Independent Australian Cost Guides
Updated February 2026
Decking icon — outdoor timber deck with railing

How much does a decking cost in Adelaide?

Most decking in Adelaide costs $4,600–$14,700
for a standard 15–25 sqm deck
A small 15 sqm hardwood deck in Adelaide costs $4,600–$9,200. A medium 25 sqm deck runs $7,350–$14,700. Per-sqm rates range from $165/sqm for treated pine to $505/sqm for composite.
+3.2% Decking costs in Adelaide have risen this quarter, driven by strong construction activity and trade shortages. Q1 2026 vs Q4 2025
Platypus mascot illustration — Decking Cost Adelaide 2026
Average Decking Cost in Adelaide
$126
per hour for standard residential work
Call-Out Fee
$63–$158
Emergency Rate
$263–$735
Common Job
$158–$420
Budget $84/hrAverage $126/hrPremium $210/hr

Decking in Adelaide costs $165–$320/sqm for treated pine, $275–$505/sqm for merbau hardwood, and $260–$505/sqm for composite decking (all supply and installation). A medium 25 sqm deck costs $7,350–$14,700 depending on the material and complexity.

Detailed Pricing — Adelaide 2026

ServiceLowTypicalHigh
Treated pine deck (per sqm)$165/sqm$240$320
Hardwood deck — merbau (per sqm)$275/sqm$385$505
Hardwood deck — spotted gum (per sqm)$320/sqm$440$550
Composite deck (per sqm)$260/sqm$370$505
Small deck (15 sqm, hardwood)$4,600total$6,900$9,200
Medium deck (25 sqm, hardwood)$7,350total$11,050$14,700
Large deck (40 sqm, hardwood)$11,950total$17,500$23,900
Deck steps (per step)$140/step$230$370
Deck balustrade / railing (per lm)$110/lm$185$320
Deck sanding + oiling (per sqm)$23/sqm$37$55
Old deck demolition + removal$18/sqm$32$51
Pergola over deck (basic)$4,600total$7,350$13,800
Prices verified February 2026 · Cross-referenced against 90+ Australian trade pricing sources · See methodology

Prices include GST. Based on Adelaide metro area, Feb 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.

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What Affects Decking Costs in Adelaide

Timber type

Treated pine ($165–$320/sqm in Adelaide) is cheapest but needs regular oiling. Merbau ($275–$505/sqm) and spotted gum are premium hardwoods. Composite ($260–$505/sqm) is low-maintenance.

Deck size

A small 15 sqm deck in Adelaide costs $4,600–$9,200. Medium 25 sqm is $7,350–$14,700. Large 40 sqm decks run $11,950–$23,900. Larger decks get slightly better per-sqm rates.

Height & subframe

Ground-level decks in Adelaide are simplest. Elevated decks (over 1m) need substantial substructure, posts, and often engineering — increasing costs significantly.

Steps & balustrades

Steps cost $140–$370 per step in Adelaide. Balustrades/railings add $120–$350/lm. These are required by code for any deck over 1m above ground.

Site access & slope

A flat, accessible Adelaide backyard is cheapest. Sloping sites, difficult access, or existing structures to build around all increase labour time and cost.

Maintenance requirements

Hardwood decks need oiling 1–2 times per year (DIY $50–$100, professional $23–$55/sqm in Adelaide). Composite decking needs almost no maintenance — a hose-down is usually sufficient.

How to Save Money on Decking in Adelaide

1
Get 3 quotes from licensed Adelaide deck builders — make sure each quote includes the same timber species and subframe specifications
2
Consider composite decking if low maintenance is a priority — it costs similar to hardwood upfront but saves on annual oiling
3
Check your Adelaide council for permit requirements — decks over a certain height or size may need a building permit
4
Ask about the subframe — a quality subframe (often the biggest cost component) determines how long the deck lasts
5
Factor in ongoing maintenance costs — a hardwood deck in Adelaide costs $200–$500/year to maintain; composite costs almost nothing
6
Ask about drainage under the deck and how the structure connects to your house — waterproofing the connection point is critical

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does decking cost per sqm in Adelaide?
Decking in Adelaide costs $165–$320/sqm for treated pine, $275–$505/sqm for merbau hardwood, and $260–$505/sqm for composite — all supply and installation including subframe.
How much does a 20 sqm deck cost in Adelaide?
A 20 sqm deck in Adelaide costs approximately $5,500–$11,000 depending on timber type, site conditions, and whether steps or balustrades are needed.
Is composite decking worth the extra cost?
Composite decking ($260–$505/sqm in Adelaide) costs slightly more than merbau but requires virtually no maintenance. Over 10 years, it's often cheaper than hardwood when you factor in oiling costs.
Do I need a permit for a deck?
In most Adelaide councils, decks under a certain height (usually 500mm–1m) and size don't need a permit. Higher or larger decks typically require a building permit. Always check with your local council before starting.
How long does a timber deck last?
Treated pine decks last 15–20 years with regular maintenance. Hardwood (merbau, spotted gum) lasts 25–40+ years. Composite decking lasts 25–30 years with minimal maintenance.
How long does it take to build a deck in Adelaide?
A standard deck (15–25 sqm) in Adelaide takes 3–7 days to build. Larger or more complex decks with pergolas, steps, and balustrades can take 2–3 weeks.

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Our Methodology

Prices on this page are compiled from publicly available cost guides, tradie marketplaces (ServiceSeeking, hipages, Airtasker, Service.com.au), industry body data (HIA, Master Builders), and individual tradesperson websites across Australia. We cross-reference ranges from multiple sources and adjust for city-specific cost differences based on advertised rates, salary data, and cost-of-living indicators. Our guides are independently produced — we don't employ tradespeople and have no financial incentive to inflate or deflate prices. All prices are estimates and will vary based on your specific job. Always get at least 3 quotes. Last reviewed February 2026. Read our full methodology →

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