How much does decking cost in Byron Bay?

Byron Bay coast & beaches

Beachside decks around Byron Bay, Suffolk Park, Belongil and Wategos face the harshest salt and UV exposure, so durable hardwoods and capped composites are popular. Premium tourist-town labour rates, tight site access and stair or sub-frame work on sloping coastal blocks push costs up, and pool and entertaining decks are common.

Byron hinterland

Hinterland decks around Bangalow, Federal, Mullumbimby and Coorabell are often larger acreage verandahs on Federation and modern homes, with raised sub-frames for sloping sites and bushfire (BAL) detailing in some areas. Longer access and material delivery to rural blocks can add to labour.

Ground-level entertaining deck — spotted gum, 20 sqm

$8,000–$14,000 total

The most popular deck build in Byron Bay’s middle-ring suburbs. Spotted gum decking boards ($280–$450/sqm supply and install), hardwood subframe on concrete piers, and basic finishing (sanding and two coats of decking oil). Ground-level decks (under 600mm) usually don’t need council approval. Spotted gum is naturally Class 1 durable and termite-resistant — it’s sourced from NSW mills and typically $50–$100/sqm cheaper than imported merbau in Byron Bay. Allow 3–5 days for construction.

Elevated deck with stairs and balustrade — hardwood, 25 sqm

$15,000–$28,000 total

Common on sloping blocks across the Byron coast and hinterland. Includes engineered substructure with steel posts or substantial timber posts set in concrete piers ($3,000–$6,000), hardwood decking ($8,000–$14,000), stairs ($170–$460 per step), and code-compliant balustrades ($120–$350/lm). Decks over 1m above ground require engineering certification and a CDC or DA from your Byron Bay council. Stainless steel fixings are essential for coastal properties. Allow 1–2 weeks for construction.

Pool surround deck — composite, 30 sqm

$12,000–$22,000 total

Pool decking is one of Byron Bay’s most common deck jobs. Composite decking ($320–$630/sqm) is ideal around pools — it won’t splinter, doesn’t need oiling, handles chlorine splash without damage, and brands like Modwood and NewTechWood offer slip-resistant profiles specifically designed for pool surrounds. The subframe needs to be aluminium or treated to handle constant moisture exposure. Drainage away from the pool and house is critical — your builder should ensure a slight fall on the deck surface. Fencing compliance around the pool is a separate requirement.

Budget courtyard deck — treated pine, 12 sqm

$3,500–$6,000 total

A practical entry-level option popular in Byron hinterland terraces and apartments with small courtyards. H3-treated pine ($205–$400/sqm) on a simple subframe. Pine is the cheapest timber option but requires oiling 1–2 times per year to prevent greying and surface cracking — skip the maintenance and you’ll be looking at replacement within 10–12 years rather than the 15–20 year potential. In Byron Bay’s humid climate, ensure adequate ventilation under the deck to prevent moisture buildup and termite risk. H3 treatment is the minimum for above-ground use; H4 is required for any in-ground contact.

Deck restoration — sand, oil, and repair

$1,500–$4,500 total

Byron Bay’s UV and humidity degrade deck finishes faster than drier climates. A professional restoration includes sanding back to bare timber (removing grey weathering and old oil), replacing any damaged or split boards, tightening fixings, and applying 2–3 coats of quality decking oil. For a typical 20 sqm hardwood deck: sanding ($20–$40/sqm), board replacements ($50–$150 per board), and oiling ($29–$69/sqm). Most Byron Bay hardwood decks need a full restoration every 3–5 years if you want to maintain the original timber colour. If you’re happy with a silver-grey patina, an annual clean and light oil is sufficient.