How much does decking cost in Geelong?
Built and finished, a treated pine deck in Geelong costs $165–$325 a square metre, merbau $280–$510 and composite boards $260–$650. As whole jobs, a 15 sqm hardwood deck is $4,650–$9,300 and a 25 sqm one $7,450–$14,900, typically $11,150. Only 2.4% of Geelong dwellings are flats or apartments, against 14.2% for Australia as a whole (ABS 2021 Census), so most decks here are built off the back of a house onto its own yard rather than onto a balcony, and the choices that move the price are the board, the height off the ground and the stairs.
Comparing cities, or after the Australia-wide picture? See the national guide: Decking cost in Australia.
Detailed Pricing — Decking Cost in Geelong 2026
| Service | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treated pine deck (per sqm) | $165/sqm | $240 | $325 |
| Hardwood deck — merbau (per sqm) | $280/sqm | $390 | $510 |
| Hardwood deck — spotted gum (per sqm) | $325/sqm | $445 | $560 |
| Composite deck (per sqm) | $260/sqm | $510 | $650 |
| Small deck (15 sqm, hardwood) | $4,650total | $7,000 | $9,300 |
| Medium deck (25 sqm, hardwood) | $7,450total | $11,150 | $14,900 |
| Large deck (40 sqm, hardwood) | $12,100total | $17,650 | $24,200 |
| Deck steps (per step) | $165/step | $280 | $370 |
| Deck balustrade / railing (per lm) | $140/lm | $260 | $420 |
| Deck sanding + oiling (per sqm) | $23/sqm | $37 | $56 |
| Old deck demolition + removal | $19/sqm | $33 | $51 |
| Pergola over deck (basic timber or aluminium, about 4 x 4 m to 4 x 6 m) | $4,650total | $7,450 | $13,950 |
| Deck stairs (per flight, installed) | $930installed | $1,850 | $4,175 |
| Elevated / high-set deck surcharge (per sqm) | $46/sqm | $93 | $165 |
| Deck re-oil only (clean + 2 coats, no sanding, per sqm) | $14/sqm | $28 | $42 |
| Hardwood deck — blackbutt (per sqm) | $305/sqm | $420 | $575 |
| Composite deck — premium capped / solid-core, Trex class (per sqm) | $420/sqm | $530 | $835 |
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Get Geelong quotes →Prices include GST. Based on Geelong metro area, October 2026. Outer suburbs may vary.
What Affects Decking Costs in Geelong
Pine, hardwood or composite boards
At the typical price, treated pine costs least. Hardwood options include merbau at $280–$510, blackbutt at $305–$575 and spotted gum at $325–$560. Standard composite, a frequent search in Geelong, is typically dearer than merbau, and a premium capped or solid-core board is $420–$835. Composite skips the oiling; timber does not.
Bigger decks, slightly better rates
A 40 sqm hardwood deck costs $12,100–$24,200. Divided by its 40 sqm, that comes to a little less per square metre than the 15 sqm deck, typical price against typical price, because setting up, footings and the ledger against the house cost much the same whatever the size. If you are torn between two sizes, ask for both on one quote.
Height, stairs and railings
Building high attracts a surcharge of $46–$165 per square metre, covering longer posts and extra bracing. A couple of steps are priced at $165–$370 apiece; an installed flight of stairs is $930–$4,175. Once the drop is more than 1 m, the building code requires a balustrade, priced at $140–$420 a lineal metre.
Permits and pergolas in Victoria
Victoria's Building Regulations list the work exempt from a building permit, and decks are not on that list, so ask whether a permit is in the price. A pergola is exempt up to 3.6 m high and 20 m2, sited no more than 2.5 m out in front of the house: a 4 x 4 m frame fits, a 4 x 6 m one is too big. Our table puts a pergola above a deck at $4,650–$13,950.
Registered builder above $10,000
Victorian law requires Building and Plumbing Commission registration for deck building valued above $10,000, and every large deck in this table is past that line. Home Warranty insurance applies once domestic building work is worth more than $20,000, which the upper end of the 40 sqm band exceeds. Geelong's council notes that domestic work under a building permit must start within a year of the permit being issued and be finished within two.
Oiling in a dry, sunny climate
Geelong's gauge records only 510.3 mm of rain in an average year (BOM averages), and through the long dry spells it is the sun that greys and checks an unoiled deck. Cleaning and re-coating twice costs $14–$42 per square metre, cheaper than sanding back and oiling at $23–$56. With only 24.2 mm in an average March, that month offers the run of dry days oil needs.
Taking out the old deck
Pulling up and carting away a worn deck is $19–$51 a square metre. Greater Geelong is one of the municipal districts that pays Victoria's higher landfill levy, which is part of what tip fees cost here. Ask whether sound hardwood boards can be kept for steps or garden edging; less in the trailer means less at the tip.
How to Save Money on Decking Cost in Geelong
Frequently Asked Questions — Decking Cost in Geelong
Our Methodology
These are independent estimates from public cost guides, marketplaces and industry rate data, and no tradesperson can influence them, so always get a few quotes. Last reviewed October 2026. Read our full methodology →