deck may cost:

Deck size (square meters):

• $3,500 - $5,500 for 10 m2


• $3,300 - $5,300 for 20 m2


• $4, 00 - $6,800 for 30 m2


• $5,000 and $7,000 for 40 m2


• $5,300 and $7,200 for 50 m2


• $5,900 - $11,500+ for 50+ m2

Whether you require council clearance before work can begin will also depend on the size of your decking.

Which Type Of Wood Is Best For My Deck?

There are several alternatives available when selecting a type of wood. In addition to influencing the cost of your deck, several wood species offer unique qualities related to hardness and colour. Among the most popular species of wood are:

• Treated pine is the least expensive alternative, but it's important to select a wood that is of a good grade and has an "H" rating, which indicates whether or not it's appropriate for outdoor usage.


• Blackbutt is a native Australian plant that resists fire but can break easily if not well-wrapped.


• Merbau is one of the most popular, reasonably priced, and durable wood used across Southeast Asia. The Merbau decking price per m2 is $320 to $350.


• Ironbark is another option. Whereas, working with it is quite a challenging task. This dense, hefty hardwood is incredibly durable for decking.


• Jarrah is a highly well-liked decking material that comes in a variety of light, dark, and red tones, Jarrah is strong and fireproof.


• Another wise option if you live in a bushfire-prone area is spotted gum, which has a high density that increases its long-term endurance.

What Is The Decking Cost Of A Deck Balustrade?

Balustrades or railings are necessary if your deck is surrounded by a pool or has elevated decking; they must adhere to your state's construction codes. These will raise the total cost of your deck.

Anticipate to pay:

• $180 per meter for a balustrade made of wood and wire


• A glass balustrade costs $320 per meter.

Does My Deck Contractor Require A License?

Where you reside has an impact on this also. A different licensing class, such as builder or carpenter, may apply in some areas, while other states have their license class specifically for decking. The building of decks is also subject to state and council-specific laws. Contact your local council or licensing body if you're unsure.

Does My Deck Require Council Or Building Approval?

The type of clearance required varies based on your residence. For reasons of safety or aesthetics, a council's planning permission or a building certifier's certification may be necessary. Usually, this is predicated on:

• Deck Size: Some localities require council clearance for decks bigger than 10 square meters, while other councils only require permission for decks up to 25 square meters.


• Deck height: a deck that is elevated above the ground may be hazardous. While some towns only permit deck heights of 600 mm, others do not require clearance for decks up to one meter in height.

Consult your local council if in question.

Hiring Of A Deck Builder

Make sure the deck builder is the correct fit for your project before hiring them. A few inquiries to pose to them are:

• Do you possess a license or qualifications?


• Do you have insurance?


• How much time would my task take?


• Please provide me with a decking cost per m2 quotation in writing.


• Could you handle our council approval?


• Have you got any recommendations I might contact?


• Please show me samples of your work.

The price that each builder quotes could also vary according to your state. The following are approximate labour expenses by state:

• $200 to $210 in New South Wales


• Between $190 and $200 in Victoria


• $185 to $190 in South Australia


• $170 to $180 in Western Australia

To get an idea of current market pricing, always obtain decking quotes from decking professionals—at least three.