Since everyone knows that a new open-air living space will add enjoyment and value to their home, I\u2019ve never had to \u201csell\u201d anyone on the idea of building an outdoor deck.<\/p>\n
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Still, cost is always a concern, and it\u2019s important to understand the factors that influence it, including materials (wood decking vs. composite), deck size, site conditions, and accessories. Labour is another large cost component. Unless you\u2019re planning to self-build, expect labour costs of $170 to $210 per square metre of deck.<\/p>\n
Read on for more details of how these and other factors influence overall deck construction cost. I also offer some advice on waterproofing, one of the most worthwhile add-ons in deck construction.<\/p>\n
Most calculations start here since the size and shape of your deck<\/a> impact nearly every other cost. If you want a unique shape, such as rounded edges or building around existing fixtures in the garden, the cost will be more than a standard, regularly shaped deck. Adding inlays or other decorative elements will also drive up the costs.<\/p>\n Building on a raised or sloped elevation can add considerable costs to your deck. Consider that a raised deck must also be fenced and have stairs leading to the garden. You may also need to add balustrades or roofing. You should also consider lighting while your deck is under construction.<\/p>\n If your garden requires special grading or has accessibility challenges, you may need to hire a builder with specialist equipment or scaffolding.<\/p>\n Builders prefer pressure-treated lumber for the deck support structure (bearers, joists, and posts) because it resists water damage, is inhospitable to mould and mildew, and discourages insect infestation. But for the deck surface itself, you have a lot of options.<\/p>\n Composite Deck<\/p><\/div>\n Timber Deck<\/p><\/div>\n Most homeowners opt for timber or composite deck boards. Timber has a natural appeal, and some hardwoods are very durable. Nonetheless, as a natural material, timber is susceptible to decay and requires regular upkeep to keep its looks. Composite decking, a combination of wood fibre and recycled plastic, is much more resilient to the elements and insects than wooden decks. Composites also require very little maintenance, usually just a wash and rinse twice yearly.<\/p>\n So, what\u2019s holding you back from building your dream deck?<\/p>\n Price? No worries, we\u2019ve got you covered. While different building sources list a variety of deck costs, there is universal agreement that a range of factors will affect the total cost:<\/p>\n But you\u2019d like to know some of the hard costs of decking. Fair enough. Here\u2019s the range:<\/p>\n An essential factor is labour costs, and your postcode matters.\u00a0Hiretrades\u00a0provides the following estimate showing that the most expensive installation will be found in New South Wales, while Western Australia is the least costly.<\/p>\n STATE<\/strong> ESTIMATED LABOUR COST PER M2<\/strong><\/p>\n Deck size<\/strong> Average deck pricing range<\/strong><\/p>\n The two main types of decking boards are timber and composite. The material you choose will significantly affect the upfront costs, but you should also consider the long-term costs of materials based on their maintenance requirements.<\/p>\n The most commonly used Australian timber for decking projects include:<\/p>\n Decks must meet the Building Code of Australia (BCA), which has been revised to make decks more fire-resistant and to address the dangers of\u00a0bushfires<\/a>. If you live near the coast, consider installing cyclone-rated decking.<\/p>\n However, the costs of maintaining treated pine can be high over time\u2014not just financially but also in terms of your personal time spent sealing and staining the timber each year. Sunshine can fade and dry out timber, causing it to warp and split. Water can rot the timber or cause fungal infection to take over. To remedy this, you\u2019ll want to waterproof as much as possible.<\/p>\n There is no \u201caverage deck,\u201d so it\u2019s impossible to say which timber is best. It depends on your personal taste, the availability of the timber species you want, and the cost. If your budget is modest, pressure-treated pine will reduce the cost of timber decking. Otherwise, look to the high-end hardwoods, which have a tight grain that makes them durable and rot-resistant. Wood from native species, such as Merbau decking, is often less expensive than exotic imports.<\/p>\n Composite decks, made from a combination of recycled timber fibres and plastic, are durable and waterproof. The average cost for a basic composite deck starts at $100\/m2 and goes up to $350\/m2or more, depending on the brand. Popular brands include\u00a0Trex<\/a>, ModWood and FutureWood. (In the USA, \u201csquare foot\u201d is the preferred unit of measure. There are about 10.75 square feet in a square metre.)How Does Cost Factor into Waterproofing Your Deck?<\/p>\n Higher-quality timber has greater staying power; however, any timber deck should be sealed and\/or stained annually or biannually. This cost can average about $400 in oil and sealants for a\u00a025m2 deck. If you don\u2019t want to DIY and hire professional tradesmen to reseal your deck, expect additional labour costs. These costs add up year after year, so consider this when deciding between timber and composite decking.<\/p>\n During construction, don\u2019t just focus on the decking boards. Remember the substructure, the joists and the bearers, too.<\/p>\n The good news is that adding joist tape to your construction adds little to the overall costs<\/a> but can add years of life to your deck. Trex Protect Joist, Bearer & Rim Tape, a high-quality butyl tape:<\/p>\n To protect an average size deck measuring 3.5m x 7.5m will require approximately five rolls of Trex Protect Joist Tape and one roll of Trex Protect Bearer Tape. For less than a $130 investment, your deck substructure can last as long as the decking it supports. To check exact costs, use our\u00a0materials estimator<\/a>.<\/p>\n In most urban areas, you\u2019ll need some type of approval before you build a deck, especially if it is elevated or large. Rural and remote areas tend to have fewer rules and restrictions, but ask your local authorities before starting any work. What works in Queensland might not be allowed in Victoria.<\/p>\n Usually, you or your decking contractor will need to submit scale drawings of the deck for approval. In some cases, you may also have to survey the land and have an engineer and building certifier sign off on the plans before they can be considered for approval.<\/p>\n Remember to check with your local council to see if you need a permit to build your new deck.<\/p>\nSite conditions<\/h3>\n
Materials<\/h3>\n
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How Much Does It Cost to Build a Deck per Square Metre?<\/h2>\n
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As you might expect,\u00a0<\/strong>Serviceseeking estimates that for every square metre in additional space, you should expect an increase in cost.<\/p>\n\n
What Type of Decking Is Available?<\/h2>\n
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How Much Does It Cost to Build a Timber Deck?<\/h2>\n
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As noted earlier, the cost of a deck depends on the type and quality of wood used. You may pay just $200 per square metre for treated pine decking, $320 or more per square metre for hardwood timber decking, or $350 or more per square metre for composite decking. For the budget-conscious, the decision may appear straightforward.<\/p>\nWhat Type of Timber is Best for My Deck?<\/h3>\n
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Composite Deck?<\/h2>\n
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Composite materials may be an expensive option at the time of construction, but they require virtually no maintenance. Additionally, composite boards are identical from one to the next, so decking installation goes fast. Composites often come with a manufacturer\u2019s warranty as long as 25 years.<\/p>\n\n
Is Building or Council Approval Necessary for Deck Building?<\/h2>\n
Ready to Build?<\/h2>\n